4 Days Dali Essence Tour
Tour Overview
Dali, Yunnan is one of the most romantic and leisurely cities in China. This 4-day Yunnan tour will focus on Dali, breaking the usual travel itinerary and aiming to bring you to discover the freshness and uniqueness of Dali.
After arrival, you can explore the ancient streets of Dali Ancient Town on your own. Your guided Dali tour will begin with a hike on Cangshan Mountain. You have two choices: hiking along the 18-km Jade Belt Road or exploring the hidden valley behind the mountains. After the hike, learn traditional tie dyeing in a Bai ethnic village at the foot of the mountain. Then, ride along the shimmering shore of Erhai Lake, visit a flower farm, and learn how to make Yunnan’s famous snack, Flower Cake.
Travel destination: Dali
Suitable for: Nature Lovers, Culture Explorers, Leisure Travelers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Explore the ancient streets of Dali Old Town to see preserved architecture and local culture on your own.
- Take a cable car up to the Cangshan Mountain for a panoramic view of Erhai Lake and Dali City.
- Hike in the authentic nature of Jade Belt Road for 18 km to meet ancient temples, waterfalls and alpine meadows.
- Pay a visit to a secluded Bai ethnic village and try traditional tie dyeing.
- Ride a bike along the shimmering shores of Erhai Lake.
- Learn to make the famous Yunnan snack – Flower Cake.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Dali ArrivalDali Ancient Town
Welcome to our 4-day Yunnan Dali tour! After arriving at the airport, a local driver has been waiting for you to pick you up. Then, he/she will escort you to a carefully selected hotel in Dali Old Town. The rest of the day is free for you. You can stroll around the streets, lined with traditional Bai-style buildings.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Dali
Dali Old Town - Day 2: Dali Hiking TourHike the Cangshan Mountain for Hidden Natural Beauty
After breakfast, start your Dali tour with a hike on the Cangshan Mountain. The southern end of the majestic Himalayan, Cangshan Mountain has 19 majestic peaks, of which, Malong Peak is the highest one, with a height of 4,122 metres (13,523 feet). Rich in forest resources, it has a wide variety of flowers, and is also a paradise for wildlife.
After arriving at the scenic area, you will take a cable car to reach the mountaintop. From there, have a panoramic view of Erhai Lake and surrounding villages. You have two hiking options:
Cangshan Mountains Hike the Jade Belt Road:
If you want to hike in the authentic nature, then you can choose Jade Belt Road (ē带路).Ā This is a scenic hiking trail with a total length of 18 kilometres and an altitude of about 2,600 meters. When hiking this tranquil trail, you will discover some ancient temples, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient Town.
Explore the Hidden Valley:
If you prefer a shorter hiking trip, choose the hidden valley trails.Ā The entire hike (round-way) is about 10 kilometers. Your guide leadsĀ you through a valley hidden behind the mountain to a secluded village. You will enjoy clear streams and spectacular terraced views.
After the hike, return to the foot of Cangshan Mountain. In a Bai ethnic village, you can see the tie dyeing technique passed down from generation to generation. Your guide will explain their cultural traditions to you. If you are interested, you can tie dye a small souvenirĀ yourself and bring it home (for an additional fee).
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Dali
Experience Bai ethnic batik - Day 3: Dali Leisure TourCycle the Shimmering Shore of Erhai Lake and Learn to Make Flower Cake
Today is a relaxed day. After breakfast, your guide will take you to Erhai Lake. It is the second largest lake in Yunnan after Dianchi. With an area of 250 square kilometers, the Lake of Erhai is surrounded by primitive finishing villages and lush greenery, with Cangshan Mountains in the distance. You will be arranged to ride a bike along the shimmering shore at your own pace.
Take a leisurely bike ride around Erhai Lake Afterwards, we will visit a flower farm. See the wonderful flower fields and feel the fragrance. Here, you will be guided to personally make the famous Yunnan snack - Flower Cake. Created in the Qing Dynasty more than 300 years ago, it is mainly made from flour, roses, magnolias, chrysanthemums, and other ingredients.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Dali
Make Flower Cakes - Day 4: Departure from Dali
After a leisurely morning, your driver will escort you to the airport or train station. The 4-day Dali tour ends here! Thanks for joining our China tour in Yunnan and look forward to seeing you next time!
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Tour Price ($=USD)
FromĀ $4799 P.P, which is based on a private tour forĀ 2 people. The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel.




