6-Day Dali Tour

Day 1: Shanghai – Dali (direct flight 14:05–17:25) – check in at Santayuan Cangshan Garden Hotel

Day 2: Cangshan – Jizhao Nunnery – Chongsheng Temple (Dapeng Golden-Winged Bird Square)

Day 3: Xizhou Ancient Town (Yan Family Courtyard) – Zhoucheng Intangible Cultural Heritage Handmade Tie-Dye – Flower Cake Making at Huayu Ranch – Dinner at Dali Duan Gongzi · Tian Long Ba Bu Restaurant

Day 4: Xiaoputuo – Shuanglang (including Nanzhao Customs Island and Yang Liping Art Space) – Prince Mu's Private Kitchen – Dali Ancient Town Night View

Day 5: Shibaoshan in Jianchuan – Shaxi Ancient Town

Day 6: Dali Ancient Town Daytime Scenery

Dali – Shanghai (direct flight 18:05–21:35)

Santayuan Cangshan Garden Hotel

Dapeng Golden-Winged Bird Square

Zhoucheng Intangible Cultural Heritage Handmade Tie-Dye

Flower Cake Making at Huayu Ranch

Dali Duan Gongzi · Tian Long Ba Bu Restaurant

Shuanglang (Nanzhao Customs Island)

1. We visited on October 20th, and it rained heavily for six consecutive days. The weather was cold, requiring a thin down jacket. So, it's best to avoid the rainy season when traveling to Dali.

2. Highly recommend the Santayuan Cangshan Garden Hotel. It's right next to Chongsheng Temple, and you can enjoy views of the three pagodas both day and night right from the hotel. Although it's a bit distant from Dali Ancient Town, a taxi ride costs only 10 yuan.

3. Cangshan has several cable car lines; we chose the Gantong Cable Car because after descending, it's close to Gantong Temple and Jizhao Nunnery. After the cable car ride up, there is the 'Linglong Chess Game' from Tian Long Ba Bu. Sit on the left side when going up to photograph the chess game from the air. At Jizhao Nunnery, you can enjoy free tea.

4. Chongsheng Temple is also known as Three Pagodas Temple. Dapeng Golden-Winged Bird Square is directly in front of the temple. The complex is very large; it's advisable to take the sightseeing shuttle to the final stop and then wander back.

5. Shibaoshan has two scenic areas: the 'Grottoes and Cliff Carvings' and 'Baoxiang Temple'. You need to take the scenic shuttle for the grottoes and carvings; the guide does not allow photography. Many monkeys roam at the entrance of Shibaoshan.

6. Shaxi Ancient Town after rain is especially charming—simple and natural.

7. I recommend two restaurants: 'Dali Duan Gongzi · Tian Long Ba Bu' and 'Prince Mu's Private Kitchen'. Both have excellent ambiance and cuisine.

8. For free admission to Yang Liping Art Space in Shuanglang, you must book in advance via their official WeChat account (see image). Alternatively, you can enter by making a purchase; prices are shown in the image.