Dali

Dali unfolds like a painted scroll: Cangshan Mountain’s snow-draped peaks cradle Erhai Lake’s turquoise waters. Meander through Dali Ancient Town’s cobblestone lanes, where Bai-style courtyards house indie cafés and jade shops, then gaze upon the Three Pagodas—Tang Dynasty sentinels reflecting Buddhist serenity. Cycle the 130km lakeside trail, pausing at Panxi Village’s photogenic S-bend to capture sky-meets-lake illusions, and join local artisans in Zhoucheng to craft indigo tie-dye textiles. Time your visit for the March Street Festival, where thundering horse races and Raosanling ritual processions animate ancient Nanzhao traditions. From lakeside poetry to mountain monasteries, Dali is earth and spirit in harmony.