この旅について
"Hi everyone, I am Xiaoli, from Eryuan, Dali. I love the mountains and rivers of my hometown. Sometimes I go on adventures with kayaks and paddle boards, sometimes I ride off-road motorcycles up the mountains, and I also enjoy exploring the outside world. I used to be a surfing instructor for a while. Every week I also take guests to visit traditional markets around Dali, and during the green plum season, I brew green plum wine. I hope to have the opportunity to share these daily moments with you."
"What is our paddle board/kayak activity like? It's a trip deep into a natural lake. It can be full of youthful spirit - diving, falling into the water, not fearing it but getting close to it. It can also be free and easy, lying on the board looking up at the blue sky, drifting with the current. Even the paddling technique is not important; if you paddle comfortably and smoothly, enjoying the freedom in nature, that's the best way for you. Only if you love this freedom will you want to learn and practice more."
A summer paddle board activity:
Summer
Whether you can swim or not, on a scorching summer day, under the influence of everyone, you can't help but jump into the water. It's the perfect season for playing in the water.
Paddle boarding in summer
is not just paddle boarding;
it's a fantastic journey, a unique way to enter this lake.
Autumn/Winter
The withered yellow reeds offer a different scenery, and the large flocks of birds coming to winter will join this journey.
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The above photos were taken by Chen Bali.
If you like them, you can contact him to book professional water photography and aerial photography services. WeChat: bali333302
The fee is per person, same price for adults and children. No group discounts.
Meeting point: Simple Stone Bakery (usually)
Round trip transportation takes about 1 hour each way, paddle boarding and outdoor afternoon tea take about 3 hours, and dinner takes about 1 hour.
For booked activities, even one guest will proceed.
No need to worry about cancellation affecting your plans. Because we know that canceling an activity is not just about refunding the fee; it disrupts your itinerary, causes frustration, and for most travelers, time and reliable arrangements are very important.
Possible discomfort:
Most of our guides' vehicles are regular vans.
On one hand, we are quite frugal; on the other hand, we often carry outdoor equipment and go to natural mountains and village dirt roads. Vans are the most suitable transportation companions. However, children often especially enjoy this bumpiness, calling it a "rocking car."
What might you experience?
[1] Paddling a paddle board/kayak to the lake and villages. From a unique perspective, passing through reed marshes, to see the green West Lake, the majestic Cangshan, and the white-walled, grey-tiled villages. Paddling a paddle board is just a way to enter.
[2] Beautiful and quiet rural fields. Deep into the countryside, passing through vibrant fields. This is one of the most beautiful and natural villages in Dali. No tourists come here. Under the canopy by the lake in the fields, many times, companions have said, "I feel it's enough just sitting here; I don't want to go into the water."
[3] Local specialty dishes. After the activity, we will go to a restaurant hidden in the village that locals love, serving halal cuisine, often praised by companions. Food is the best way for travelers to connect with the local area. Of course, the fresh farm milk from Dengchuan is also indispensable.
Energetic and young instructors will infect you so you no longer fear the water.
The beautiful lake allows you to naturally blend in.
But to experience the beauty of the sunset on the lake and the village at dusk, you need to wait until after 7 o'clock. Plus dinner and the return trip, it naturally gets late. Also, Dali has a time difference of less than two hours compared to coastal areas. You can't have both a special experience and a routine schedule. This applies not only to travel experiences but also to other things.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
I have no experience, can I join? Will I fall into the water?
- Yes, you can. Don't worry; most guests have no experience. But paddle boards are very friendly. Kneeling or sitting positions allow you to enjoy paddling well. Unless you try to stand up, you won't fall into the water.
If I have a friend who dares not try paddle boarding or is not suitable, can they join?
- Yes, we can bring a packraft, a type of kayak that is very light and safe, ensuring they don't fall into the water.
What do I need to bring?
A set of dry clothes, a towel, and wearing slippers is fine.
Swimwear is only needed if you want to swim.
Is it safe?
Everyone gets a life jacket. At the same time, the guide will always be nearby exploring the lake with you to ensure you can get help at any time.
Can children join?
Yes. Children over 12 can paddle independently (need to stay near their parents), younger children need to be on the same board with parents. In summer, most participants are children.
How do we gather and depart?
Gather near Dali University, for example at Simple Stone Bakery (anywhere in that area).
Itinerary:
Destination: Dali West Lake (60 km from the ancient city, 1 hour drive)
Departure: 14:00 departure near Dali University
Around 18:30 finish and go to dinner together (or directly return)
Return: 20:00~20:30 arrive at Dali Ancient City (including dinner travel time)
*Self-driving guests can choose not to eat and return early. Guests in our car who do not want to have dinner together need to take a taxi back (please understand, it's a group activity).
Fee includes:
Round trip transportation, paddle board activity, camp afternoon tea, activity insurance
Not included: Dinner (AA, about ¥25-40 per person)
Our paddle board destination is a lake at the foot of a mountain, surrounded by villages with white walls and grey tiles, with green reed marshes on the lake. The lake water is clear and clean, suitable for fishing. It is a lake with the most beautiful water scenery and mountain views.
Starting from near Dali Ancient City, arrive at the first stop: Dengchuan Town, where you can buy local specialties: fresh milk for 5 yuan, homemade yogurt for 3 yuan, homemade popsicles for 2-4 yuan.
Pass through fields and villages, arrive at the uninhabited lakeside. Set up camp, prepare paddle boards, start the activity. You can explore with the guide, shuttling across the lake surface and reed marshes. No experience needed; you can feel the fun of paddle boarding and the beauty of nature.
After dusk, return to camp, pack up equipment. Go to a restaurant (a special local halal restaurant near a village market, AA, about 30-40 per person) for dinner, then return to the ancient city.
Paddle board and kayak activities are subject to weather uncertainty. If you agree to depart and it rains upon arrival, the activity will continue because light rain won't stop paddling; if it stops, refund 20%. If there is moderate rain, refund 40%. We will set up a canopy by the lake, with tables and chairs, prepare coffee, fruit, and snacks, surrounded by quiet fields and the lake. It will be a lakeside countryside picnic trip. Therefore, you need to accept the uncertainty and refund rules to proceed. (If the guide gives a forecast of possible rain before departure, you can cancel before departure and get a full refund.)
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