Wind, Flower, Snow and Moon

When you reach the Gantong Temple, walk along the Yudai Road which has a total length of 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles). While climbing, you can get a view of the whole of Dali Town and Erhai Lake. Looking up, you will see the snow that does not melt completely on the top of Cangshan Mountain. The warm sunlight shines down upon you and the fresh breeze blows. All of these are refreshing. You will pass by Clear and Green Stream, Seven Dragon Ladies Pond, Hole of Phoenix eye and Zhonghe Temple. After about 5 hours' hiking, the road leads you down the mountain. There is also a cable car near Zhonghe Temple. The path downhill is near the ropeway, so it is not easy to get lost. Going through March Street and you will finally reach Dali Old Town. It is advisable to stay overnight here. The Dali International Youth Hostel (Address: No.181 Boai Road, Dali) might be a nice choice. When night falls, you might like to wander about on the Westerners Street. Walking along the main street which passes the south gate you will find an alleyway perpendicular to it about 150 meters away, which is the well-known Westerners Street.

If you are interested in Dali's history, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Museum is recommended. Take bus No.4 or No. 8 to Xiaguan and walk to catch a minibus at the bus station in Xiaguan to Weishan County at a cost of CNY11 per person. Located 60 kilometers (37.3 miles) south of Dali, Weishan County was the birthplace of Nanzhao Country. Since the road to Weishan is rather bumpy, maybe you have to be on the road for nearly 2 hours. Upon arrival, you might walk to the Nanzhao Town, the seat of Weishan County's administration. The whole old town's checkerboard construction pattern of Ming and Qing Dynasty is well preserved. It is worth a visit here. Stay overnight in this ancient county.