Through the Millennia of Romantic Scenery

Dali Ancient Town **Preface:** Dali Ancient Town, a thousand-year-old town gently embraced by the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, where every brick and tile tells the legend of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom. Strolling along the cobblestone streets, you can almost hear the caravan bells echoing through time. This guide will take you deep into the unique charm of Dali Ancient Town. **I. Must-Visit Attractions in the Ancient Town** 1. **Renmin Road** (The Soul of Art and Culture) - Daytime: Hunt for handicrafts; recommend the "Lanxu" tie-dye workshop to experience intangible cultural heritage skills. - Nighttime: The bar street glows with dim lights; "Big Ice's Little House" often hosts folk music performances. - Tip: Every Friday night, there’s a creative market where you can find Bai silverware. 2. **Wuhua Tower** (Best Viewing Platform) - Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the ancient town framed by Cangshan Mountain. - Best visited at dusk to see golden sunlight bathe the tiled rooftops. - Admission: Free (ID required). 3. **Foreigner Street** (Blend of Eastern and Western Cultures) - Try the rose wine at "Tang Dynasty Bar." - Hidden gem: The "Dali Bed Sheet Factory" art district in the alley is perfect for photos. **II. Local Food Guide** 1. **Breakfast Picks**: - North Gate Market: Pea flour porridge with fried dough sticks (6:00-9:00). - "Zai Hui Shou" cold chicken rice noodles (a time-honored spot, ~¥15 per person). 2. **Bai Cuisine Trio**: - Rushan (milk fan): Try the grilled version at "Yang Ji" with rose jam. - Shengpi (raw pork skin): For the brave. - Sour and spicy fish: Most authentic at "Zhaobi Renjia" outside the ancient town. 3. **Coffee Lovers’ Spots**: - Big Green Tree Coffee (courtyard-style, signature "Cangshan Snow" coffee). - Persimmon Tree Café (second-floor terrace for street views). **III. Accommodation Guide** 1. **Luxury Options**: - Dali Ancient Town No. 1 Courtyard (designer hotel, 3-minute walk to the South Gate). - Price range: ¥800-1500/night. 2. **Boutique Guesthouses**: - "Cat's Sky" (bookstore + guesthouse, ideal for solo travelers). - Feature: Evening book clubs daily. 3. **Budget-Friendly**: - Hostels near the South Gate (~¥50-80/person, great for meeting travel buddies). **IV. Nearby Activities** 1. **Cycling Route**: - Ancient Town → Caicun Pier → West Ring Road (~15 km round trip). - Rental spots: Multiple near the South Gate; e-bikes ~¥50/day. 2. **Day Trip Recommendations**: Morning: Visit Jizhao Nunnery (China’s most beautiful nunnery) for vegetarian meals. Afternoon: Experience tie-dye making in Zhoucheng Village. Evening: Enjoy rice fields and coffee at Xizhou Ancient Town. 3. **Seasonal Highlights**: - March: Cherry Blossom Avenue in the ancient town. - July-August: Torch Festival (remember sunscreen). **V. Practical Info** - Best seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November). - Transportation: - Airport → Ancient Town: Shuttle bus ¥25/person. - Train station: Take Bus 8 directly. - Tips to avoid scams: - Be cautious when buying "snowflake silver." - Mushroom-picking activities on Cangshan Mountain are often gimmicks. **Closing:** The beauty of Dali lies in its slow-paced lifestyle. Stay for at least 3 days—bask in the sun by day and count stars by night. Don’t forget sunscreen and a light jacket; the sun is strong, but temperatures drop at night. When you sit in a café on Renmin Road, watching the clouds drift over Cangshan Mountain, you’ll understand why so many choose to "lie flat" here.