Erhai Lake: Combine a trip to the lake with a visit to the Wase market on the eastern shore. Wase is a traditional and conservative Bai town with a weekly market offering a glimpse of life in a quiet country town. Boat trips, visiting the lake's Guanyin temple and several islands, can be easily arranged in town or at the dock.

Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) Three Pagodas: Hire a bike from one of the stores in town and ride 10 minutes northwest of the old town to arrive at the famous Three Pagodas. The complex was rebuilt from 1986 after being destroyed during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). The central pagoda, representing Dali's history as a Buddhist kingdom, was almost 1,200 years old before its destruction.

Shaping market and Xizhou: About 30 km north of Dali is Shaping town's most lively weekly market. it starts early and is an opportunity to see local farmers trading horses. On the way back, stop in Xizhou, a town about 20 km north of Dali. Xizhou has nearly 200 national heritage-listed and exquisitely detailed private houses dating from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Take the chairlift up Cangshan Mountain for stunning views of Dali. Fans of mountain hiking can head either north or south to appreciate the great biodiversity of the region. The 16 km Cloud Traveler path across the Cangshan Mountains offers walks ranging from easy to difficult, cutting through lovely valleys and offering spectacular views across the lake.

Jizu Shan: Jizu, or Chicken Foot Mountain, lies to Dali's northeast, on the eastern side of Erhai Lake. It is one of China's five major Buddhist mountains, with temples - many in disrepair - covering its peak and slopes. Monks reside at some of the restored temples. Be prepared for a difficult hike with the summit at 3,200 m. Alternatively, transport by cable car or horse is available from halfway up the mountain. To get there, take a bus (2 hours) from Xiaguan northern bus station to Binchuan and change to a minibus or bus (1 hour) to Jizu Shan.

(China Daily 02/15/2008)