In-Depth Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake, and a Day in Weishan
Stay in the Old Town and explore Cangshan and Erhai Lake at a slower pace, cycle through Bai villages on the western shore, and add a day in Weishan Ancient Town.
Building on the first-time route, this itinerary slows down. Spend a full day on Cangshan. Cycle the western shore of Erhai Lake to visit Longkan, Panxi S-Bend, Guzheng Village, Xizhou, and Zhoucheng's tie-dye workshops. On day four, travel south to Weishan to see Dong Lianhua Hui Muleteer Village and Gongchen Tower's Old Town snacks. On the final half day, visit Shuanglang on the eastern shore. You'll stay in the Old Town throughout without changing hotels. This suits travelers who want to see old streets and daily local life.
The rainy season runs from July to August, so check the weather before cycling or climbing.
每日安排
第 1 天 · Arrival and Stroll Through the Old Town
Take a taxi about 30 minutes from Dali Railway Station into the Old Town. In the afternoon, take a round-trip taxi to the Three Pagodas. In the evening, stroll along Renmin Road on foot.
住宿：大理古城
第 2 天 · A Full Day on Cangshan
Take a taxi to the Ganton cable car, hike up Cangshan along Yudai Trail, then come down past Ganton Temple and Jizhao Nunnery. Return to the Old Town in about 20 minutes.
Bring water and a jacket, since it's cold on the mountain.
住宿：大理古城
第 3 天 · Cycling Bai Villages on the Western Shore
Rent an electric bike or bicycle in the Old Town and head north along the eco-corridor. From Longkan to Zhoucheng is about 30 kilometers. In the evening, take a taxi or white car back.
Longkan Pier is good for sunrise. Zhoucheng's tie-dye workshops are quieter in the morning.
住宿：大理古城
第 4 天 · Weishan Ancient Town Day Trip
Charter a car or take a bus south for about 1 hour. Visit Dong Lianhua Village first, then Weishan Ancient Town. Return to the Old Town in the evening in about 1.5 hours.
Public transport to Dong Lianhua Village is inconvenient, so hiring a car is recommended.
住宿：大理古城
第 5 天 · Half Day in Shuanglang on the Eastern Shore Before Leaving
Charter a car via the eastern shore for about 1 hour to Shuanglang. Visit Nanzhao Folk Island, then leave from Dali Railway Station in the afternoon, a trip of about 1.5 hours.
Take the eastern shore route on the way out, and leave extra time to reach the station.