The experience
A 6-day journey linking Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou Ancient Town and Shuanglang Ancient Town, with time for the places between the headline sights.
Dali Ancient Town sits between Cangshan and Erhai, where a historic street grid, city gates and Bai cultural life define the old settlement.
Xizhou is a Bai town north of Dali Ancient Town, known for substantial courtyard houses, local food and the agricultural landscape near Erhai.
Shuanglang lies on Erhai's eastern shore, where waterfront lanes and Bai settlement history face the Cangshan mountains across the lake.
Your route: Dali Ancient Town → Xizhou → Shuanglang. The final proposal confirms each transfer and overnight base.
This is a suggested itinerary. The order can be adjusted around your arrival time, walking preferences and confirmed access, with a personal quotation before you book.
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1 — Dali Ancient Town: South Gate streets
Morning: Make South Gate streets the focus of this part of the visit. Leave time to look closely, ask questions and enjoy Dali Ancient Town without fitting in an unrelated detour.
Suggested overnight base: Dali Ancient Town. The named property and room type are confirmed in your quotation.
Day 2 — Dali Ancient Town: Historic urban lanes
Morning: Spend time with Historic urban lanes, looking beyond the headline sights to the details that give Dali Ancient Town its character.
Later in the day: Explore Bai courtyard architecture at walking pace, with room for questions and everyday discoveries along the way.
Suggested overnight base: Dali Ancient Town. The named property and room type are confirmed in your quotation.
Day 3 — Dali Ancient Town to Xizhou
Continue from Dali Ancient Town towards Xizhou using the transfers and final approach agreed for your route. Allow time for the journey, comfortable breaks and settling into a new base.
If arrival time allows, take a gentle orientation near your accommodation. The main Xizhou Ancient Town visit follows on the next day, so there is no need to rush a distant attraction after the drive.
Suggested overnight base: Xizhou. The named property and room type are confirmed in your quotation.
Day 4 — Xizhou Ancient Town: Bai courtyard facades
Morning: Take a closer look at Bai courtyard facades, connecting the visible details with the story of Xizhou Ancient Town.
Later in the day: Explore Xizhou market streets at an unhurried pace, with space to browse and discuss local ingredients. Share dietary preferences before any tasting or meal is arranged.
To round off the visit: Make time for Seasonal fields, looking at how the landscape connects with everyday work and the seasons. A hosted conversation or tasting can be requested in advance where a local provider is available.
Suggested overnight base: Xizhou. The named property and room type are confirmed in your quotation.
Day 5 — Xizhou to Shuanglang
Continue from Xizhou towards Shuanglang using the transfers and final approach agreed for your route. Allow time for the journey, comfortable breaks and settling into a new base.
If arrival time allows, take a gentle orientation near your accommodation. The main Shuanglang Ancient Town visit follows on the next day, so there is no need to rush a distant attraction after the drive.
Suggested overnight base: Shuanglang. The named property and room type are confirmed in your quotation.
Day 6 — Shuanglang Ancient Town: Lakeside lanes
Morning: Spend time around Lakeside lanes, using public paths and viewpoints to appreciate the setting. Water activities are an optional addition only when the relevant service and conditions are confirmed.
Later in the day: Take a closer look at Bai village setting, connecting the visible details with the story of Shuanglang Ancient Town.
To round off the visit: Make Views across Erhai the focus of this part of the visit. Leave time to look closely, ask questions and enjoy Shuanglang Ancient Town without fitting in an unrelated detour.
Finish in Shuanglang. Your onward arrangements are confirmed with the final proposal.
Travel details
Getting here and getting around
The sightseeing plan starts in Dali Ancient Town and finishes in Shuanglang. Agree your arrival station, airport or hotel before booking; these meeting points are not interchangeable. Local attraction and village access is by the road and visitor routes confirmed for your dates.
Your proposal should list each road stage, the actual overnight base and any scenic-area transport. Drive times depend on the route and conditions, so avoid adding a tight flight or rail connection after a remote visit.
When to travel
Spring and autumn are good planning windows for basin walks. Expect wetter conditions in summer and cooler mornings and wind in winter.
Stays and meals
This 6-day plan allows for 5 overnight stays: Dali Ancient Town (2 nights); Xizhou (2 nights); Shuanglang (1 night). These are suggested bases, subject to the agreed route and property availability.
Choose your preferred accommodation style and room configuration before a quotation is prepared. Breakfasts, other meals and dietary requests are itemised, with time for local food where it fits the day.
What your quotation covers
Ask for an itemised quotation covering the guide, agreed transfers, admission tickets, scenic-area transport, accommodation and meals you want included. A suggested experience is confirmed only when it appears in the final proposal.
International and onward travel, optional activities, personal purchases and unlisted meals are additional unless expressly included. Your dates, group size, room choices and service level determine the quotation; no fixed package price is implied.
Useful to know before you go
- Dali Ancient Town: The old town is separate from Xiaguan's railway-station district.
- Xizhou Ancient Town: Some courtyards remain private homes; enter only buildings that welcome visitors.
- Shuanglang Ancient Town: Use the public waterfront and confirm any boat services locally.
Your questions, answered
Who does this journey suit?
This route suits travellers who like to understand a place through everyday life, food and local skills. Share specific interests early so suitable hosts and visits can be requested.
Can we change the pace or add another place?
Yes. Start with this 6-day outline and tell us which stops matter most. Extra places may need another day or a different overnight base; the final itinerary will show any change to transfers and nights.
What should we send with an enquiry?
Include your travel dates, number of travellers, children’s ages if relevant, arrival and departure points, accommodation preference and any access or dietary needs. The form below already identifies this journey.
Explore Dali Ancient Town · Explore Xizhou Ancient Town · Explore Shuanglang Ancient Town






























