Dali Travel Guide
Dali is located in western Yunnan, backed by Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake, and was historically the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms. The nineteen peaks of Cangshan, the blue waves of Erhai and the Bai villages together form the "wind, flowers, snow and moon" scenery of "Xiaguan wind, Shangguan flowers, Cangshan snow, Erhai moon," making it one of the most poetic destinations in Yunnan.
Dali has a relaxed pace. You can linger slowly in the old town and by the lake, or use it as a stopover on the northwestern Yunnan loop (Kunming–Dali–Lijiang).
Must-Visit Attractions
Dali Ancient Town — the South Gate, Fuxing Road and Foreigner Street, where Bai residences blend with modern life; Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple — the landmark of Dali, with three pagodas standing tall against Cangshan as a backdrop; Erhai Lake — a plateau lake where the lakeside loop offers views of Haitong, the ecological corridor and pastoral scenery; Xizhou Ancient Town — well-preserved Bai residences and golden rice fields; Shuanglang Ancient Town — an artsy town on the east shore of Erhai, excellent for sunrise and lake views; Cangshan — take the cable car up and overlook the full panorama of Erhai; Haitong Ecological Park — a wetland secret reaching into Erhai.
Specialty Food
Hot and sour fish, Erhai gong fish, rushan, ersi and erkuai, Xizhou baba, Nuodeng ham, carved plums, grilled rushan, and the Bai "Three-Course Tea" (first bitter, second sweet, third with a lingering aftertaste).
Best Time to Travel
The climate is mild year-round, with March to May and September to November being the most comfortable and pleasant; the rainy season (June to August) has frequent showers, but the mist and clouds over the lake and mountains have a charm of their own; winter has plenty of sunshine and you can see snow on Cangshan in the distance.
Transportation Guide
Dali Airport and Dali Station connect to Kunming and other places, and Kunming can be reached by high-speed train in about two hours; around Erhai you can travel by chartered car, bicycle or lake-loop bus; the distances between the ancient town and the various towns are moderate, so it is recommended to set aside ample time to go slowly.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic two-day tour: on the first day visit Dali Ancient Town and in the evening go to the Erhai ecological corridor to watch the sunset; on the second day visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple in the morning and tour Xizhou around the lake in the afternoon. A three-day tour can add the Cangshan cable car and Shuanglang Ancient Town, or head to Shaxi Ancient Town for some quiet time.
Travel Tips
The plateau ultraviolet rays are strong, so take good sun protection and stay hydrated; pay attention to safety and changing weather when cycling around the lake; when spending in the ancient town and scenic areas, look for clearly marked prices.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Watch the sunrise over Erhai at Longkan Pier in the early morning; cycle along the Haixi ecological corridor through villages and wetlands; try Bai tie-dyeing or a pastoral afternoon tea in Xizhou; feel the simplicity of the Tea Horse Road on Sideng Street in Shaxi Ancient Town; listen to folk music at a small bar by Erhai at night.
One-Day Trips Around Dali
Cangshan + Jizhao Nunnery — mountain temple and vegetarian meal; Shaxi Ancient Town — a quiet town on the Tea Horse Road; Nuodeng Ancient Village — thousand-year salt wells and hometown of ham; Shibao Mountain in Jianchuan — caves and Bai woodcarving; you can also take the high-speed train to Lijiang.
