Most popular activities
Most popular activities
Routes travelers come back to again and again.
Stargazing with Atu | Boating on the Lake Under the Night Sky
Depart at night from around the ancient town and head to the lake to stargaze, arriving near the ancient town around 22:00, then take a boat under the starry sky to observe stars that are difficult to see with the naked eye through a telescope, and also take photos of people with the starry sky; keep warm.
3.8 hours
Cangshan Four Seasons Collection
A wild foraging route near the ancient city, about 3 hours, roughly 3 kilometers in total. Join the foraging group to learn about seasonal plants; in the rainy season you can look for mushrooms (no mushrooms from November to June). In autumn and winter, collect pinecones and fruits. Suitable for families with children aged 4 and up for an easy uphill walk.
3 hours
Wild Trails of Cangshan: Pinecone Collecting | Vegetarian Meal at Jizhao Nunnery
A half-day forest trip on the wild trails of Cangshan near the ancient town, departing in the afternoon. The total distance is about 4 kilometers with an elevation gain of 350 meters. In the rainy season you can look for mushrooms, and in autumn and winter you can collect pinecones. After descending, you can go to Jizhao Nunnery for a vegetarian meal.
4 hours
Mushroom Picking | Forest | Playing House (June-October)
Meet near the Old Town; the one-way drive takes about 2 hours to the forest. A small group goes into the mountains to pick mushrooms or gather leaves and fruit, preparing food and utensils as if playing house. Suitable for people aged 4–60 who enjoy wild, outdoorsy fun.
9 hours
Huoshan Light Hike | Half-Circle Erhai Sunset and Evening Glow over Cangshan and Erhai
Huoshan is near Shuanglang, about 55 kilometers from the ancient city, a 1.5-hour drive. Depart in the afternoon, drive half way around Erhai Lake to reach the trailhead. Hike an easy 2.5 kilometers to watch the sunset glow over Cangshan and Erhai (picnic on the hilltop), then return to the ancient city in the evening.
5.5 hours
Mini Nature Observation and Journaling | Insects, Plants, and Birds
A slow mini hike at the foot of Cangshan Mountain near the old town, about 2 kilometers with an elevation gain of about 100 meters. Follow the guide to observe insects, plants, and birds at a relaxed pace, suitable for everyone from young children to the elderly to learn about nature.
3.5 hours
Hiking the Fern Forest
Meet about 5 kilometers north of the old town and set off. The total route is about 4 kilometers. Walk slowly through a forest where ferns grow as lushly as waterfalls, and learn about ferns of various forms, spores, and habits. The intensity is moderate, suitable for travelers who want to experience Cangshan nature without getting too tired.
4 hours
Eryuan Village Tour | Rushan Making Experience, Boat Ride, Countryside Walk
This activity is about 45 kilometers from Dali Old Town, within a 40-minute to 1-hour drive. It is a leisurely itinerary around the villages of Eryuan (one of the sources of Erhai Lake), where you can experience the making of Dali's traditional snack Rushan (milk fan), take a boat ride across the lake, and stroll through rural fields. It is suitable for those who enjoy a slow pace and traditional culture.
5.5 hours
Through the Fields, to the Stream for Leaf Printing
Suitable for adults and children who enjoy nature and handicrafts. Along the way, collect plants and see wild plants growing naturally in the fields. Head to a quiet stream to do handicrafts and experience a studio in nature.
3 hours
Paddleboarding | Go to the Beautiful Lake at the Foot of the Mountain
Dali West Lake is about 60 kilometers from the old town, about a 1-hour-10-minute drive. Depart in the afternoon to practice paddleboarding, enjoy the scenery, play in the water, and have dinner at the lake at the foot of the mountain, returning to the meeting point around 20:30.
6 hours
AI Sharing Session | Build a Mini Program with a Live Case
An AI experience sharing session for participants with zero programming background. We will use one participant's existing photos, articles, and business materials to organize and create a preliminary version of a mini program or website on the spot, so everyone can see with their own eyes how ordinary people can turn their ideas into something real.
2 hours
Cloud Ridge | Hiking in Dali's Primeval Forest
Meet near the Three Pagodas, about 1.5 hours by car to the trailhead. The entire hike is about 5 kilometers with an elevation gain of 350 meters, passing through a primeval forest on an unmanned ridge and forest meadows grazed by local Yi people. At the high point of the meadow, you can overlook the layered mountain ranges of Dali. Moss hangs like curtains in the gaps between trees. The guide will prepare tea and fruit for a picnic in the forest. After the hike, we return to the old town area in the evening.
8.5 hours
Streams and Forests | Easy Hike at the Forest Edge
Kuosongping Light Hiking starts from the village fields, crosses streams, white stone beaches, and the edge of the forest. Along the way, there are large ferns and some plants that only grow at forest edges. You may also be accompanied by small dogs. It is a half-day trip with light intensity, very suitable for families or guests who want a relaxed hike while enjoying a rich variety of scenery.
3.5 hours
Identifying Plants in the Mountains | Eating a Farmhouse Mushroom Meal
Starting from a village at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, hike about 3 kilometers with an elevation gain of about 200 meters, learning about plants along the way and taking a tea break; after descending, go to a Bai sister's home to eat a fresh farmhouse mushroom meal. Minimum 2 people, recommended for ages 5 and up.
3.5 hours
Visit Fengyu Traditional Market | Ancient Tea Horse Town in the Valley (Every Tuesday)
Fengyu Ancient Town is about 80 kilometers from the old town, about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. On Tuesday, go to the traditional market, then visit the Ancient Tea Horse Town and Dajiankou Ancient Village on the way, returning to Dali in the afternoon.
8.5 hours