Dali, at an altitude of 2090 meters, is located on a fertile plateau between Cangshan Mountain range to the west and Erhai Lake to the east. Dali is also the capital of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in northwestern Yunnan Province, served as the connection between Kunming and Lijiang.
In the 4th century, Bai ancestors here thrived and spread many tribal clan. In the time of 8th to 10th century, Dali was the medieval capital of both the Bai kingdom Nanzhao and the Kingdom of Dali. With such a long history, Dali is one of the oldest cultural birthplace in Yunnan with historical and cultural sites to explore.
Usually, travelers would like to spend 2~4 days in Dali. They plan to cover all the highlighted attractions with memorable activities designed, like Dali Old Town (walk for leisure), Three Pagodas, Cangshan Mountain (walking or hiking), Erhai Lake (cruising or cycling), Xizhou Ancient Town (Bai architecture and Three Courses of Tea), Zhoucheng (traditional tie-dyeing technique), etc.
Most visitors plan Dali as a part their exploration of the vast Yunnan Province and usually arrange it for a middle stop between Kunming and Lijiang. To enrich your travel experience, you are highly recommended to do as the others to enjoy a classic week long vacation in Yunnan. Since most travelers would land in Kunming first and it is a good idea to spend one or two days there visiting the incredible Stone Forest, overlooking Dian Lake from Dragon Gate of Western Hill, viewing local people’s daily life at Green Lake Park...then with a high speed train to Dali for about 1.5 days’ exploration to catch all the essences of Dali. Transfer to Lijiang to meet the famous Lijiang Old Town and learn the mysterious Dongba culture within 2 days. Following the exciting Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking, enjoy another 2 days in Shangri-La to immerse into the earthly paradise with nice visiting of the holy monasteries and lovely landscapes.
Besides, you can extend from Kunming to Yuanyang to marvel at the unbelievable magnificent Yuanyang Rice Terraces, to Puzhehei to relax at the pleasant wonderland of lotus blossoms, to Luoping to be fond of the golden sea of rapeseed flowers, to Xishuangbanna to feel the enthusiastic Dai ethnic people and the lush tropical forest, etc.
>> Check more about How to Plan Your Dali tour.
Dali is renowned as land of wonder, both natural and manmade. Silver Cangshan Mountain and Jade Erhai Lake are famous in Dali that travelers should never miss them during your Dali visit. Located between the magnificent Cangshan Mountain and elegant Erhai Lake are Dali Old Town, Three Pagodas, Xizhou Ancient Town, Zhoucheng and Butterfly Spring, etc. All of the attractions will give you historical and cultural feast. For more attractions info, please see all Top Attractions in Dali
Dali Old Town is a historic town with rich culture and Bai ethnic characters. Wander leisurely to explore city gates, old towers, old streets, temples, museums, shops and bars...
It is the symbol of Dali located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain. It was first built in the time of Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom in 9th and 10th century.
Cangshan Mountain is with nineteen peaks and eighteen streams. Enjoy breathtaking view at the top of the mountain and along amazing Jade Cloud Road.
Erhai Lake (Ear-shaped Sea), reputed as "Pearl of Plateau", is the second largest highland lake of Yunnan. Cruising and cycling are recommended way to enjoy Erhai Lake scenery.
Located roughly halfway between Lijiang and Dali, Shaxi Ancient Town (Jianchuan) once was a bustling trade point on the Tea Horse Caravan Road. Its Market Square was added to the World Monuments Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites in 2001.
Xizhou Village is an ancient town with 1000-year history in Dali, featured with numerous Bai residence architectures, famous local dishes - Xizhou Baba, and Bai ethnic customs and activities like Morning market, Three-Course Tea and Tie-dyeing.
Zhoucheng is located in the north of Xizhou Ancient Town, west side of Erhai Lake. It is called the "Land for National Tie-dye" where travelers can learn how to make a tie-dyed cloth. Visit one of Bai's family workshops and see the local Bai people use traditional tie-dye techniques to make cloth.
Every year during late spring and summer, the scent of heritiera parvifolia alongside Butterfly Spring will attract thousands of colorful butterflies gathered in the scenic area. The local Bai ethic group regard the spring a symbol of eternal and faithful love.
Chongsheng Temple complex is located behind the Three Pagodas which was the royal temple of Dali and one of the 6 largest Buddhist centers in Southeast Asia.
Shibao Mountain is a famous Danxia landform mountain with famous Temples, Buddhist Grottoes and Golden Monkeys.
Besides the endless beauty of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali is a ravishing destination giving you more. It is a lively place on plateau taking you truly involving in local ethnic group’s daily life and have in-depth experience about their stunning cultures. For more featured activities and festival info, please see all Things to Do in Dali.
If you want to have a look at the local Bai people’s daily life, going to one of the old towns in the morning and visiting the local lively market is the authentic way. The locals are dressed in traditional costumes, either selling goods or buying daily staff.
The genius Three- Course tea ceremony is a must try in Dali. Three-course tea, first cup is bitter, second cap is sweet and the third cup is for aftertaste, which indicating the pursuit of perfection of personality during the whole life.
Tie-dye technique of Bai Minority was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage, can be used as a clothes, tablecloth, decoration, etc. If you are interested in the making process of tie-dye, you transfer to Zhoucheng Village - “Hometown of Bai People’s Tie-dye Art”.
Bai people's March Fair is is the grandest festival for the Bai people held from 15th to 21th of the third lunar month. During the festival, businessmen and local people in and around Dali gather here to participate in the transaction.
Raosanling is the most important religious festival in the calendar of the Bai people. It takes place in three villages in the Dali valley during the 4th lunar month and lasts for three days, each major activity taking place at a different location.
Torch Festival is a major festival for the Bai and the Yi minorities around Shaxi. It is held every year from the 25th day (24th for Yi minority) of the 6th month on the lunar calendar. During the festival, Yi and Bai people dressed in traditional costumes dancing and singing around big barn fires go on late in to the night.
Dali has a subtropical highland climate with warm and rainy summers and short, mild and dry winters because of its low latitude and high elevation. The annual average temperature is around 14.9°C, and the average temperatures of Spring and Summer stay around 7°C~20°C and the average temperatures of Autumn and Winter keep around 14°C~23°C.
Dali is a comfortable destination which can be visited all the year round, especially in beautiful spring time (March to May). There is a saying going "The best scenery of Dali falls in March" and travelers can enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery and lively Bai ethnic festivals. July to September is the rainy season and make sure you bring umbrella and thin coat when come in this season and to take coat, cappa when visit the Xiaguan Area for the wind is heavy.
>> See Details about Dali Climate, Weather, Wearing tips & Best Season to Go.
Travelers can take flight, train and long distance bus to get to Dali. Dali is served as the connection between Kunming and Lijiang.
Dali Airport is located in the southeast of Erhai Lake, about 13 kilometers from Xiaguan and 30 kilometers to Dali Old Town. Convenient flights are connecting Dali with Kunming, Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province; and Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Nanjing, Shenzhen, etc. There are several daily schedules for flights from Kunming to Dali with 50 minutes' transfer.
So far in May, 2020, there is only one train station in Dali - Dali Railway Station (大理站). This station is served for both high speed train to and from Kunming (2 hours), Guangzhou (10.5-11 hours), Guilin (10 hours), Nanning (6.5-7 hours), Lijiang (1.5 hours), Puzhehei (3.5-4 hours), etc. Also, there are some normal trains with some destinations in Yunnan Province and some nearby provinces in south China region.
Travelers can reach Dali by long distance bus either from Kunming, Lijiang or other places in Yunnan.
Besides use our private car service, travelers can take Dali sightseeing buses to Dali Old Town, Three Pagodas, Cangshan Mountain, Xizhou Village, Shaxi Ancient Town, Shuanglang, etc; if weather and physical condition permit, it is recommended to rent a bike cycling around Erhai Lake. Moreover, taking a cruise sailing on Erhai Lake adds more leisure into your trip.
>> Check more about How to Get to and around Dali | Dali to Shaxi Ancient Town | Kunming to Dali | Lijiang to Dali.
You never need to worry about your accommodation in Dali. No matter you want to stay in the new town area in Xiaguan, or want to stay in Dali Old Town, or even accommodate in the beautiful fishing village around Erhai Lake, you are bound to a lot of choice. For travelers who have one or two nights in Dali, it is recommended to stay in Dali Old Town for there are hotels and hostels ranging from luxury 5 star (Dali Regent Hotel recommended, located close to the East Gate), comfortable 4 star (Dali Landscape Hotel recommended, located close to Foreigner Street in the center of Dali Old Town) to budget hostels.
Feel free to tell your needs and requirements to our professional travel consultants, they are here ready to help and book your ideal hotels.
>> Check more about Recommended Dali Accommodation | Where to Stay in Dali.
We have collected some very useful Dali maps including Dali Tourist maps, Cangshan Mountain Map and Erhai Lake Map to help you have a better understanding about Dali and its attractions.
>> For more maps, please check Overall and Detailed Dali Maps.
Dali Tourist Map
Dali Yunnan Map
Erhai Lake Travel Map
Besides Lijiang, there are some other hot destinations in Yunnan, like Lijiang, Shangri-la, Kunming, Yuanyang and Jianshui, etc. Check the travel guide of each destination and discover now!
China is vast and diverse. You can choose your favorite destination among more than 70 tourist destination and regions. Following are 4 popular destinations you may get interested in. Check all destinations in China.
We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable trips to Yunnan for the past few years. Among them Mr. Elie & his wife from Belgium had 15 great days in Yunnan during their 69 days China trip customized with us and shared us their special travel story. Travel with China Discovery to create your wonderful Yunnan trip memories!
All itineraries and side trips can be customized privately, so please feel free to contact with our travel consultants if you have this kind of need.
Reach the place south of the colorful clouds, enter into the “Plant and Animal Kingdom”, see the magnificent mountains and plateaus, appreciate the breathtaking river and lakes, and join in minority village to enjoy ethnic culture…
This 3 days’ classic trip will takes you to experience the essences of Dali - all highlighted attractions and featured activities, including the not-missing Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, etc., as well as get under the skin to learn more about the brilliant representative Bai people's culture.
This 3-day holiday is the best choice to discover them all in Dali. Besides the classic visits of Dali Old Town, the itinerary covers half day for a sightseeing hiking at the magnificent Cangshan Mountain, emerald Erhai Lake, and large Dali Old Town. Also, we arrange the popular Erhai Lake cruise and Xizhou Old Town appreciation.
This 4-day Kunming & Dali tour is the best combo for your savory of both favored romantic destinations by taking a 2 hours’ high speed train riding for easy transfer. It covers Stone Forest, Western Hills, Dali Old Town, Three Pagodas, Bai ethnic old towns, and more must-see sites!
This 4 day Dali tour is great to have a relaxing holiday with best savory of Dali nature and culture. You will not only have meaningful exploration of the famous Dali Old Town and Shaxi Old Town, but also please your eyes with the jade-like Erhai Lake by cruising around Cangshan Mountain.
Historically, culturally and geographically, Yunnan Province is one of the most diverse and alluring destinations in China. In the 8 days, you’ll visit Yi, Bai, Naxi ethnic groups’ land and the legendary Shangri-La.
It is hard to know what China is like without actually traveling here. China has so much to offer for everyone and will be sure to provide a memorable experience. To show you an overall China with complete pictures and conceptions, you can take our 19 days China Panoramic tour for in-depth exploration.
Beijing offers a great glimpse into our country’s expansive history, brilliant culture and its rapid modernization. Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-La is regarded as the No.1 itinerary chosen by half travelers to Yunnan. That’s to say, you’ll explore 5 destinations in 10 days!
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