Itinerary guide

6 Days in Dali & Lijiang: Lakeside and Old Towns

If this is your first trip to China, this 6-day route gives you time for two bases with time beside erhai. You’ll follow Dali → Lijiang, with arrival and departure days counted in the plan.

  • 6 days
  • 2 cities
  • Check conditions for your chosen dates
  • Moderate pace
  • 2 min read

By Rachel Chen

Wooden boats along the shore at Shuanglang on Erhai Lake
AI-edited from a historical location photograph; details and usage rights await review.

Route at a glance

  1. Dali2 nights
  2. Lijiang3 nights
On this page

At a glance

Ideal for
First-time visitors who prefer a focused route
Travel style
Two bases with time beside Erhai
Best time to go
Check conditions for your chosen dates
Pace
Moderate pace
Highlights
Dali → Lijiang

Introduction

You don’t need to fit every nearby attraction into one trip. This route follows Dali → Lijiang, with 5 nights and clear space for arrival, departure and changes of base.

Two bases with time beside Erhai. The daily suggestions keep the focus on one or two outings rather than a long sightseeing list. Adjust optional walks to your energy, and treat travel days as travel days.

This is a planning guide rather than a booked package. Confirm connections, accommodation, opening arrangements and any reservations for your actual dates. The 6 days begin on arrival in China; international flights may need additional travel days.

Day-by-day itinerary

Dali

Days 1 – 2

Time for Dali

Use Dali as your base for this part of the route. The daily plan leaves space for travel and rest; arrange accommodation and any required reservations for your dates.

  1. Day 1Dali: Arrive and settle in

    Arrive in Dali and take time to settle in. Keep the rest of the day light so you can rest after the journey. Route: Arrival point to your accommodation in Dali Stay: Dali Tip: Check the day's reservations and transport before setting out.

    An illuminated gate above the streets of Dali Ancient City
    • Overnight in Dali

  2. Day 2Dali: Stay on one side of Erhai

    Explore the Erhai lakeside and Xizhou. Choose one side of the lake rather than trying to complete the whole circuit. Route: Erhai Lake and Xizhou Stay: Dali Tip: Check the day's reservations and transport before setting out.

    Wooden boats along the shore at Shuanglang on Erhai Lake
    • Overnight in Dali

Lijiang

Days 3 – 6

Time for Lijiang

Use Lijiang as your base for this part of the route. The daily plan leaves space for travel and rest; arrange accommodation and any required reservations for your dates.

  1. Day 3Lijiang: Old streets before the move

    Spend time in Dali Ancient City before continuing to Lijiang. Keep the evening simple once you have settled into your next base. Route: Dali Ancient City Stay: Lijiang Tip: Check the day's reservations and transport before setting out.

    An illuminated gate above the streets of Dali Ancient City
    • Overnight in Lijiang

  2. Day 4Lijiang: A slower day in Lijiang

    Wander through Lijiang Ancient Town and leave room to rest. You don't need a second excursion to fill this day. Route: Lijiang Ancient Town Stay: Lijiang Tip: Check the day's reservations and transport before setting out.

    A stone gateway in Lijiang Ancient Town
    • Overnight in Lijiang

  3. Day 5Lijiang: Choose your mountain outing

    Use the day for the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area or Blue Moon Valley. Choose according to your booking, fitness and conditions rather than treating a high ascent as essential. Route: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley (Lanyuegu) Stay: Lijiang Tip: Check the day's reservations and transport before setting out.

    Pale blue water and low cascades in Blue Moon Valley
    • Overnight in Lijiang

  4. Day 6Lijiang: Leave room for departure

    Leave Lijiang according to your onward travel plans. Keep the day clear for packing and the journey to your departure point. Route: Your accommodation to your departure point in Lijiang Tip: Check the day's reservations and transport before setting out.

    A stone gateway in Lijiang Ancient Town

    Why this route works

    • A clear route

      Follow Dali → Lijiang with the overnight bases listed separately, so you can see where each change of accommodation belongs.

    • Room for the journeys

      Arrival, departure and transfer days count towards the total. They are not treated as extra full sightseeing days.

    • A focused daily plan

      Give the main outing time, then decide on optional walks according to your energy rather than adding every nearby attraction.

    Before you go

    • Confirm each connection

      Choose intercity and local connections for your travel dates, including station or airport transfers. The suggested transport modes are not booked services.

    • Reservations and opening arrangements

      Check each attraction’s current opening arrangements and reservation process before fixing the order of your days.

    • Images and editorial review

      Images are AI-edited previews based on historical location photographs. Usage rights and visual details await review. Travel-day photographs illustrate the destination, not a promised visit.

    • Choose outings to suit your health

      Some suggested outings involve altitude or sustained walking. Check suitability for your own health and fitness, and simplify the route when needed.

    Sources

    Plan My Trip