FAQ Common Questions and Answers

1. How do refunds work for weather reasons?

Answer: For weather reasons, the guest is not liable and receives a full refund. The trip leader will process the refund. Whether it's light rain or heavy rain, a no-fault refund is given. Cancellations due to rain must be handled by the trip leader; if you cancel on your own close to departure, there will be a deduction.

2. Will the trip still depart if it rains? Are the mountain paths easy to walk after rain?

Light rain: yes, we will still go. Rain usually doesn't last continuously. If you're lucky, the sky clears after rain and you might even see a rainbow. Generally, heavy rain leads to cancellation. Dali's climate is dry, so the mountain paths are not muddy after rain. Moreover, after rain, the forest colors are very clean and fresh, often at their most beautiful.

3. The recent weather forecast shows rain every day. Can I still join the activity?

Because mountain weather is changeable, based on our years of experience, don't worry too much about the weather forecast. You can plan ahead and adapt. Sometimes it may show rain on that day, but perhaps it only rains for ten minutes at night. Sometimes it shows rain all day, but it doesn't rain at all. So relax and go with the flow. And even if it rains, it rarely rains continuously. If there is continuous rain, we can switch to indoor crafts or a rural trip to Eryuan, where boating in the rain is even more beautiful.

4. Is the activity price per person?

Answer: Our outdoor activities are priced per person, with the same price for adults and children. Some parent-child activities or fixed-venue activities may have a "parent-child participation" option or a "companion" option.

5. Is the listed price per person? Are there child or group discounts?

Answer: Hello, it is the per-person price. The activities have the same price for adults and children, with no child or group discounts. We limit the number of participants to ensure a good experience.

6. Can I bring my dog to join your activities?

Answer: We welcome dogs, but we need to check with other participants first, as some may be afraid of dogs. We'll confirm after asking them. If you bring your dog, please keep it on a leash.

7. Can I sign up for an activity on the same day?

Answer: Sorry, most activities cannot be booked for the same day because the trip leader needs to prepare in advance. Generally, you can book for tomorrow at the earliest. Some activities that are already scheduled for the day may allow last-minute joining; you can see today's departures on the homepage. Then, in the specific activity page, you can find the trip leader's WeChat to confirm.

8. What is the minimum number of participants? Can I join alone?

Answer: Most of our activities are solo-traveler friendly! Welcome to join! Some long-distance activities involving transportation require at least two participants. You can book for the date you want, and we'll help form a group. If we can't form a group, we'll confirm with you a day in advance to reschedule or cancel.

9. I can't book. How far in advance can I book?

Answer: Currently, we can book up to two months in advance. For dates beyond two months, you need to wait until they are within the two-month window.

9.1 How far in advance should I book?

Since multiple activities run simultaneously every day, during the off-season, booking 1-2 days in advance is fine; during the peak season (holidays and school vacations), 2-3 days in advance is recommended. For especially popular activities, like mushroom picking in summer, we suggest booking at least three days ahead. If you want to join on the same day, you usually can only join a trip that has already been scheduled. However, for peace of mind, booking a month in advance is also possible, because you can cancel without any liability up to 48 hours before the activity, without needing customer service assistance.

10. The activity we want is full. Could you add more spots as a special case?

Answer: If staffing permits, we may be able to open another group. Please contact the trip leader's WeChat on the activity page.

11. Do you provide charter car services in Dali?

Answer: Some of our long-distance activities in Dali include transportation; you can scroll down on the mini-program page to see details. But we do not have a dedicated chartered car service. You can check local ride-hailing mini-programs like Dian Yue, or the charter car drivers recommended in our Dali guide.

12. I want to join an activity, but the calendar isn't open. Can you arrange it?

Answer: It might be possible. Please contact the trip leader's WeChat on the activity detail page. He will confirm with you. If possible, the date will be opened. If the leader is not available, you are also welcome to join other bookable activities.

13. How can I find your activities? Do you have anything suitable for someone traveling alone?

Answer: We have many local activities, most of which can be joined by one person. They are very solo-traveler friendly. Welcome! Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

14. Can we change the time of our activity?

Answer: Yes, you can. Outside 48 hours, you can cancel and rebook yourself, or ask the trip leader to change the date directly for free. Within 48 hours, please coordinate with the trip leader.

15. How can I contact the trip leader after booking? Where can I see the specific information?

Answer: The trip leader's WeChat is on the activity details page. You can add them directly. After receiving your booking, the trip leader will add your WeChat to confirm and create a group with you. The exact meeting location and detailed information will be posted in the group.

16. Will my activity be confirmed once I sign up? Or will it be canceled if there aren't enough people?

Answer: Most of our activities can be confirmed with just one person. Some require at least two people, which is stated on the activity introduction page. You can also ask me about specific activities.

17. Can you issue an invoice? What is the content? How do I get it?

Answer: Yes, we can issue an invoice with the content "Travel Services". After the activity ends, tell the trip leader you need an invoice and provide your company name and tax ID. We will send the invoice within 3 working days after the activity ends.

18. Will someone contact me after I book?

Answer: Yes, the trip leader will contact you directly based on the information you left when booking.

19. What is the booking process for your activities?

Answer: You can choose an activity based on your interests, check available dates, and make a reservation. We will contact you using the WeChat ID you provided. For further inquiries, feel free to contact the trip leader's WeChat on the activity detail page.

20. Is there a dedicated photographer for the activities?

Answer: There is no dedicated photographer, but the trip leader will take some photos. You can also ask the leader to take photos for you, and most are quite good. We generally think a specialized photographer is not needed. If you want a professional photographer, we do offer paid outdoor photography services.

21. If an activity requires two people, can I book alone?

Answer: Yes, you can book alone. Just place your order normally. We will help you form a group by matching you with other participants. Once you book, you'll appear on the booked activities list, which may attract others to join. If the trip doesn't run, we'll confirm with you a day in advance. You can also see the number of people booked on the booking page.

22. Do you provide pickup/drop-off near Dali Old Town?

Answer: Activities in the city meet directly at the destination. For trips outside the city, the meeting point is at Dali University (usually near Pushi Bakery). There is no shuttle. We recommend using ride-hailing apps like Gaode a bit earlier; it's very convenient.

23. Will the meeting point be sent after booking? Also, if the activity is booked, will staff contact us in advance about the meeting?

Answer: Most meeting points are listed in the activity description, and you can navigate with GPS to see the distance. A few that need flexibility will send the precise location before departure. If your booking is successful, the trip leader will make arrangements based on the booking information. They will create a group with you and provide detailed information and the meeting location.

24. What's a good place to stay near your activities?

Answer: The area around Dali Old Town - Dali University, Xiaoyuanzi South/Middle/North District, Shanshuijian, Hilton, and also the Santata area are all convenient. You can easily get anywhere and avoid traffic jams like in the old town. Check our Dali guide for detailed analysis of staying in different areas.

25. On Cangshan hiking routes, are there any that don't pass by cemeteries?

Answer: The foothills of Cangshan are densely populated. From the villages to the foothills, low-altitude slopes have cemeteries that are unavoidable. Most mountain activities inevitably pass by them. But Dali's cemeteries are different from urban ones. They are scattered among the mountains and fields, part of daily life for mountain villagers. The forest is sunny and dry, and villagers pass by them, even resting and drinking tea or having snacks there.

26. There are so many hiking routes in Dali. Which one should I join?

Answer: It depends on your interests. The Four Seasons Foraging hike is fun and easy; you can pick up pine seeds and pine cones along the way. In winter, you can find porcupine quills, and in summer, the tail feathers of Lady Amherst's pheasant. You can collect gifts from the forest along the way. The Kuosongping Easy Hike is also in natural wilderness but relatively easier with less elevation gain. It passes through forests, streams, and fields, suitable for those without much experience but wanting to try hiking in Cangshan. The Fern Forest Hike is great for fern lovers; you can pick some to make specimens. The Muxiangping Pasture Hike and Huoshan Hike are both near Haidong and Shuanglang, suitable for those with average stamina but wanting to enjoy nature, and also convenient for friends staying in Shuanglang. The "A Day in the West Slope Mountain Village" activity combines hiking, farmhouse food, primeval forest, and cattle and sheep pasture. It's also suitable for families with elderly people; you can stroll near the farmhouse. For seeing primeval forest, the Yunzhishan Ridge Hike is the most ideal.

27. I'm bringing elderly and children. Is there something suitable for the whole family?

Answer: The most suitable is the Eryuan Rural Trip. This activity passes through Dengchuan (where Dali's pasture is located, and the local milk is delicious). You'll see local grandmothers making cheese and rushan (a local cheese) on the spot, and you can taste fresh cheese made with local sour papaya water; it's fragrant. The activity includes boating, walking, and a picnic. It's a relaxing rural trip. Also suitable is Honghong's Farm Picking and Cooking at Home. If the elderly have some stamina, you can consider "A Day at a Mountain Village on the West Slope" and other easy hiking activities.

28. I prefer something more primitive and locally characteristic. Any recommendations?

Answer: The Fengyu and Shangguan, and Miao Street market activities are open every Tuesday and Saturday respectively (on the 3rd and 8th of the lunar calendar). These are local market days. They are very authentic; villagers bring their own grown and picked produce to sell. In the Fengyu activity, we also visit a stone village. There are walnut trees, and in the right season, you can knock down walnuts to eat. The Shangguan market trip involves resting by the Erhai lake. The "A Day at a Mountain Village on the West Slope" hike is also very suitable for city folks. It goes to forests and pastures, relaxing and healing. You'll also eat a meal at a local villager's home, not a farmhouse restaurant—an actual home. Before Spring Festival, there's even a New Year pig feast!

29. Are the outdoor hike leaders male? Can I request a female guide?

Answer: If you prefer a female guide, you can mention it to the lead leader, and arrangements can be made. The leader's WeChat is on the activity detail page.

30. What clothes and shoes should I prepare?

Answer: Most activities require hiking shoes, or at least sports shoes with some slip resistance. Flat shoes like skate shoes are not suitable, as they are slippery. Generally, you need a jacket, and in winter, a light down jacket. Even during the day, bring a jacket to avoid getting cold if you return late, as Dali's mornings and evenings are cool.

31. If the weather is bad or rainy, which activities are less affected?

Answer: In rainy weather, consider the Eryuan Rural Trip. During this activity, you go boating on the lake. If it rains lightly, the scenery is even better—the misty lake and reed marshes with distant mountains are the most beautiful I've ever seen. During the Muslim Village walk, light rain is also no concern. In addition, you can do handicrafts, like making a mushroom nightlight or the Spring Rain Beekeeping activity, which are not much affected by weather.

32. How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking three days in advance, but no more than a week. Because we run many activities simultaneously each day, it's rare that an activity is full three days in advance. For most activities, booking one or two days ahead is enough.

33. I want to join an activity with a small dog. What activities have a leader who brings a dog?

On the homepage activity filter, there is an option "Leader may bring a small dog". Then add the trip leader from the activity details to confirm whether a leader with a dog can be arranged. Usually, it's no problem and your wish can be fulfilled.

34. Is "one adult and one child" considered 2 people?

Yes. Outdoor activities are priced per person. One adult and one child need to book 2 people. Some activities have companion prices, such as handicraft making, or parent-child prices, such as bee observation. For specific details, consult the respective activity leader.