A relaxed, romantic town with traditional Bai architecture, cobbled streets, stone walls, and elegant whitewashed buildings with carved eaves.
Dali Ancient Town combines history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit stop in Yunnan.
What else to visit in Yunnan:
Location: In Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, western Yunnan, between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.
History: Over 1,200 years old; historically the capital of the Dali Kingdom (937–1253 AD).
What to see & do in Dali
Three Pagodas (三塔, Chongsheng Temple)
Iconic symbol of Dali, built over 1,000 years ago.
The central pagoda is 69.13 m tall; the other two are smaller, forming a triangular layout.
Why visit: Historic architecture and photo opportunities with Cangshan Mountain in the background.
Dali Ancient City Walls & South Gate
Walk along the ancient city wall for panoramic views. South Gate has a lively market with local crafts and snacks.
Cangshan Mountain
4,000+ m high, just west of the town.
Activities: cable car ride, hiking, scenic photography.
Must-visit spots: Qingbi Stream, Shuanglang Trail, and Erhaituo Peak.
Erhai Lake
Huge 250 km² highland lake east of town. How to explore Erhai Lake in Dali.
Popular activities: cycling around the lake, boating, visiting lakeside villages (Shuanglang, Xizhou, Zhoucheng).
Why visit: Breathtaking scenery, traditional Bai villages, reflection photography.
Bai Minority Culture
Walk around old streets, temples, and markets. Try Bai crafts: tie-dye fabrics, silver jewelry, and pottery.
Local cuisine: Bai-style fish, Erhai carp, rice noodles, and Baba flatbread.
How to get to Dali
- By Air:
Dali Airport (Dali Airport, DLU) connects to Kunming, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai.
Taxi to town: 15–20 min, ¥50–70.
- By Train:
High-speed train from Kunming to Dali: ~2–3 hrs.
Train station → Ancient Town: 15–20 min taxi.
- By Bus:
From Lijiang: 2–3 hrs by intercity bus.
From Shangri-La: 5–6 hrs by bus.
Within Dali: Walking inside the Ancient Town is easiest; bike or scooter rentals available for lake trips.
Best time to visit Dali
- Spring (Mar–May): Comfortable temperatures, flowers bloom.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool, clear weather, golden rice fields.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Green scenery, but can be rainy.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild, less crowded, sunny days.
Travel tips
- Clothing: Layered clothes; temperature varies by lake/mountains.
- Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes – cobbled streets and trails.
- Culture: Respect Bai customs, especially in villages around Erhai Lake.
- Stay: Boutique guesthouses inside Ancient Town or lakeside hotels for views.
- Transport: Rent a bicycle or e-bike for Erhai Lake loop (~40–50 km).
Why you must visit Dali
Dali Ancient Town is a perfect combination of history, culture, and nature: historic streets, Bai traditions, spectacular mountains, and the scenic Erhai Lake.
It’s relaxed, photogenic, and a great place to experience authentic Yunnan life without the crowds of Lijiang or Shangri-La.
Recommended:
