Public travel plan
Two Days in Dali: Ancient Towns, Three Pagodas & Erhai Lake
This is a compact two-day visit, and Dali’s sights are spread out; allow time for transfers and for exploring beyond the central streets. The train from Lijiang took about two hours. Second-class tickets booked in advan…
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Useful context before you go
This is a compact two-day visit, and Dali’s sights are spread out; allow time for transfers and for exploring beyond the central streets. The train from Lijiang took about two hours. Second-class tickets booked in advance cost PHP 831 per person, and passports were needed for station checks. The August visit brought drizzle followed by hot sun, so consider bringing both rain and sun protection. Check current fares, schedules and opening hours before setting out.
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Itinerary highlights
What is in this plan
Day 1: Arrival, the Three Pagodas & Dali Ancient Town
From Dali Railway Station, the ride to Dali Old Town was about 16.3 km and 43 minutes. The Didi ride cost RMB 51.60 per car; only four-seat cars were available, so the group booked two. Their hotel did not provide a free transfer. They stayed at Shan Li Inn in the Old Town, paying PHP 1,500 per night for a room for two; restaurants, convenience stores and street-food options were nearby.
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Dali Railway StationDali Railway Station, Dali, Yunnan, China
This is the arrival point for the train from Lijiang. The ride into Dali Old Town took about 43 minutes; the creators booked Didi cars, paying RMB 51.60 per car.
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Three Pagodas of Chongsheng TempleThree Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali, Yunnan, China
The creators paid RMB 75 per person. They describe the central pagoda as about 69 metres tall and the complex as roughly 1,000 years old; the opening hours they gave were 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Within the complex, the Nanzhao Jianji Great Bell has stairs to a third-floor viewpoint over the pagodas, with no elevator; the climb was free. A keychain photo was free, a printed photo cost RMB 20, and an optional frame cost RMB 30. The QR code could be scanned to download the image.
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Dali Ancient TownDali Ancient Town, Dali, Yunnan, China
The lively, often crowded streets have a distinct atmosphere. Browse the food stalls for chǎofàn and barbecue; the creators paid RMB 15 for a serving of chǎofàn. They also arranged a photo session at Mans Photoshoot, negotiated a discount and especially liked the makeup; no final package price was given.
Day 2: Erhai Lakeside & Xizhou Ancient Town
The lake area is about 7 km from Dali Old Town. Before leaving for the onward train, arrange a ride to Dali Railway Station in advance, especially around rush hour, when Didi drivers may take a while to accept requests. The hotel arranged a seven-seater for RMB 100. At the station, allow time for passport checks, security screening and manual ticket checks.
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Panxi Village S-CurvePanxi Village S-Curve, Dali, Yunnan, China
At the S-curve lakeside area, the creators found bike rental, cafés and corn fields. Cycling beside the lake was a highlight: their bicycle rental cost RMB 15 per hour plus a RMB 100 refundable deposit. One traveler rode as a passenger because she could not cycle. A local photo service charged RMB 10 per picture; contact details were shared through WeChat during the visit. The August weather shifted from drizzle to hot sun.
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Xizhou Ancient TownXizhou Ancient Town, Dali, Yunnan, China
Explore the preserved Bai architecture, homes and streets. The creators browsed flower accessories and summer clothing, seeing flower items priced at RMB 10 and RMB 15; they compared one with a RMB 9.9 option they had seen in Dali Ancient Town. They also tried a freshly made corn pancake, or corn cake: RMB 10 for about three or four pieces.