Zaza | Post-Resignation Gap [Part 3] Experiencing Dali through Hiking, Stargazing, and Mushroom Picking

Previously in Jiangxi, I went hiking with locals and experienced their daily life, not just checking in at tourist spots, and the experience was great.

Dali has gathered a group of unique people, and the community culture is richer. So this time I also signed up for several activities from Cangshan Hiking Home, hoping to deeply experience Dali like I did in Jiangxi. In fact, these activities were also very memorable.

#Hiking

This time I walked two routes:

1. Lanfeng Route: A solo route. Note that unlike other guides say to start from the hotel, you need to start from the village to avoid being stopped. This route is not very enjoyable; it is a tough continuous ascent, and I didn't meet anyone along the way, which was a bit creepy... There are viewpoints (overlooking Erhai Lake) and a fern forest in the middle. Friends interested in these two can go there.

2. Huoshan: This was a group activity I signed up for. It might be relatively niche, so it became a two-person group with the guide and me. I checked in at Jiwo Cafe and learned about the story of teaching farmers to paint. On the way up the mountain, the guide taught me to identify many local plants. Huoshan is indeed the best place to watch the sunset; the scenery was spectacular. On the way out and back, I chatted a lot with the guide, such as why I am in Dali, why I guide tours, and the philosophy of the team. It felt like the guide was a strange pen pal introducing you to their secret treasured spots. The experience was excellent.

#Stargazing

Dali West Lake is really beautiful. I went boating on the lake to watch the sunset and stars. I was very excited to see Mars, and the moon rising over the lake was so big and red. Maybe the universe is the ultimate romance.

#Music Festival

This time I also attended the Slow People Festival, but perhaps as I get older, it didn't resonate as much. It would have been better to find a quiet place to read a book. I stayed for a while and then left. The market was basically selling various handmade crafts, which didn't attract me much either.

#Mushroom Picking

I have to say I was really lucky. The last day I was in Dali was the first day of this year's mushroom picking season (mushroom season is June to November). I picked many mushrooms by hand, and I really got the joy of foraging. Back at the farmhouse, I could even eat dishes made from freshly picked mushrooms (including quite a few Jianshouqing). I have to say this meal was the most delicious mushroom feast I have ever had. The mushrooms were practically dancing on my tongue. We picked 12 kinds of mushrooms in total. The young lady said that in July/August you can pick more than 20 kinds. I hope to come again next time. The guides really love mushrooms and are very fun.

Finally, the people I met during the trip really affected my experience. Just like how life is different depending on who you spend it with. Thank you to these community members. Like the weather in Dali, it is like a spring breeze.

2025.06.15

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I saw this note on Xiaohongshu with a unique style, and it also indirectly described our partners and community. Below, a reader named "Pride and Prejudice Sequel" commented: "I guessed it's an activity by Cangshan Hiking Home; I really like their team." "Yes, yes."

With the author's permission, I am posting it here.

Jason 2025.07.24

Stargazing

Huoshan

Mushroom picking

Photos