Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!
Your Booking is Risk-Free
Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
Start from 213.34 USD P/P
Per Person
Start from 213.34 USD P/P
Per Person
99.6% positive customer reviews among 1500+
Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!Your Booking is Risk-Free
Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
Private Customized Tour: Dali City Highlights in One Day
Short on time in Dali? This fully customizable private full-day tour with a local guide and private car maximizes your sightseeing fun.Explore Chongsheng Three Pagodas, Cangshan cable car, Erhai cruise, and Xizhou Ancient Town for Bai culture—all essentials like tickets, lunch and transfers included.
- Make sure everyone brings their passport
- Full name and passport number are required to book attraction tickets
Quick itinerary view
Dali Private Customized Full-Day Tour
1. Tour Kick-off & Cangshan Mountain (Start Point)
Meet your professional tour guide in the lobby of your Dali hotel, hop on your exclusive air-conditioned vehicle, and kick off your tailor-made sightseeing adventure across the city. Chat with your well-informed guide about the historical gems and scenic spots you’re eager to explore—they will craft a personalized itinerary that perfectly matches your interests. Then, it’s time to hit the road, with Cangshan Mountain as your first stop.
One-sentence History: Cangshan Mountain has been a natural and cultural landmark of Dali since ancient times, revered by the Bai people as a sacred mountain guarding the region.
2. Cangshan Mountain Cableway Exploration
Cangshan Mountain boasts 19 majestic peaks and 18 meandering streams, with Malong Peak standing tallest at an altitude of 4,122 meters (13,524 feet). To make the most of your precious time, you’ll take a convenient cable car to reach your peak of choice.
- Xima Pool Cableway: Stretching 5,580 meters (6,100 yards) from Tianlong Babu Studio City to Xima Pool on Cangshan, this route treats you to sweeping views of Dali Ancient City and the mountain’s stunning natural landscapes—the 40-minute ride is a feast for the eyes.
- Gantong Cableway: A 2,630-meter (2,876-yard) journey leading directly to the historic Gantong Temple.
- Zhonghe Cableway: A shorter 1,668-meter (1,824-yard) trip ending at the tranquil Zhonghe Temple.
One-sentence History: Cangshan’s three cableways cover routes that have been used by locals and pilgrims for centuries to access the mountain’s temples and scenic spots.
3. Chongsheng Three Pagodas
Next, head straight to the iconic Chongsheng Three Pagodas. This 1,800-year-old national treasure stands as a living witness to the spread of Buddhism in Yunnan. Nestled at the east foot of Cangshan’s 10th peak and facing the west shore of Erhai Lake, the pagodas exude timeless grandeur. Upon arrival, wander through the temple courtyards with your guide, gaze up at the thousand-year-old main pagoda, and dive into its rich tapestry of history, culture, religion, and art.
One-sentence History: Built during the Tang and Song dynasties, Chongsheng Three Pagodas served as a spiritual center for Buddhism in Southwest China and a symbol of Dali’s ancient prosperity.
4. Dali Ancient Town & Lunch Break
Continue your journey to Dali Ancient Town, where you can soak up a leisurely atmosphere as you stroll along its cobblestone streets. Marvel at the imposing ancient city walls, admire the distinctive architecture of traditional Bai ethnic folk houses, and take in the town’s picturesque scenery. You’ll savor a delicious local lunch at a cozy restaurant here, fueling up for the rest of the day’s adventures.
One-sentence History: Dali Ancient Town was a key hub on the Southwest Silk Road and a strategic military and political stronghold of Yunnan in ancient times.
5. Erhai Lake Scenic Drive
Then, make your way to Erhai Lake, China’s largest highland lake and one of the nation’s seven major freshwater lakes. Its name translates to “Ear-shaped Sea” in Chinese, a nod to its unique, curved silhouette that shimmers like a giant mirror under the sun.
One-sentence History: Erhai Lake has been the cradle of Dali’s civilization for millennia, sustaining the Bai people with its waters and shaping the region’s cultural identity.
6. Erhai Lake Cruise & Jinsuo Island Visit
Hop aboard a scenic boat cruise across Erhai Lake, gliding over its calm waters as you take in views of distant Cangshan Mountain and lakeside villages. Disembark at Golden Shuttle Island (Jinsuo Dao), then explore the nearby Bai ethnic fishing villages. Immerse yourself in the local way of life, interact with friendly villagers, and gain a firsthand understanding of Bai culture and traditions.
One-sentence History: Jinsuo Island was a historic fishing and trading spot on Erhai Lake, where Bai fishermen have lived and worked for generations.
7. Xizhou Ancient Town Exploration (Time Permitting)
If time allows, you’ll visit Xizhou Ancient Town, a major residential area of the Bai people and the birthplace of Dali’s vibrant culture. As a renowned historic and cultural town, Xizhou is dotted with well-preserved Bai courtyard houses and traditional alleyways. Wander at your own pace, listen to your guide’s engaging stories about Bai history and customs, and feel free to ask any questions that come to mind. After the tour, you’ll be chauffeured back to your Dali hotel in comfort.
One-sentence History: Xizhou Ancient Town has been a thriving Bai cultural center for over 1,000 years, preserving authentic Bai architecture and folk traditions to this day.
Optional Alternative: Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Museum (Pass By)
If you’ve already visited some of the above spots and are craving a different experience, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your guide. You can swap out any stop for these alternative attractions based on your interests:
- Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Museum
- Dali Municipal Museum
- Butterfly Spring
Xima Pool Cablecar to Cangshan
| group size | Adult (11-80 years old) price/person | Children (4-10 years old) price/person | Infant (0-3 years old) price/person |
| 1 person |
$397.95
|
$131.29 | $0.00 |
| 2 adults | $254.36 | / | / |
| 3 adults | $233.85 | / | / |
| 4 adults | $203.08 | / | / |
| 5 adults | $192.83 | / | / |
| 6 adults | $182.57 | / | / |
| 7 adults | $172.31 | / | / |
| 8 adults | $162.06 | / | / |
| 9 adults | $151.80 | / | / |
| 10-15 adults | $151.80 | / | / |
| group size | Adult (11-80 years old) price/person | Children (4-10 years old) price/person | Infant (0-3 years old) price/person |
| 1 person |
$367.18
|
$82.06 | $0.00 |
| 2 adults | $223.59 | / | / |
| 3 adults | $203.08 | / | / |
| 4 adults | $172.31 | / | / |
| 5 adults | $162.06 | / | / |
| 6 adults | $151.80 | / | / |
| 7 adults | $141.54 | / | / |
| 8 adults | $131.29 | / | / |
| 9 adults | $121.03 | / | / |
| 10-15 adults | $121.03 | / | / |
Tour without Cangshan Mountain
| group size | Adult (11-80 years old) price/person | Children (4-10 years old) price/person | Infant (0-3 years old) price/person |
| 1 person |
$356.93
|
$82.06 | $0.00 |
| 2 adults | $213.34 | / | / |
| 3 adults | $192.83 | / | / |
| 4 adults | $162.06 | / | / |
| 5 adults | $151.80 | / | / |
| 6 adults | $141.54 | / | / |
| 7 adults | $131.29 | / | / |
| 8 adults | $121.03 | / | / |
| 9 adults | $110.77 | / | / |
| 10-15 adults | $110.77 | / | / |
There are discounts in the off-season, please call us!
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before your travel date and get a full refund
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DepartureDali
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Departure Time7:30am, 8:00am, 8:30am, 9:00am, 9:30am, 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm
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IncludedPrivate TourEnglish speaking guideHotel pickup and drop-off (for hotels in Dali City)Bottled waterLunchTransport by private vehicleEntrance feeCable Car round trip
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Not IncludedGratuities
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