Strung between the Cangshan mountains and the blue expanse of Erhai Lake, Dali is Yunnan's mellow traveler favourite — a Bai-minority old town of marble, tie-dye and slow cafe afternoons.
History & culture
Capital of the independent Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms for over five centuries, Dali was a power on the Tea Horse Road. The Bai people's distinctive architecture, batik and Buddhist heritage still define the region.
What to see & do
- ◆Dali Old Town's gates, lanes and cafes
- ◆Cycling or e-biking the Erhai Lake shore villages
- ◆The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
- ◆Xizhou town and its Bai courtyard mansions
- ◆Cangshan mountain cable car and ridge walk
What to eat
- ●Erhai Lake fish casserole
- ●Bai-style stir-fried 'rushan' cheese
- ●Rose-petal cakes
Getting there
Dali has its own airport and a high-speed rail station (~2h from Kunming). The old town is a short ride from the station.
Avoid the pitfalls
- 'Dali city' (Xiaguan) is the modern transport hub; you want the old town to the north — confirm with drivers.
- Lakeshore 'wedding photo' spots may charge for access; public stretches are free.
- Altitude is ~2,000 m — ease into longer hikes on Cangshan.
Planning a trip around Dali? Our AI itinerary planner is on the way.
Explore more on the map