Dali Travel Guide

Dali City is located in the central west of Yunnan Province surrounded by mountains on the east, west and south, and connects Lijiang in the north. It is the economic and cultural center of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture inhabited by 25 ethnic minorities. The city is made up of Dali New City and Dali Ancient City.
 

History

Dali has a long and rather glorious history and had been the political center of Yunnan for a long time. It is the ancient capital of Nanzhao kingdom established by Bai People and Kingdom of Dali. The former flourished in the area during the 8th and 9th centuries. The later governed from the year 937 to 1253 and created a brilliant culture. The Dali Ancient City is the evidence of its past glory. The city’s importance declined after Yuan Troop conquered Dali in 1253. Today, Dali is a major tourist destination for both domestic and international tourists.
 

Attractions

As a city of wonders, Dali boasts both natural beauty and historical and cultural heritage. Most tourists come to Dali Ancient City for its traditional architecture, minority cultures or simply to relax. Mt. Cangshan and Lake Erhai are praised as the city's leading scenic areas and in sunny days, they radiate with each other in picturistic scenery.

         Dali Ancient City                         Mt. Cangshan                                  Foreign Tourist Street

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, regarded as the symbol of Dali, is one of the best preserved Buddhist structures in China with the Tang Dynasty architecture style. Butterfly Spring periodically swarms with countless butterflies is a romantic place indicating love's loyalty. Foreign Tourist Street is also a must-see where you can taste traditional Bai snacks and see the famous 'Three-course Tea' ceremony. More about Dali Attractions>>
 

Transportation

Kunming will be your first stop by air or railway to Yunnan Province. Once you are in Kunming, it's very easy to get in Dali conveniently by air, railway and highway. It is only 50 minutes by plane or three to four hours by bus from Kunming. Taxis in Dali are plentiful and cheap. The best way to explore the city is by riding a bike which is quite relaxing and convenient. More about Dali Transportation>>
 

Weather

Dali has a mild subtropical highland climate and there is neither excessive heat in summer or intolerable cold in winter. Famous as the ‘Oriental Switzerland’, It has a spring-like climate prevails throughout the year and has around 126 days in the year with temperature around 18-21ºC (54-66 ºF). Most rainfall occurs from June to October. The best time to visit is in spring for visiting Dali Ancient City, climbing Mt. Cangshan or touring Lake Erhai. More about Dali Weather>>
 

Food

Food in Dali is most well-known for traditional dishes cooked by the Bai People, one of the city's ethnic minority groups. The basic taste this cuisine is sour, sweet and light spicy. San Dao Cha and Rushan are must-try food and other famous dishes also include Sand Pot Fish, Stewed Chicken, Ersi and Erquai, Xizhou Pie, Heqing Rice Cake, etc. Of course, Dali also offers numerous foods from around Yunnan Province and other Chinese delicacies. More about Dali Food>>
 

Restaurants

Restaurants here mainly serve local Yunnan food and Bai food. Some also have other cuisines in China. Most of Dali's highly-recommended restaurants are located on Foreign Tourist Street of Dali Ancient City such as Apricot Flower Village, Family on the Water Theme Restaurant, Plum and Well Grogshop. Etc. More about Dali Restaurants>>
 

Shopping

Dali is famous for its marble products and handicrafts. Marble-made Four Treasures of the Study, flowerpot and vase are good gifts for friends. Colorful Minority Dyed Products, exquisite Jianchuan woodcarvings and Dali Tuo Tea are also popular souvenirs among tourists. Foreign Tourist Street is the best place for souvenirs. More about Dali Shopping>>
 

Nightlife

Tourists in Dali can enjoy the festivals with rich customs of the Bai People, which is known for its hospitality and love of singing and dancing. The San Dao Cha (Three courses Tea) ceremony is full of unique culture flavor. You can choose to spend a leisurely evening at Dali Ancient City or select one of the many cafes and bars in Foreign Tourist Street to chat with your friends. More about Dali Nightlife>>