National Day Trip to Dali: Chasing Autumn on Cangshan Mountain, Seeking Culture at the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Admiring Erhai Lake, and Boating on West Lake

During the 8-day National Day holiday, where should you go?

Are you going to stay at home like before?

Let me give you a Dali travel list with a handy guide to shatter your homebody plans!

Here are three big reasons why you must visit Dali:

First, many scenic spots offer ticket discounts, up to 50% off.

Second, an 8-day long holiday is just too precious to waste at home.

Third, the lakes and mountains of Dali, the ethnic charm—these are sights you must see once in your life.

You don't need a long time; four days and three nights are enough. For a four-day, three-night trip to Dali, these attractions are a must!

Friendly reminder: During National Day holidays, scenic spots require advance booking. Please book your tickets early and avoid peak visiting times.

Itinerary: 1 Day

In October, Cangshan Mountain in Dali boasts cool weather and lush vegetation. Dali's countryside gradually turns from green to golden yellow. Rice in the fields bends low with ripe grain, heralding a harvest.

This is the perfect time to chase autumn on Cangshan Mountain. Hike along the Jade Belt Cloud Path and look far across Dali's golden fields!

The Jade Belt Cloud Path totals 11.5 kilometers, with three hiking starting points: the south—Gantong Cableway station, the middle—Seven Dragon Maiden Pool, and the north—Zhonghe Cableway end point.

There are multiple hiking combinations along the Jade Belt Cloud Path, including two full routes and four half routes.

Full route (11.5km):

Option 1: Gantong Cableway – Seven Dragon Maiden Pool – Zhonghe Cableway – descend

Option 2: Zhonghe Cableway – Seven Dragon Maiden Pool – Gantong Cableway – descend

Half routes:

First: Gantong Cableway – Seven Dragon Maiden Pool – descend (4.5km)

Second: Seven Dragon Maiden Pool – Gantong Cableway – descend (4.5km)

Third: Seven Dragon Maiden Pool – Zhonghe Cableway – descend (7km)

Fourth: Zhonghe Cableway – Seven Dragon Maiden Pool – descend (7km)

No matter which route you pick, the scenery is stunning but slightly different. With Seven Dragon Maiden Pool as the midpoint, the 4.5km stretch towards Gantong Cableway reveals the ever-changing face of Cangshan with its layered peaks. The 7km stretch towards Zhonghe Cableway lets you feel the mountain’s rugged rocks and is relatively more open in views.

If a sudden shower comes, on the 4.5km toward Gantong you may see thick fog enveloping the mountain top, while the gorge remains clear of fog, with occasional shafts of sunlight breaking through.

On the 7km northbound hike, you'll pass through forest seas, encounter bizarre rocks and cliffs, and weave through narrow-line-of-sight woods. Under Cangshan's fickle weather, you'll meet sunshine in one minute and drizzle the next. One kilometer brings bright sun, the next a scattering of rain.

The farther north you go, the wider the views become, gradually unveiling the land between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. From afar, the edge of Erhai Lake is distinct, houses line up neatly, and landmark buildings dot the landscape.

Friendly reminder: Weather on Cangshan changes quickly. Bring an umbrella or raincoat, pack snacks for quick energy, wear light clothing, and do not wander beyond designated areas.

Itinerary: 1 Day

Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Zone lies close to Dali Ancient Town, 1.5 kilometers northwest of the old town, at the foot of Yinglo Peak, one of Cangshan's eighteen peaks.

This area mainly showcases Dali's culture, from architectural relics and historical artifacts to building and carving arts, down to historical tales and folklore. It is a paradise for understanding Dali's culture.

The area is surrounded by Bai ethnic dwellings, with a wall to mark the boundary. Yet as you approach, you can't miss the three iconic ancient pagodas.

The zone is divided into two parts: the Three Pagodas area at the front and Chongsheng Temple area at the back.

The two areas are harmonious yet different. The Three Pagodas area is open with scattered sights and a rich variety of flowers, trees, and plants. Chongsheng Temple area has buildings standing shoulder to shoulder, arranged in neat order, with sparse greenery interspersed.

In the Three Pagodas area, the most representative sight is the three pagodas themselves, standing for over a thousand years through wind, frost, rain, and dew. They form a tripod layout: the large Qianxun Pagoda in the center, flanked by two smaller pagodas. From any angle, they are majestic and perfectly symmetrical.

Next is the Pond of Assembled Reflections, a masterful example of "borrowed scenery." This small pool, shaped like Erhai Lake, perfectly mirrors the three distant pagodas in its clear water—a sight that amazes every visitor.

Then there are the Jujian Bell and the Rain Copper Guanyin, both destroyed in wars and later recast. Their outer buildings appear solemn and awe-inspiring from afar, evoking a sense of reverence.

Fourth, the Chongsheng Three Pagodas Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall displays a large number of artifacts unearthed from the pagodas, proving that their story extends beyond mere history.

The Chongsheng Temple area boasts many representative spots. From the plaque "Capital of Buddhism" at the temple's front gate to the Wanghai Tower at the highest point, every visible structure, statue, and carving embodies profound culture.

If I had to pick the most illustrative, they would be the Mahavira Hall, the Mahakala Hall, the Guanyin Hall, the Hall of Eminent Monks, and the A-Cuo-Ye Guanyin Pavilion.

The solemn Mahavira Hall inspires awe. The wood carving inside, based on the "Zhang Shengwen Scroll," not only astonishes with the superb craftsmanship of Jianchuan wood carving but also with the rich culture of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms.

The Hall of Eminent Monks represents the deep ties between the ruling Duan family of the Dali Kingdom and Chongsheng Temple. Of the 22 rulers, the names of nine appear in this hall.

The statue of Guanyin in the A-Cuo-Ye Guanyin Pavilion highlights the diversity and uniqueness of Dali culture. This Guanyin image, found only in Dali, features a slim waist, bare feet, a male body with a female face, a compassionate expression, and is adorned with feminine ornaments like a jeweled necklace.

Friendly reminder: Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Zone brings together over 1,300 years of history from the temple's founding in the Nanzhao period to today. To deeply understand Dali's culture, you'll need a professional guide's commentary; self-guided viewing won't reveal the depth.

Itinerary: Half Day

Erhai Lake cruises have two boarding points: Dali Port and Taoyuan Port. Departure from Dali Port is at 10:00 am, and from Taoyuan Port at 2:30 pm.

Cruises from both ports follow the same route, only the sequence of sightseeing differs. They pass by the Shuanglang village and stop at Nanzhao Love Island for a visit.

The highlights of an Erhai cruise are the Three-Course Tea ceremony performance, the scenery of Cangshan and Erhai, and the small island—Nanzhao Love Island.

Sailing on the lake gives you a fresh angle to view the full expanse of Cangshan Mountain head-on, capturing its continuous and towering presence alongside Erhai's vast calmness.

The Three-Course Tea show aboard, accompanied by traditional string and bamboo music, lets you feel the warmth and culture of the Bai people. The lively melodies make the journey even more enjoyable.

Nanzhao Love Island offers a taste of Dali's "sea-island" atmosphere: winding paths, a serene environment, unique architecture, and deep Bai culture all concentrated here.

Itinerary: Half Day

Dali West Lake is located in Eryuan County, the very source of Erhai Lake's water. So, Eryuan West Lake is an integral part of the headwaters of Erhai.

Eryuan West Lake is a highland fault lake with an average depth of 1.8 meters and a maximum of 3.3 meters. Extensive reed beds connect across the lake, hosting a multitude of migratory birds that breed and rest here.

Surrounded by mountains, the lake lies in a flat basin. Bai people have lived on its shores for generations, and once, the only way in and out for the inhabitants was by boat.

The sole way to explore West Lake is by wooden boat. Seated in the boat, you'll feel the gentle lake breeze, see reeds swaying, and houses half-hidden among them. The water is crystal clear, underwater grasses gently sway, and there is no noise around—time stands still in this moment.

Row toward the depths of the lake, encountering playful ducks, low-flying migratory birds, and a young boy harvesting water plants. Then return the same way, watching lotus blossoms sway in the pond. People, boat, and scenery seem to merge into one.

West Lake cuisine: a feast of flavors!

Snacks and banquets abound, with meals for groups or individuals available for booking. Famous Dali dishes come together—raw pork skin, sour and spicy fish, milk fan, sea vegetable soup—each dish will whet your appetite.

Vibrant in color, rich in flavor, and utterly characteristic of Dali!

Take this guide on your National Day trip to Dali!

Ride the cableway to chase autumn on Cangshan Mountain, explore culture at Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas, cruise Erhai Lake for Cang-Er scenery, and row on Eryuan West Lake to experience the charm of a highland lake.

[Editor: Yi Jing, Yunnan Travel]

[Note: Please credit the source if reposted.]