This article explains when hiring a private car in Dali is the most practical way to visit scattered sights such as Erhai Lake, Xizhou, Shuanglang, Cangshan, and Bai villages within a single day.
Based on local expertise and practical tips from experienced guides, this article explains which Dali routes are best done by private car, which sights are spread across the Erhai and Cangshan area, and when walking or short taxi rides are enough in Dali Old Town.
Dali is one of the most worthwhile places to slow down and travel in Yunnan, China. Unlike Lijiang or Kunming, Dali's charm is not concentrated within the ancient city walls—it is scattered among lakes, mountains, fields, and Bai ethnic villages.Dali Old Town itself is great for walking around, and the west bank of Erhai Lake is great for cycling, but places like Xizhou, Shuanglang, Cangshan, Zhoucheng, and Jizhao'an are scattered in different directions.
If you're just staying in Dali Old Town, walking, dining, and coffee-drinking within the town is sufficient; short trips by taxi or other means are enough. However, if you want to see Erhai Lake, Xizhou Ancient Town, Shuanglang, Cangshan Mountain, or Bai ethnic villages within a single day, hiring a car will make your trip much smoother. It reduces the hassle of transfers, saves time searching for transportation, and allows you to flexibly adjust the time spent at each stop based on weather, lighting, and your physical condition.
Why is it suitable to hire a car for certain routes in Dali?
The essence of a Dali travel experience lies largely in the journey itself: lakeside roads, pastoral villages, distant views of Cangshan Mountain, sunrise over Erhai Lake, Bai ethnic minority dwellings, tea plantations, and cafes. These places are not as concentrated as attractions in the city, and public transportation may not always provide direct access to the best spots for stopping and taking photos.
Chartering a car is particularly suitable for solving the following situations:
The attractions are scattered, requiring travel across areas.
More convenient when changing hotels with luggage.
Requires flexible timing to see the sunrise or sunset.
Easier to travel with elderly people, children, or luggage.
Can be stopped at lakeside, village entrance, or viewpoint anytime.
Doesn't want to research different taxi locations and return routes every day.
However, hiring a car is not necessary in all situations. Within Dali Old Town, along Renmin Road, Fuxing Road, the alleys of the old town, and in the food streets, walking is always the best way.
The best tourist attractions and areas in Dali for hiring a car
In Dali, the most suitable option for hiring a car is the Erhai Lake loop. Dali is a city built around Erhai Lake, and you can travel to your desired attractions along the lake loop. Alternatively, you can choose a private car + electric cart tour, where a car will take you to the attractions, and you can enjoy the sights within the attractions by electric cart.
1. Erhai Lake Loop Route
Erhai Lake is Dali's most classic natural landscape and one of the most suitable areas to explore by car. The entire loop around the lake is about 120 kilometers long. If you rely solely on walking or taking a taxi on the fly, the experience will be fragmented, and it will be difficult to hail a ride in some sections.
Features: Erhai Lake is divided into two sections, the west and the east, each with a distinct style. The western ecological corridor is about 46 kilometers long, with motor vehicles prohibited, and is mainly composed of farmland, wetlands, and villages; the eastern section is a ring road around the lake, with Cangshan Mountain on one side and Erhai Lake on the other, offering a wide and open view.
How to play:
Sunrise: Watch the morning mist and its reflection on the water at Longkan Wharf.
Western Section: Longkan Wharf → Xizhou, enjoy the pastoral and lake views along the ecological corridor.
Eastern Section: Shuanglang → Xiaoputuo, admire the expansive lake views and distant Cangshan Mountains.
Photography Spots: Longkan Wharf viewing platform, stone pier covered bridge, redwood forest, S-shaped ecological trail.
Recommended route:Dali Old Town → Longkan Wharf → Xizhou → Shuanglang → Xiaoputuo → Return to Old Town / Check into Shuanglang
Why is chartering a car suitable?
The lakeside rest stops are quite scattered.
The scenery on the east and west shores is drastically different.
Sunrise and sunset times need to be adjusted accordingly.
Some viewpoints are located in remote areas, making it difficult to hail a taxi.
It's best to walk around and stop frequently to take photos.
If time is limited, it's not recommended to force yourself to walk the entire loop around the lake. You can choose a half-day highlight route, such as from the ancient city to Xizhou, or from Shuanglang to Xiaoputuo.
2. Xizhou Ancient Town
Xizhou is one of the most worthwhile places to visit on a first trip to Dali. It's quieter than Dali Old Town and makes it easier to experience local life.
Features: The entire ancient town is built with traditional Bai architecture, known for its "three courtyards and one screen wall" layout. The corner tower, built in 1945, is a landmark of Xizhou, attracting many people for photos. The yellow walls of Xilin Garden paired with the rice paddy scenery are most beautiful in spring and autumn.
How to play:
Explore the architecture: Stroll through the corner towers and screen wall alleys, where you'll find traditional Bai ethnic houses everywhere.
Rice paddy photography: Xizhou's rice paddies are a popular spot for photos, especially beautiful in spring and autumn.
Tie-dyeing experience: Try your hand at tie-dyeing using traditional methods at Lanxu. A square scarf or apron will cost 80-150 yuan.
Eat Xizhou Baba: This is Xizhou's most famous snack, and there are many old shops around Sifang Street.
Haishi Ecological Park: If you have enough time, take a walk and enjoy the breeze along Erhai Lake.
Recommended itinerary:
Dali Old Town → Longkan Wharf (for sunrise viewing) → Xizhou Ancient Town → Zhoucheng Tie-dye Village
Why chartering a car is suitable:
There's a considerable distance (approximately 18 kilometers) from Dali Old Town to Xizhou.
It can be combined with visits to the west bank of Erhai Lake, Zhoucheng, and Longkan Wharf.
It's ideal for a leisurely half-day trip.
It's much easier than cycling when traveling with elderly people or children.
This route has a relaxed pace and is suitable for travelers who enjoy culture, villages, and a relaxed atmosphere.
3. Shuanglang
Shuanglang is located on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake and is famous for its expansive lake views and distant vistas of Cangshan Mountain. There are many lakeside accommodations, cafes, and photo spots, but it's about 50 kilometers from Dali Old Town, a considerable drive.
Features: Compared to other ancient towns, Shuanglang's seaside streets and viewing platforms are its biggest highlights. There are many free viewing spots along the way, offering expansive views and perfect for taking photos and strolling. The ancient town retains the traditional fishing village style of the Bai ethnic group.
Activities:
Coastal Trail: Approximately 2 kilometers from Shuanglang Wharf to Dajianpang Village, this section boasts stunning sea views.
Nanzhao Folk Island: Take a boat to the island for a different perspective of the seamless blend of water and sky.
Yuji Island and Sun Palace: Yang Liping's Sun Palace is located on Yuji Island, offering stunning views of the architecture and lake.
Why a chartered car is suitable:
The journey from the old town is quite long, and taxi fares are relatively high.
It's best to combine this trip with visits to the East Bank viewpoint and Xiaoputuo.
If you're staying in Shuanglang, it's more convenient to move around with luggage.
The light is best in the evening, and having a car for the return trip is more reliable.
If you have limited time, it is recommended to plan Shuanglang and the East Bank Lake view as a half-day or full-day route, and avoid making a special trip back and forth just to check off the sights.
4. Zhoucheng Tie-dye Village
Zhoucheng is a great place to learn about Bai ethnic tie-dyeing and traditional village life. Compared to popular tourist attractions, it's more suitable for tourists who enjoy handicrafts, cultural experiences, and slow travel. Here, you can try your hand at tie-dyeing and take home a unique souvenir.
Activities:
Tie-dyeing experience: Experience traditional tie-dyeing techniques firsthand and learn about the entire process from tying the flowers to dyeing.
Village tour: Stroll through an ancient village, admire Bai architecture, and see Bai women in their traditional costumes.
Tour duration: 2-4 hours. It is recommended to visit Zhoucheng and Xizhou on the same day, visiting Zhoucheng in the morning and Xizhou in the afternoon.
Why it's suitable for chartering a car:
It can be arranged on the same route as Xizhou.
Public transportation is inconvenient, and the location is relatively remote.
Hands-on experiences require allowing sufficient time, but are not restricted by shuttle bus schedules.
Especially suitable for families and cultural experience travelers.
5. Cangshan Mountain
Cangshan Mountain, close to Dali Old Town, offers the best panoramic view of Erhai Lake. Jizhao Temple, also located in the Cangshan direction, has become a very popular destination in recent years.
Features: Cangshan Mountain has three cableways—Gantong Cableway, Ximatan Grand Cableway, etc. After taking the cableway up the mountain, you can walk along the Jade Belt Path and enjoy a panoramic view of Erhai Lake.
Activities:
Jizhao Nunnery Vegetarian Meal: Available from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 20 RMB/person. Fresh and light dishes. The vegetarian food from the plateau has a natural sweetness, and many people come up the mountain specifically for this meal.
Free Sutra Copying: Experience sutra copying in the afternoon and immerse yourself in Zen culture.
Cangshan Cableway: Take the Gantong Cableway up the mountain and visit Qingbi Creek and Linglong Chess Game.
Light Hiking: If you have good stamina, you can continue exploring along the Jade Belt Trail after the vegetarian meal.
Why it's suitable to hire a car:
The entrance and cable car stations are located separately, so you need to confirm your specific destination.
Walking from the Old Town to Jizhao Temple is not a short distance and involves uphill walking.
Returning directly to your hotel after the tour is easier.
It's suitable to combine this tour with visits to Dali Old Town and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple.
6. Shaxi Ancient Town
If Xizhou lets you see the life of the Bai people, and Shuanglang lets you see the grandeur of Erhai Lake, then Shaxi lets you see the last surviving ancient market town on the Tea Horse Road.
Why is Shaxi Ancient Town suitable for a chartered car tour?
Located approximately 100 kilometers from Dali Old Town, the drive takes about 2 hours.
The mountain roads are winding, and public transportation requires transfers (first to Jianchuan, then another bus), making it quite a hassle.
It's suitable for a day trip combined with Xizhou and Zhoucheng, or a separate two-day, one-night trip.
If you're bringing luggage, hiring a car is much less strenuous than taking public buses.
About an hour's drive from Shaxi Ancient Town is a scenic spot called Jianchuan Ancient City. It's not overly commercialized, has few tourists, and the Bai people still live in their traditional clothing.
Jianchuan wood carving is a national intangible cultural heritage, famous for its relief carving, and is known as the "hometown of carpenters".
What to do in Shaxi Ancient Town:
The core area of Shaxi is quite small; you can walk around Sideng Street and the surrounding alleys in about an hour.Besides the unique attractions in the ancient town, if you happen to be there on a Friday, be sure to visit the Friday market. It's full of local flavor, with wild mushrooms, freshly roasted milk fan (a type of cheese), and handmade goods. The market starts before dawn and ends around 10 am.
Places where hiring a car is not really necessary
Dali Old Town: Best explored on foot. Driving within the old town is not recommended; it's more likely to cause traffic jams and detours.
Renmin Road / Foreigners' Street / Fuxing Road: These areas are suitable for leisurely strolls, dining, and coffee drinking. Point-to-point transportation is not advised.
Short-distance restaurants or shops around the old town: A taxi or walking is sufficient.
Visiting a single nearby attraction: If you're only visiting the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple or a particular restaurant, you don't need to hire a car for the entire day.
Recommended travel routes
Route 1: Cultural Route along the West Bank of Erhai Lake (Suitable for most first-time visitors)
Dali Old Town → Longkan Wharf → Xizhou Ancient Town → Zhoucheng Tie-dye Village → Return to Old Town
Suitable for: First-time visitors, family travelers, culture enthusiasts, and those looking for relaxing photo opportunities.
Features: Relaxed pace, offering views of Erhai Lake, Bai ethnic villages, and traditional handicrafts; a full day without rushing.
Route Two: Erhai Lake East Bank Scenic Route (Suitable for travelers who enjoy expansive scenery)
Dali Old Town → Shuanglang → Xiaoputuo → Scenic Spots along the East Bank → Return to Old Town / Overnight in Shuanglang
Suitable for: Lake view enthusiasts, photography enthusiasts, couples, and those who prefer a slower pace
Features: Expansive lake views with a magnificent backdrop of Cangshan Mountain, but the drive is relatively long.
Route 3: Cangshan Mountain + Ancient City Surroundings (Suitable for mountain scenery and culture enthusiasts)
Dali Ancient City → Cangshan Cableway → Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple → Ancient City Night Tour
Suitable for: Travelers who enjoy mountain scenery, temples, light hiking, and historical culture.
Features: Not far from the ancient city, but the route requires careful planning.
How should different travelers choose their itinerary?
If it's your first time in Dali:
Prioritize Route 1 (Longkan Wharf + Xizhou + Zhoucheng). This route best helps you understand the essence of Dali—the combination of lake views, villages, and Bai culture.
If you want to take stunning lakeside photos:
Choose Route 2 (Shuanglang + Xiaoputuo + East Bank of Erhai Lake). The east bank offers the best angle for capturing the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake together, especially in the afternoon and evening light.
If you want a more relaxed experience:
Choose a half-day trip to Xizhou + a short stop on the west bank of Erhai Lake. Don't force yourself to circle the entire lake. Dali's charm lies in its slow pace, not in the number of sights to see.
If you're traveling with elderly people or children:
Avoid the complete lake loop. A half-day itinerary focusing on the essentials will be more comfortable, such as only going from the west bank to Xizhou, or only going from the east bank to Shuanglang. The biggest advantage of hiring a car is that you can adjust the pace as needed, shortening stops when you get tired.
If you are already staying in Shuanglang:
You can reduce the need for chartering a car on the east bank and focus on day trips to Xizhou, Zhoucheng, or Cangshan.
What are the real benefits of hiring a car in Dali?
For out-of-town travelers, the value of hiring a car in Dali isn't just about "more rides," but about making the entire journey more relaxed. Specifically:
No need to constantly call for taxis: In remote areas where taxis are hard to find, a chartered car will accompany you all day.
Luggage can be left in the car: No need to store luggage and return when changing hotels.
Route can be adjusted according to the weather: On a cloudy day, you can go to Xizhou first and return to the lakeside in the afternoon when the weather clears up.
Stop for photos at the lakeside: Don't hesitate to stop when you see a good view.
Reduce fatigue when traveling with elderly people or children: Get ready to rest directly in the car when you're tired.
No need to worry about not being able to find a taxi for the return trip in remote areas: Especially suitable for sunset times.
But most importantly: Using a car to connect scattered attractions allows you to experience the ancient city and villages on foot. This is the ideal way to travel in Dali. You won't miss Dali's slow pace, nor will you waste time on the anxiety of transportation connections.
Recommended best time to visit Dali
Dali is said to have "the spirit of the four seasons," with each season possessing its own unique charm. The time to visit depends on what kind of scenery you most want to experience.
Spring (March - May): Sea of flowers and grand events
This is one of the most popular travel seasons in Dali.
Weather and Temperature: Mild climate with plenty of sunshine. Average temperature ranges from 10℃ to 25℃, with a significant difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
The grand "March Street" ethnic festival takes place in the third month of the lunar calendar (usually in April of the Gregorian calendar), where you can experience traditional activities such as horse racing and antiphonal singing. It's also a great time for cycling along the Erhai Lake ecological corridor or for a light hike.
Summer (June - August): Coolness and Greenery
Dali is a perfect summer resort, and although it enters the rainy season, it still possesses its own unique charm.
Weather and temperature: The climate is warm and humid, with average temperatures between 15°C and 28°C. Rainfall is mostly concentrated in the afternoon or at night, and is often in the form of showers.
Around the 25th day of the sixth lunar month (usually in July), the Bai people celebrate their important "Torch Festival," with bonfires lit in every village, creating a lively atmosphere. The rainy season is also the time when wild mushrooms are available in Yunnan, offering a great opportunity to enjoy fresh fungi.
Autumn (September - November): Golden and sunny
This is widely recognized as the "golden season" by many travelers and photographers.
Weather and Temperature: The weather is crisp and clear with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine. Average temperatures range from 11°C to 25°C, making it one of the most comfortable and pleasant times of the year.
This season is perfect for outdoor activities such as taking photos around the sea and hiking for panoramic views. Avoiding the crowds of summer vacation and the National Day holiday makes for a better travel experience.
Winter (December - February): Warm Sunshine and Fairies
Winter in Dali is not harsh; instead, it boasts warm sunshine and unique scenery.
Weather and Temperature: The climate is cold and dry, but daytime temperatures can still reach 10°C to 18°C with warm sunshine. There is a significant temperature difference between day and night; warm clothing such as down jackets is necessary in the mornings and evenings.
Starting in November, large numbers of Siberian black-headed gulls arrive at Erhai Lake to spend the winter. You can feed and interact with them at places like Longkan Wharf and Xiaoputuo. Winter is the off-season for tourism, the ancient city returns to tranquility, and accommodation prices are most affordable.
Recommended private car tour in Dali
If you are interested in Dali and would like to experience a private car tour around Erhai Lake, please contact us. We can customize an itinerary to suit your preferences.
Recommended one-day trip to Dali:
Shaxi Day Trip from Dali by Private Car
Erhai Lake Tour in Dali - Xizhou Private Day Trip
Dali Ancient City Tour to Ideal State by Private Car
The article's attraction reference links are from: China Travel Book
Frequently Asked Questions
When is it worth hiring a private car in Dali?
A private car is most useful when you want to see scattered places such as Erhai Lake, Xizhou, Shuanglang, Cangshan, and Bai ethnic villages within a single day. It also helps when you need flexible timing for sunrise, sunset, or weather changes.
What places in Dali are easier to visit by car?
The article highlights Erhai Lake, Xizhou Ancient Town, Shuanglang, Cangshan Mountain, Zhoucheng, and Jizhao'an as places spread in different directions. These stops are easier by car because the journey includes lakeside roads, villages, viewpoints, and photo stops that are not concentrated in one area.
Do I need a private car if I stay only in Dali Old Town?
No, not necessarily. If your plan is limited to walking, eating, and visiting cafes in Dali Old Town, the article says staying inside the town and using short taxi rides for nearby trips is usually enough.
Why is public transport less convenient for Dali sightseeing?
Dali's best scenery is spread across lakes, mountains, fields, and Bai villages rather than concentrated in one central area. Public transport may not give direct access to the best lakeside stops, village entrances, or viewpoints for photos.
Who benefits most from a private car in Dali?
A chartered car is especially practical for travelers changing hotels with luggage, families with children, and visitors traveling with elderly companions. It also suits anyone who does not want to spend time researching multiple taxi pickup points and return routes every day.
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