An itinerary idea, ready to adapt to your pace and travel arrangements.
Two days from Lijiang
Day 1: travel from Lijiang towards Dali, stopping in Shuanglang to explore the lakeside lanes. Spend the night in Dali Old Town.
Day 2: choose the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple or time on Cangshan before returning to Lijiang. Choose one main visit to leave room for the onward journey; add a boat outing only if it fits your travel arrangements.
Three slower days beside the lake
Day 1: travel from Dali to Shuanglang, leaving time for lakeside stops such as Xiaoputuo. Settle in and walk through town.
Day 2: explore Shuanglang and the Yuji area at an easy pace. Keep cycling to suitable roads and paths; enjoy the lakeside architecture from public areas.
Day 3: choose a separate boat excursion to Nanzhao Folk Island or a quiet morning at a lakeside guesthouse, then return to Dali.
Six days through Dali, Shuanglang and Xizhou
Day 1: arrive in Dali, settle in and explore the old town.
Day 2: devote the day to Chongsheng Temple’s Three Pagodas and Cangshan, choosing the mountain walk to suit your energy and transport.
Day 3: continue to Shuanglang and stay beside Erhai.
Day 4: enjoy local walks or a ride on suitable lakeside roads. Make any island visit a separate boat excursion.
Day 5: continue to Xizhou for Bai residential architecture and a taste of Xizhou baba, then stay overnight.
Day 6: return to Dali, browse local specialities and depart.
