Longkan Wharf sunrise → breakfast in the ancient city → stroll through Dali Ancient City → lunch in the ancient city → Langqiao Ancient Town → Xizhou Ancient Town → Zhoucheng Village → Shuanglang
Locate 'Sunshine Convenience Store', and then walk 300 meters to get there. Taking a taxi is also fine, as many taxis can accept orders during this time period. There are public restrooms near the pier, but it gets quite crowded before sunrise, so it's advisable to take care of it in advance. On days with good weather, the sunrise is especially beautiful. The sunrise in Dali is different from the vast grandeur of the seaside or the majestic boldness of high mountain peaks; it is a beauty that perfectly merges the styles of mountains and seas. Clearly, there is the sea in front, yet the sun rises from the distant peaks. The residual ridges of the Cangshan Mountains and the waves of Erhai Lake intersect at an extremely harmonious proportion, giving the rising light both the lively sway of water and the stable support of the earth. Due to its high plateau location, the morning air is crisp and pure. The sky before dawn at Longkan Pier presents a texture-rich 'deep blue'. It's like an untainted deep-water mirror lake. Because the base color is intensely cool, when the first rays of dawn pierce through the distant Haidong Mountain range, the previously dormant shades of crimson gold, orange red, and rose color spread across the water in an almost 'burning' manner. Here, cold and warmth, darkness and light collide without hazy transitions, only a striking visual impact of head-on collision.
Having seen the minimalist 'Dali Blue' sky, at Lvyu Market, you will see another extremely complex and vibrant color palette full of life. There are no sophisticated Morandi color schemes here, only the high saturation born from the plateau's sun and soil: the Bai ethnic Auntie adorned with dazzling tassels, stalls filled with shiny red dried chili strings, mint and green onions so fresh they seem to drip water, as well as the deep purple of purple sweet potatoes and the bright yellow of fresh corn. These colors are piled together in a seemingly chaotic yet incredibly enticing way, more visually impactful than any modern art exhibition. Many tourists come to Dali to 'escape' from the urban rat race, to see the sea, to daydream; but at Lvyu Market, what you see is the most solid and serious 'life' of the locals. There are no pretentious artistic tones here, only meticulous counts of one or two yuan, only bountiful fresh vegetables with dew on them, and the most primitive respect for 'eating.' Those Bai elderly people sitting behind stalls, shelling fava beans and basking in the sun, have wrinkles on their faces that hide not poetry and distant dreams, but the day-to-day contentment and satisfaction of life.
This is a city with a history of over 1200 years. In the 8th century AD, the Nanzhao Kingdom moved its capital here, naming it ‘Yangzhuyamei City’. Later, the Dali Kingdom also established its capital here. By the 15th century, Dali was no longer the capital, but it remained a cultural center of the southwest. In 1982, the government began restoring the ancient town, preserving historic buildings such as Wuhualou (the ancient clock tower, which can still be seen today) and Foreigner Street (the ancient ‘foreign trade street’), bringing the ancient town back to life.
After a morning of walking, would you like to sit down and take a break? We have prepared local coffee that is quite special and definitely worth a try.
Ticket: Free Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00 (Closed on Monday) Recommended visiting time: 30-60 minutes Jiang Gong Temple was built in 1905, originally bestowed by the Emperor, to commemorate General Jiang Zonghan. In Europe, this is similar to a small memorial hall for a knight or general. Jiang Zonghan was from Yunnan and made notable achievements in suppressing the Dali People's Uprising and during the Sino-French War, rising to the position of Governor of Guizhou. He had remarkable military merits but also faced great controversy throughout his life. During the suppression of the Dali People's Uprising, he killed over 150,000 people, but was also passionate about developing his hometown. His most famous good deed was in 1880 when he privately financed the construction of the Jinlong Bridge over the Jinsha River, which was the only bridge in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River for 70 years and is now a nationally significant cultural heritage site. Jiang Zonghan's greatest skill was not in warfare but in business as well. He discovered that rubing (Bai milk cheese), dry wine, ghee, and tea from the western region of Yunnan were very popular in Mandalay, Myanmar, so he had his aides manage the business and earned a lot of money. The Jiang Gong Temple in the ancient city of Dali is the best-preserved and most distinctive Bai-style temple architectural complex in the ancient city. As time has passed, the people of Dali did not let it stand empty for the sake of history but instead infused it with the most precious arts of the Bai people, transforming it into the Dali Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, currently used to showcase local intangible cultural heritage. The core exhibition area of the museum includes a lobby, “Chronicle of Nostalgia,” “Guardians of the Spiritual Home,” “Treasures of Bai Folk Art,” “Artisanship Honed through Thousands of Trials,” “Craftsmanship in Harmony with Nature,” and the Bai Hall, among seven exhibition halls and one stage for live demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage. Over 2,000 items are exhibited, the vast majority of which are works by national, provincial, and state-level intangible heritage inheritors. Representative intangible cultural heritage projects include Bai indigenous culture, embroidery, tie-dyeing, Jia Ma paper (ritual woodblock prints), Dongjing ancient music, Xiaguan Tuo Tea craftsmanship, Heqing silver forging skills, Bai Opera, Bai three-course tea, Dali March Street, and Bai residential house paintings. On the left side upon entrance is the “Horse Experience” On the right side upon entrance is the “Tie-Dye Experience”
At noon, we have prepared wild mushroom hot pot, Yunnan cuisine, and Bai ethnic specialty dishes for you. If you haven't tried wild mushroom hot pot before, we still recommend you give it a try. After all, coming to Yunnan and leaving without trying wild mushroom hot pot would definitely be a regret.
Strongly recommend starting to rent a car from here to the following attractions, bringing all luggage, and then staying in Shuanglang at night. If you take a taxi to the next stop, it may not be possible to get a taxi at every stop, and after arriving in Shuanglang, you will have to return, which means double the fare. How to charter a car: If you haven't booked a charter driver, you can also order a driver through Didi and discuss the charter price with him. Generally, it is around 300-500 yuan for a day, depending on the vehicle type and distance. If it feels too expensive, you can take a taxi to the next stop and negotiate with the next driver for the charter. You can tell him the following itinerary - Half-day tour: Langqiao → Xizhou → Zhoucheng Village → Shuanglang Ancient Town If you see a nice view along the way, you can always ask the driver to stop, pronounced as 'shi fu ting yi xia'
Ticket: Free Opening Hours: Open all day Suggested Visiting Time: 30 minutes The Covered Bridge in Dali is a popular romantic check-in spot, quietly standing in the upper section of the Erhai S-Bay Ecological Corridor. The bridge consists of nine semicircular arches that extend into the Erhai Lake, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue sky and white clouds, as well as the rippling lake surface, reminiscent of a flowing painting. This bridge was originally an irrigation pumping canal for Xiangyangxi Village in Bayqiao Town. Although it no longer serves a water conservancy function, its unique architectural beauty and cinematic atmosphere have made it a “romantic secret realm” that many tourists rush to visit. Many couples choose to take their wedding photos here. Half of it extends on land, while the other half floats on the clear lake waters. This is the “Wind and Rain Corridor” by Erhai Lake and a holy place for photography, with seagulls resting in the afternoon. It would be beautiful for people to take pictures in the arches of the bridge with Erhai Lake, but there's no need to visit when the weather is bad. Next to the bridge, there are a few big green trees known as the “Most Lonely Tree,” standing quietly by Erhai Lake in the sea breeze, adding poetry to the entire scene. In autumn, the surrounding metasequoia forest gradually turns red, like fire and clouds, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. Notes: 1. Queueing for Spots: The “Crooked Neck Tree” is a favorite backdrop for many people, but it's also the one that takes the most time. If you don’t want to wait in line, you can go early or skip it and save time for other sights. 2. Safety First: Many trees and rocks are by the water. Be sure to pay attention to safety when taking photos, and be careful not to slip. 3. Keep a Relaxed Attitude: The scenery around the Covered Bridge is beautiful and crowded with people, so there's no need to stress about checking in at every popular spot. Just walk around and take pictures at your leisure; you will discover more surprises.
This is one of the top ten ancient towns in Yunnan, inhabited by the Bai people, making it the best place to experience everyday life of the Bai. This small town is about 12 kilometers away from Dali Ancient City, costing around 30 yuan by taxi. Note, there is no public transportation. Please note, if someone recommends a sightseeing bus for 45 yuan per person, there’s no need to buy it, as this place is not large. The best way to understand Xizhou is not to see it as a 'scenic spot', but as a 'living Bai village with thousands of years of wealth history.' Dali Ancient City is a paradise for tourists, while Xizhou is the window to glimpse the authentic Bai life and historical depth. To understand Xizhou's architecture and atmosphere, one must first understand its history. The historical core of Xizhou can be summarized in three words: Merchant group, wealth, Sino-Western integration. Merchant group: From the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, when most inland areas of China were still in a purely agricultural society, the people of Xizhou had already formed a large multinational merchant group known as the 'Xizhou Merchant Group.' They traded tea, silk, brass, and cotton yarn along the Tea Horse Road, and even ventured into Myanmar and India. Wealth: Those merchants who made big money abroad adhered to the traditional Chinese belief of 'fallen leaves returning to their roots' and returned to Xizhou to engage in massive construction. This is why there are so many exquisitely beautiful and grand mansions in what seems to be a remote southwestern town. Sino-Western integration: Because the leaders of the merchant groups spent a lot of time abroad, when they built houses, they not only preserved the traditional layout of the Bai, but also boldly integrated French stained glass, British ironwork, and Swiss clocks into their wooden architectural designs. This 'Sino-Western mix' is the most authentic portrayal of Xizhou’s history and a reflection of cultural inclusiveness. The attractions in Xizhou do not require 'rushing'; it is suitable for a slow stroll. The following places are the soul of Xizhou: 1. Yan Family Courtyard - The mansion of the merchant group leader 2. Corner Building - Xizhou’s 'visual business card' 3. Sifang Street - The ancient CBD 4. Xizhou Rice Fields - A non-static natural art museum
Admission: Free Opening Hours: All Day Recommended Visiting Time: 1-3 Hours Note that the sunset in Shuanglang is very beautiful, it takes 30-50 minutes to get to Shuanglang Ancient Town from here, so please manage your time and don't get too caught up in tie-dyeing to miss the best time. The exact sunset time each day can be found online, If you've seen those beautiful blue and white fabrics in Dali Ancient Town or Xizhou, their hometown is very likely Zhou Cheng Village. This is not a 'folk village' enclosed with an admission fee, but the largest Bai ethnic natural village in Dali, a living village where tens of thousands of people still live daily. This thousand-year-old tie-dyeing village is an important stop on the Tea Horse Road, and as you walk through the narrow slate alleys of the village, you will see century-old houses, ancient opera stages, and the main deity temple (a temple unique to Bai folk beliefs). Zhou Cheng is known as the 'Home of Bai Tie-Dyeing', and the history of tie-dyeing here is certainly not something invented for tourism in recent years, but a genuine tradition spanning over 1,000 years. In Bai culture, blue symbolizes Cangshan Mountain, white symbolizes Erhai Lake, and the combination of blue and white is the most direct expression of 'Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon.' Many patterns (such as 'Butterfly Mother') also carry meanings of ancient Bai totem worship. In Zhou Cheng, don't just go shopping, treat it as an 'open museum' to explore. When you walk into the deep alleys of Zhou Cheng, don't look at navigation, look up. You will see countless Bai courtyards, with hundreds of thousands of blue and white tie-dye fabrics hanging down from the second floor to dry. When the breeze blows, the blue and white waves roll, and the sunlight shines through the fabric onto the slate, this is the most photogenic moment in Zhou Cheng. There are many family workshops and regular workshops in the village offering DIY experiences, so it's recommended to really experience the art of tie-dyeing. However, the complete tie-dyeing process may take two to three hours to complete, and if you want it to dry on-site, it will take even longer, so if you really want to experience it but time is limited, you can come back another day to try tie-dyeing here. Once you get off near Zhou Cheng, you'll encounter many people trying to lure you into various shops, definitely ignore them! After these people enter the shops, they will ask the shopkeepers for kickbacks, which of course will come out of the tourists' pockets! What is Tie-Dyeing? Tie-dyeing is a traditional Chinese hand-dyeing craft that combines 'binding' and 'dyeing' to create unique pattern effects. It dates back to 1,300 years ago and is prevalent in regions like Dali in Yunnan, Bai people, and Zigong in Sichuan. In 2006, it was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. Due to different binding methods (such as spiral, folding, stitching, etc.), each dyeing result is unique and is referred to as the 'fingerprint of the fabric.' The core charm of Zhou Cheng tie-dyeing lies in its dye—indigo, which the villagers grow, soak in wooden tanks to ferment, and extract natural blue indigo dye. This is a completely eco-friendly, earth-derived color. It takes about ten pounds to produce one pound of blue indigo mud dye, so the price is relatively high. This dye produces a light color and requires multiple dyeings to achieve a deeper hue; finished products will have a grassy smell. After washing multiple times, they tend to fade. During the dyeing process, apart from adding alkaline agents and reducing agents, no other chemicals such as penetrants, dispersants, deepening agents, or fixing agents are used. Using industrial dyes is much cheaper, so don’t choose too cheap shops for tie-dyeing experiences. It is recommended to visit the 'Puzhen Tie-Dyeing Museum'. Craft Principles 1. Binding: Fold and tie the fabric (cotton, linen, silk, etc.) according to the design, securing it with ropes, clips, and other tools to form dye-resistant areas. 2. Dyeing: Soak in natural dye; the unbound parts absorb the dye while bound areas retain their original color. 3. Unbinding: After unbinding, the fabric displays natural gradient patterns (such as gradients, geometric patterns, abstract designs). How to Ensure You Buy Authentic Tie-Dye? Smell: Make sure to smell before buying! If there is no grassy aroma and only a pungent chemical smell, absolutely do not buy it. Look: Check the reverse side; if it is machine-printed, both sides will appear equally clear; if it is genuine hand-tie-dye, the reverse usually looks blurred with color bleeding. Bargain: Within shops on the main commercial street, moderate bargaining is acceptable, but if buying directly from an old lady in a deep alley, the price is usually very fair, so it is advised not to push down the price too much, as this is a respect for pure craftsmanship.
Admission: Free Opening hours: All day Recommended visiting time: 1-3 hours It is recommended to get off at the “South Gate of the Ancient Town,” as vehicles cannot enter Shuanglang Ancient Town and the South Gate is close to the core attractions, making it easy for you to walk there. Of course, if your hotel or guesthouse is closer to the North Gate, you can get off there as well. After settling your luggage, you can head to the nearest attraction. If Dali is a long dream, then Shuanglang is the most beautiful and lazy part of this dream. A thousand years ago, this was an ancient fishing village of the Bai people, but today, it has many different names—“The First Town of Dali Scenery,” “The Sea View Guesthouse Harvester,” “The Pilgrimage Site for Sunset Enthusiasts,” simply because it occupies the best view spot in Dali. No matter which stop you reach, before sunset, make sure to find a seaside café or bench to sit down. Watch the shadow of Cangshan Mountain slowly across Erhai Lake, dyeing the sky a soft purple. Dali's sunsets are unlike the intense romance of Santorini or the desolate wildness of the Sahara; they are a gentle, poetic softness. Due to its high plateau location and excellent ecology, Dali's air contains almost no suspended particles. The “Dali Blue” here is not flat but a “deep blue” with strong penetrative power. It is like a highly pure sapphire base. Because the base color is incredibly clean, even with just a hint of light refraction at sunset, the pink, purple, gold, and orange of the evening glow can become extremely saturated, even sometimes “dazzling,” without any grayish transitions. Dali's clouds are always particularly low, as if they are within reach. When the side light of the sunset sweeps over, the bottom of the clouds is dyed rose pink, the top is edged with gold, and the shadow areas show a deep blue, clearly layered. Sitting by the sea in Shuanglang, with clouds above that seem touchable and light and shadow stretching across the sea in front, one feels like sitting under a giant and gentle kaleidoscope dome. This kind of romance with an extreme sense of “pressure” is hard to experience elsewhere. Next, let us head towards Dali's sunset, reaching the most beautiful segment of the day. Note that the hour before dusk is the golden time for shooting large-scale views, with soft light and a full atmospheric feel.
After a day of hustle and bustle, enjoying countless beautiful sceneries, having a perfect dinner is the best reward for today.
After dinner, if you are still not quite satisfied and would like to enjoy the breeze by Erhai Lake a while longer, if you pass by the following places, you might as well have some wonderful after-dinner snacks.
Some say that the sunset over Erhai Lake is the most romantic love letter written by Dali to the sky. As the last trace of dusk fades into the waves of Erhai Lake, this colorful day is also coming to an end. The splendid lights and warmth can be felt in the morning light at Longkan Wharf, in the ripples caused by fishing boats, in the steam rising from rice noodles at breakfast stalls in the ancient city, in the colors diffused in the indigo dye vats of the tie-dye workshop, in the wind among the golden rice fields of Xizhou, and in the tunes hummed by the Bai elders under the covered bridge... I wonder if you have felt the unique 'survival wisdom' of this land. There are no thick city walls for defense here because 'being uncontentious with the world' is the most solid armor; there is no need for a large army here, because 'cultural prosperity' is the strongest national power. It is precisely because of this millennium of peace that we see today’s calmness and poetry. Dali is not only an ancient city but also a model of 'peace and civilization.' It proves to the world that in the turbulent historical torrent, choosing 'gentleness' can also lead to enduring vitality. When we leave, we take not only the scenery but also a long-lost tranquility — a different way of life demonstrated for us by the people of Dali with a millennium of time: rather than expanding outward, it is better to settle inward. Where the heart is at peace, there is the way home. When we leave, we take not photos, but the answer to the 'ideal life' — the most moving beauty is never the scenery afar but the calmness of 'living in the moment,' the wisdom of 'coexisting with nature,' and the warmth of 'human connections.' May these fragments of dawn and dusk become the light in your memory, enabling you to slow down in the days to come and feel the beauty around you. May you uncover the secrets of how to fill everyday life with poetry, wishing you happiness, peace, and joy every day in the future. Good night. If you are satisfied with today’s itinerary, please do not hesitate to give us a good review. If you have any questions during your use of our self-guided tour, please feel free to contact us via email. If you have any valuable opinions or suggestions after using, you are also very welcome to inform us via email. We believe that the positive interaction between us can promote our ability to provide you with increasingly improved services.
Important Notes:
1. We strongly recommend hiring a private car from Dali Ancient City to visit the following sights, bringing all your luggage along. You can stop and explore along the way, then stay overnight in Shuanglang to enjoy the famous sunset over the western shore of Erhai Lake, and start your western-shore tour naturally the next day. This way you won't need to return after reaching Shuanglang, saving on transport costs.
2. Before you set off, book a sea-view hotel or guesthouse in Shuanglang. It may cost a bit more, but it's worth it. If you're on a tight budget, you can also book a hotel or guesthouse near Shuanglang.
3. Once you've confirmed the itinerary with the driver, try not to change it. We don't recommend the restaurants and sights recommended by the private-car driver, especially paid attractions.
4. Be sure to choose a day with clear weather. Overcast days will greatly diminish the sunrise and sunset experience. Sunny days are best; some clouds are acceptable, and partly cloudy is the minimum. Never choose an overcast or rainy day.
5. Sunrise and sunset times vary by season, so we suggest checking 'Dali sunrise/sunset times' the day before.
6. Temperatures by Erhai Lake are quite low in the early morning and evening, especially in winter. Be sure to bring warm clothing.
7. We recommend wearing light-colored clothing, as it photographs better in most locations.
8. If you want to ride a bike or rent an e-bike, it must be returned to the original pickup point. Shared bikes/e-bikes can be returned at any designated parking spot.
9. Zhoucheng Village is the hometown of Chinese tie-dye. If you have something you'd like to dye, bring it along - though different fabrics vary in difficulty and effect, and the item may shrink after dyeing. Cotton or cotton-linen fabrics work best. If you'd like to experience the Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum, please book in advance; see 'Ticket Booking' for details.
10. Many tourists and wedding-photo shoots gather at scenic spots, so please try not to disturb each other.
11. If you're not used to spicy food, remember to mention 'mild / no spice' (Chinese-English).
12. Wear comfortable shoes - there's a fair amount of walking today.
13. Try to bring a power bank to keep your phone charged.
14. Carry your passport or a photocopy of it.
15. If you're satisfied with today's private-car service, you can arrange for the same driver to continue, or book a new driver the same way. A private car is essential, since you'll continue along the western shore of Erhai tomorrow - 'Wind and Flowers on the Eastern Shore'
16. Apply sunscreen and bring sun-protection gear.
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★ 5.0 / 5 · 10 reviews from app travelers
Zwei goldene Stunden umrahmten diese Tour: Sonnenaufgang am Steg, Sonnenuntergang über dem Erhai vom Westufer. Dazwischen gaben die Altstadt von Dali, die Bai-Häuser von Xizhou und die Batikstraße von Zhoucheng einen vollen Eindruck der regionalen Kultur. Es regnete kurz am Nachmittag und klarte zu einem spektakulären Abend auf — die Natur hat ihren Teil beigetragen. Sehr empfehlenswert für Sonnenaufgangsliebhaber.
Sunrise and sunset in one day — greedy, but Dali delivered both. Longkan Pier at dawn was all soft pink and quiet water; the city walls at dusk, gold on grey. Xizhou's courtyards and the market breakfast in the old town were lovely stops in between. Bring a tripod and stay patient; the light is worth it.
서쪽 호반 코스는 동쪽보다 잔잔하고 소소한 즐거움이 가득해요: 남문의 아침 시장, 옛 골목길, 처마가 하늘로 솟은 시저우의 전통 가옥, 그리고 하이라이트인 노을. 저우청의 쪽염색은 과정을 구경하기에도 좋은 기념품이에요. 온화하고 완결된 달리 하루.
Рассвет на пирсе Лункан — первый свет над Эрхаем, рыбаки и чайки — а потом Дали, ещё не проснувшийся. Только это утро стоило всей поездки на юг. Дальше день течёт через Сичжоу и Чжоучэн, где мастерские узелковой набойки завораживают. Закат с западного берега — тёплый и тихий. Дали меня вылечила.
Sunrise at Longkan Pier, sunset by Langqiao, with xizhou crispy baba and a tie-dye class in Zhoucheng in between — a whole day filled with Dali sunshine and slowness. Low on physical effort, full in the heart.
The sunrise at Longkan Pier is worth getting up early for, and the sunset at Langqiao is soft enough to make you cry. The tie-dye cloth I made at Zhoucheng became my favourite souvenir. All the sunrise, sunset and tie-dye timings were planned for us — just follow along, no thinking required.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour