- 4.9· 54 reviews51 tours include this
Erhai Lake, also known as Lake Er, is a large freshwater lake situated in Dali, Yunnan province, surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and bustling agricultural villages. Covering approximately 250 square kilometres, it plays a vital role in the region's ecology and culture, serving as a critical habitat for migratory birds and a source of life for local communities. Exploring the lakeside, visitors can enjoy picturesque walking paths and charming fishing villages that dot the shore. The area is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn when wildflowers bloom or the foliage turns vibrant. Early mornings often bring a sense of calm, with local fishermen casting their nets against the backdrop of the misty mountains.
“Traveling with Lost Plate in China has been my favorite way to explore. The experience goes beyond just the delicious food; it encompasses engaging activities and a unique travel philosophy. They arrange small group tours led by knowledgeable guides, allowing stays in charming boutique hotels and meals at family-run restaurants. This cannot be matched by large bus tours or independent travel. Traveling by yourself in China can be challenging right now, making it hard to enjoy a vacation while worrying about health regulations, finding foreigner-friendly accommodations, and navigating COVID testing requirements. Even if restrictions were removed, I'd still choose Lost Plate for their exceptional service. The groups are small enough to comfortably sit together to share family-style meals, enjoying numerous dishes throughout the week—definitely more than I could manage on my own. The guides ensure that popular dishes are reordered if the whole group enjoys them. The activities are tailored to provide unique experiences rather than just checklist sightseeing. Yunnan is all about immersing yourself in local cultures, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed pace. Lost Plate's itinerary keeps you captivated without overwhelming you. Some highlights include strolls through enchanting historic towns, a visit to a local shop famous for handmade stuffed bread, an optional hike in the serene Tiger Leaping Gorge, and a market tour leading to a fresh ingredient cooking class. The selected hotels also stood out, each offering unique features, from centuries-old history to breathtaking views, which you wouldn’t find on a typical large tour. For anyone wishing to discover the beauty of Yunnan, I wholeheartedly endorse this tour. Even if you're hesitant about organized tours, Lost Plate has the potential to change your perspective.”— TheophaniaSeattle who visited Erhai (Lake Er) on a Rovostays-listed tour
- 4.9· 58 reviews33 tours include this
Dali Old Town is a well-preserved ancient city that dates back over a thousand years, featuring traditional Bai architecture and meandering cobblestone streets. Visitors are greeted by iconic white-walled buildings crowned with black tiles, along with vibrant shops, tea houses, and local markets that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. Schedule time to wander through the old town without haste, particularly in the mornings when the streets are less crowded and the atmosphere is tranquil. Nearby, Erhai Lake offers scenic views and opportunities for cycling, while the Three Pagodas, a short distance to the northwest, provide a striking historical contrast amidst the natural surroundings.
“Traveling with Lost Plate in China has been my favorite way to explore. The experience goes beyond just the delicious food; it encompasses engaging activities and a unique travel philosophy. They arrange small group tours led by knowledgeable guides, allowing stays in charming boutique hotels and meals at family-run restaurants. This cannot be matched by large bus tours or independent travel. Traveling by yourself in China can be challenging right now, making it hard to enjoy a vacation while worrying about health regulations, finding foreigner-friendly accommodations, and navigating COVID testing requirements. Even if restrictions were removed, I'd still choose Lost Plate for their exceptional service. The groups are small enough to comfortably sit together to share family-style meals, enjoying numerous dishes throughout the week—definitely more than I could manage on my own. The guides ensure that popular dishes are reordered if the whole group enjoys them. The activities are tailored to provide unique experiences rather than just checklist sightseeing. Yunnan is all about immersing yourself in local cultures, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed pace. Lost Plate's itinerary keeps you captivated without overwhelming you. Some highlights include strolls through enchanting historic towns, a visit to a local shop famous for handmade stuffed bread, an optional hike in the serene Tiger Leaping Gorge, and a market tour leading to a fresh ingredient cooking class. The selected hotels also stood out, each offering unique features, from centuries-old history to breathtaking views, which you wouldn’t find on a typical large tour. For anyone wishing to discover the beauty of Yunnan, I wholeheartedly endorse this tour. Even if you're hesitant about organized tours, Lost Plate has the potential to change your perspective.”— TheophaniaSeattle who visited Dali Old Town (Dali Ancient City) on a Rovostays-listed tour
- 5.0· 1 reviews5 tours include this
Cangshan Mountain rises sharply to 4,122 metres, forming a breathtaking backdrop to Dali. This mountain range, known for its rugged granite peaks and clear alpine lakes, holds significant cultural value, featuring ancient temples and trails that reflect the area's Buddhist heritage and history. The scenery is especially striking at dawn, when the morning light casts a warm glow over its snow-capped summits. Hiking trails offer varying levels of difficulty and reward trekkers with panoramic views of Dali and Erhai Lake. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and the weather is clear. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather at higher elevations.
Xizhou Town is a well-preserved ancient village on the shores of Erhai Lake, known for its traditional Bai architecture, with intricately carved wooden windows and courtyards adorned with flower gardens. Established during the Ming Dynasty, it showcases a blend of Han and Bai cultural elements, making it significant in understanding the region's history. Strolling through the narrow lanes, visitors can explore local markets and sample traditional foods like rice noodles and dairy products. The best time to visit is early morning when the town is quiet, and you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. Chenгири's Bai culture center offers insights into local customs.
“Traveling with Lost Plate in China has been my favorite way to explore. The experience goes beyond just the delicious food; it encompasses engaging activities and a unique travel philosophy. They arrange small group tours led by knowledgeable guides, allowing stays in charming boutique hotels and meals at family-run restaurants. This cannot be matched by large bus tours or independent travel. Traveling by yourself in China can be challenging right now, making it hard to enjoy a vacation while worrying about health regulations, finding foreigner-friendly accommodations, and navigating COVID testing requirements. Even if restrictions were removed, I'd still choose Lost Plate for their exceptional service. The groups are small enough to comfortably sit together to share family-style meals, enjoying numerous dishes throughout the week—definitely more than I could manage on my own. The guides ensure that popular dishes are reordered if the whole group enjoys them. The activities are tailored to provide unique experiences rather than just checklist sightseeing. Yunnan is all about immersing yourself in local cultures, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed pace. Lost Plate's itinerary keeps you captivated without overwhelming you. Some highlights include strolls through enchanting historic towns, a visit to a local shop famous for handmade stuffed bread, an optional hike in the serene Tiger Leaping Gorge, and a market tour leading to a fresh ingredient cooking class. The selected hotels also stood out, each offering unique features, from centuries-old history to breathtaking views, which you wouldn’t find on a typical large tour. For anyone wishing to discover the beauty of Yunnan, I wholeheartedly endorse this tour. Even if you're hesitant about organized tours, Lost Plate has the potential to change your perspective.”— TheophaniaSeattle who visited Xizhou Town on a Rovostays-listed tour
The Three Pagodas are a striking trio of ancient structures located near Dali, dating back to the Tang dynasty, with the tallest, the Qianxun Pagoda, standing at 69.6 metres. These pagodas, made of brick and adorned with intricate carvings, sit against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains, embodying the region’s rich religious heritage and historical significance. Visitors often explore the serene grounds, where the symmetry of the pagodas and their reflection in the nearby lake create picturesque views, particularly in the early morning. The site is best visited in spring or autumn to avoid the summer heat, and nearby, the historic town of Dali offers local cuisine and markets worth exploring.
Best activities to do in Dali
Explore all (37) →
Dali Donglianhua and Wuli Bridge Muslim Hui Village Private Tour
4 hoursZhoucheng Village Tie Dyeing Private Experience
10 hoursDali Yunnan Local Market Pottery Making Eco Tour
8 hoursLijiang Highlight Trip of Snow Mountain And Local Village With Family Visit
2 daysTwo-day tour of Shaxi and Tiger Leaping Gorge from Dali
2 daysTwo-day Shangri-La city tour from Lijiang
6 hoursPrivate transfer from Dali to Lijiang with a stop at Shaxi Old Town
8 hoursDali day tour: ancient city, Xizhou Village, and Three Pagodas
Luxury & private in Dali
See all 25 →Dali Donglianhua and Wuli Bridge Muslim Hui Village Private Tour
4 hoursZhoucheng Village Tie Dyeing Private Experience
8 hoursLijiang Highlight Trip of Snow Mountain And Local Village With Family Visit
2 daysTwo-day tour of Shaxi and Tiger Leaping Gorge from Dali
2 daysTwo-day Shangri-La city tour from Lijiang
6 hoursPrivate transfer from Dali to Lijiang with a stop at Shaxi Old Town
Cultural & heritage in Dali
See all 11 →Dali Donglianhua and Wuli Bridge Muslim Hui Village Private Tour
4 hoursZhoucheng Village Tie Dyeing Private Experience
10 hoursDali Yunnan Local Market Pottery Making Eco Tour
6 hoursPrivate transfer from Dali to Lijiang with a stop at Shaxi Old Town
Private guided tour of Dali's cultural and historical highlights
8 hours
