Begin in Shuanglang Ancient Town, wandering through cobbled streets lined with traditional Bai houses. Visit the iconic Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple, then head to Xizhou Town to admire exquisite Bai courtyard architecture and sample Xizhou baba (sesame bread). Cruise Erhai Lake, watching fishermen with cormorants, then cycle along the Haixi Ecological Corridor, stopping at lakeside cafés. Visit Zhoucheng Village for a hands-on tie-dye workshop using Bai techniques. Enjoy sunset at Longkan Wharf, followed by a "Three Courses Tea" ceremony and Bai cuisine. Explore Shuanglang, a picturesque Bai fishing village. Visit artist studios like the Moon Palace and stroll the waterfront. Take a boat to Little Putuo Island, especially magical in winter with seagulls. Drive along Rainbow Road in Wenbi Village for stunning lake views, then visit Ideal State, a Mediterranean-style resort perfect for photos.
Shuanglang Ancient Town-Little Putuo Island-Wenbicun's Rainbow Road-Ideal State
4-Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Morning: Shuanglang Ancient Town & Little Putuo Island
Begin your day with IntoExplore in Shuanglang, the best-preserved Bai ethnic village along Erhai Lake, renowned as "the most picturesque town between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai." By daylight, Shuanglang dazzles in blue - shimmering lake reflections dancing on whitewashed walls; by night, it glows golden with cozy bar lights and fishing boat lanterns. This tranquil alternative to bustling Dali Old Town offers perfect lakeside solitude. Stroll or cycle along the waterfront promenade for breathtaking sunset views.
Continue to Little Putuo Island, a tiny 100-square-meter islet crowned with a Ming Dynasty Guanyin Pavilion. Named after Buddhist sacred mountain Putuoshan for its similar shape, this photogenic spot transforms into a fairytale scene in winter when flocks of seagulls gather.
Afternoon: Rainbow Road & Ideal State
Journey to Wenbicun's Rainbow Road, where pastel-colored lane dividers create an Instagram-perfect "Japanese-style" coastal drive with panoramic Erhai views. Pause at a cliffside café for locally roasted coffee amidst the serenity.
Conclude at Ideal State, a Mediterranean-inspired resort village on Erhai's eastern shore. Its whitewashed arches, infinity pools, and terraced buildings against the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain have made it Dali's most viral photography hotspot. Pro tip: Bring a straw hat, magazine, or coffee cup for effortlessly chic vacation photos.
