Cangshan and Erhai 4 Days 3 Nights Travel Guide

4 Days 3 Nights Travel Guide for Cangshan and Erhai (Budget 2500 RMB) Preparation ● Documents: Bring your ID card and a small amount of cash. ● Clothing: Dali has a large temperature difference between day and night. Even in summer, bring a light jacket; in other seasons, bring a thick jacket. ● Others: Prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and an umbrella or raincoat. Transportation Guide Transportation costs vary depending on the departure location. Generally, long-distance bus tickets from nearby cities to Dali Station range from 60 to 120 RMB. After arriving in Dali, you can choose to take a bus, taxi, or rent an electric scooter. Buses are affordable, taxis are convenient and fast, and renting an electric scooter is suitable for short-distance travel and allows you to stop anytime to enjoy the scenery. Itinerary Day 1: Dali Ancient Town + Erhai West Coast Tour ● Morning: After arriving in Dali, head to Dali Ancient Town. Stroll along Renmin Road, shop for handmade tie-dye crafts, and check in at Wuhua Tower for a panoramic view of the ancient town. At the North Gate vegetable market, spend 8 RMB on a bowl of thin mung bean jelly with fried dough sticks to experience the lively morning market atmosphere. ● Afternoon: Go cycling along the Erhai Ecological Corridor to enjoy the pastoral scenery and lake and mountain views on the west shore of Erhai. You can rent a bicycle by the roadside for about 20 - 30 RMB/day. ● Evening: Dine at a restaurant inside the ancient town to taste local delicacies such as grilled milk fan and er si noodles, with an average cost of 30 - 50 RMB per person. After dinner, enjoy the ancient town’s night scenery. Day 2: Erhai East Coast Loop Tour ● Morning: Take a bus or taxi to Shuanglang Ancient Town, an excellent spot to admire the beauty of Erhai. Walk along the lakeside and visit Nanzhao Style Island (entrance fee about 50 RMB). ● Afternoon: Rent an electric scooter in Shuanglang and ride along Erhai East Road, visiting popular spots like Panxi S Bay and Little Putuo Island. ● Evening: Find a lakeside restaurant in Shuanglang Ancient Town to enjoy dinner while watching the sunset over Erhai, with an average cost of 50 - 80 RMB per person. Day 3: Cangshan One-Day Tour ● Morning: Head to the Cangshan Gantong Cableway and take the cable car up the mountain (round-trip ticket about 120 RMB) to enjoy the natural scenery and misty views of Cangshan. ● Afternoon: Hike on the mountain and visit attractions such as Qingbi Stream. ● Evening: After descending, return to Dali Ancient Town for dinner, tasting local specialties like sour and spicy fish and wild mushroom hotpot, with an average cost of 40 - 60 RMB per person. Day 4: Xizhou Ancient Town ● Morning: Visit Xizhou Ancient Town, which preserves many traditional Bai ethnic residences and is known as the "Bai Ethnic Residence Museum." You can visit attractions like the Yan Family Courtyard and Dong Family Courtyard (entrance fees about 20 - 30 RMB). ● Afternoon: Stroll along the rice fields by the ancient town to enjoy the pastoral scenery. Taste local snacks such as Xizhou crispy pastry. Then pack up and prepare for departure. Accommodation Recommendations Accommodation costs vary greatly depending on location and facilities. A standard guesthouse costs about 100 - 300 RMB per night. You can choose to stay inside Dali Ancient Town for convenient travel and abundant local food options, or stay by Erhai to enjoy beautiful lake views. Budget ● Transportation: Round-trip long-distance bus 120 RMB + local transportation in Dali 50 RMB = 170 RMB ● Accommodation: 200 RMB/day × 3 days = 600 RMB ● Meals: 50 RMB/day × 4 days = 200 RMB ● Entrance Fees: Gantong Cableway 120 RMB + Nanzhao Style Island 50 RMB + Xizhou Ancient Town attractions 30 RMB = 200 RMB ● Others: Bicycle and electric scooter rentals, etc. 100 RMB Total Budget: 170 + 600 + 200 + 200 + 100 = 1270 RMB. The 2500 RMB budget is sufficient to cover the trip expenses with some extra funds for souvenirs and other purchases.