Encounter the Romance of Dali

I. Preparation Documents: Prepare your ID card and some cash, as some small shops may only accept cash payments. Clothing: Dali enjoys spring-like weather year-round, but the temperature difference between day and night is significant. Bring warm clothing such as a light down jacket. In summer, take sun protection measures and bring short-sleeved shirts, sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Winters are not extremely cold; a thick sweater and a coat will suffice. Other items: Power bank, common medicines (for stomach upset, colds, etc.), travel backpack or suitcase. II. Transportation Guide External Transportation: - Airplane: Arrive at Dali Fengyi Airport. An airport bus goes to Dali Ancient City; the fare is approx. CNY 25, and the journey takes approx. 50 mins. You can also take a taxi, which costs CNY 100–150 and takes about 40 mins. - Train: Dali Railway Station is approx. 13 km from the ancient city. After exiting the station, take bus No. 8 for CNY 2. It takes about 1 hr to reach the ancient city. A taxi costs approx. CNY 40 and takes about 30 mins. Internal Transportation: - Electric car: There are many rental spots in the ancient city, costing CNY 30–80/d. They are convenient for traveling through the streets and alleys and visiting surrounding attractions. - Walking: The ancient city is not large. Walking allows you to experience the atmosphere more deeply. Stroll along the stone-paved roads and explore hidden corners at your own pace. III. Attractions Ancient City West Gate (Cangshan Gate): Simple and solemn, it is a landmark building of the ancient city. You can climb the gate tower to overlook Cangshan Mountain and the ancient city streets. Taking photos in the early morning or evening is ideal. Foreigner Street: Full of exotic charm, it is lined with bars, Western restaurants, and unique shops. During the day, you can enjoy coffee and desserts, and at night, you can experience the lively nightlife. Fuxing Road: The main street of the ancient city, with shops in the traditional Bai architectural style on both sides of the bluestone road. They sell flower cakes, tie-dye crafts, silver jewelry, and other local products, offering a one-stop shopping experience. Wuhua Tower: With a long history, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city from the top, especially when the lights are on, and the ancient city's night view is dazzling. Catholic Church: The blend of Gothic and Bai architectural styles is unique. The interior of the church is solemn and majestic, suitable for taking photos. IV. Food Recommendations Ersi: Soft and glutinous rice noodles with various soup bases like chicken, beef, and pork. Served with pickled vegetables, chives, and other seasonings, it is delicious. It is recommended to try it at a local time-honored restaurant. Cold Chicken Rice Noodles: Smooth and chewy rice noodles with tender chicken, seasoned with sweet soy sauce, chili oil, sesame, and other spices. It is sour, spicy, and appetizing, a perfect summer dish. Posu Baba: Available in sweet and savory flavors. The sweet filling is rose sugar, while the savory filling is chopped green onion and minced meat. The outer layer is crispy, and the inside is soft. Rushan: A Bai specialty dairy product. Grilled Rushan has a crispy outer layer and a rich milky aroma. It can also be dipped in rose sauce for a unique flavor. V. Accommodation Recommendations Inns in the ancient city: Offer an immersive experience of the ancient city's charm. Open the window, and you'll see ancient streets and alleys. However, some rooms may have poor sound insulation. Prices range from CNY 200–800. Hotels around the ancient city: Offer good value for money, new facilities, convenient transportation, and are not far from the ancient city. Prices range from CNY 150–500. VI. Itinerary Planning One-day tour: Enter the ancient city from Cangshan Gate in the morning and visit Fuxing Road and Wuhua Tower. Have lunch in the ancient city. In the afternoon, visit Foreigner Street and the Catholic Church. In the evening, have a drink at a bar in the ancient city and experience the nightlife. Two-day tour: On the first day, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (approx. 1.5 km from the ancient city) in the morning and return to the ancient city in the afternoon to visit Cangshan Gate and Fuxing Road. On the second day, visit Xizhou Ancient Town (approx. 20 km from the ancient city) in the morning to see rice paddies and Bai dwellings. Return to the ancient city in the afternoon to visit Foreigner Street and Wuhua Tower, and enjoy the night view of the ancient city in the evening.