Local routes
Dali and Shuanglang: three itinerary ideas
Three ways to explore Dali and Erhai: a two-day visit from Lijiang, three relaxed lakeside days or a six-day journey through Shuanglang and Xizhou.
大理
Dali
Old-town lanes, a chosen stretch of lakeshore and Bai villages that deserve more than a photo stop.
- Suggested stay
- 3 days, with extra time for Cangshan
- Come for
- Erhai, old-town lanes and Bai villages
- Choose a base
- Old town, or a carefully chosen lakeside village
- Getting around
- Walking, permitted bicycles and local transfers
Overview
Keep the old town and lakeshore distinct
Dali Old Town sits between the Cangshan mountains and Erhai Lake. Its lanes are a useful base for meals and an easy arrival walk, but a room described as “Dali” may be in Xiaguan, beside the lake or in a distant village. Compare the hotel pin with your intended walking area before choosing it.
Choose a short west-shore outing
Caicun, 才村, and Longkan, 龙龛, are useful names when discussing access to the west-shore ecological corridor. Pick a starting point and a comfortable walking or cycling stretch. The corridor and the public road around the lake are different routes, with different vehicle rules. Check which bicycle can enter before paying a rental deposit.
Xizhou and Zhoucheng add a village day
Set aside another day for Xizhou, 喜洲, and, if you want a craft visit, Zhoucheng, 周城. Explore village streets, Bai courtyard architecture and a small meal before adding a tie-dye workshop. Ask permission before entering private courtyards. In Xizhou, try asking about sweet or savoury baba, 粑粑, and the fat used in the dough.
Leave room for a separate mountain day
Cangshan cableways and walking areas need a separate choice based on weather, access and how much walking you want. Shuanglang on the other side of the lake is another road outing, not the next stop on a short west-shore stroll. For three days, prioritise old town, one lakeshore section and a village day; add time for the mountains.
Routes & day trips
Local routes · 8 days
Eight days through northwest Yunnan
A rail-based outline with two-night stays, town walks and time for one local outing in each area.
Local routes · 3 days
Three days in Dali: town, lake and villages
One base and a different focus each day, with a short lakeside outing rather than an obligatory full circuit.
Local experiences
Local experiences
Erhai festivals: boats, songs and Bai traditions
Explore Erhai’s Bai cultural traditions through fishing-season celebrations, decorated boats, lakeside songs and local legends.
Local experiences
Shaxi: a town on the Tea Horse Road
Stone bridges, old lanes and Bai culture in a quiet valley between Dali and Lijiang.
Local experiences
Shuanglang markets: rushan, fruit and Bai crafts
Discover Bai flavours and craft traditions through Shuanglang’s small shops, produce stalls, preserved fruit and rushan cheese.
Travel essentials
Travel guide
Staying in Shuanglang: lakeside guesthouses
Choose a lakeside base in Shuanglang, with individually styled guesthouses and time to enjoy Erhai at a slower pace.
Travel guide
Yunnan transport: connect the station to the place
Rail for the northwest towns, road time for Lugu Lake and precise meeting points for the last part of each journey.
Travel guide
Where to stay in Yunnan: choose each base
Compare the old town, vehicle access and the next day’s plans before choosing a room.
Stays, transport & guides
Choose your dates, interests and the arrangements you would like help with. Add this place to your travel inquiry.
Choosing where to stay ↗Drivers & transfers ↗Self-drive rentals ↗Tours & custom trips ↗Local guides ↗
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