Dali, located in Yunnan Province, is a charming ancient town nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake. Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant Bai culture, Dali is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the cobblestone streets of Dali Ancient Town to the serene shores of Erhai Lake, this guide will help you explore the best of Dali.
What you need to travel to Dali
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Hotels & Flight Tickets
Hotels in Dali:
Trip.com | Expedia
Discounted Air Tickets:
Trip.com | Expedia
Transportation from DLU Airport to Dali
Dali Airport (DLU) is located about 13 kilometers east of downtown Dali. Here are the main transportation options to get to the city center:
Airport Shuttle Bus
Routes: The airport shuttle bus connects the airport to downtown Dali and other key locations in the city.
Cost: Approximately 10-20 RMB (about $2-3 USD) per person.
Travel Time: 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
How to Access: Shuttle bus counters are located in the arrivals hall. Tickets can be purchased on-site.
Taxi
Availability: Taxis are available 24/7 outside the airport terminals.
Cost: Approximately 30-50 RMB (about $5-8 USD) to downtown Dali.
Travel Time: 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tips: Ensure the driver uses the meter, and have your destination written in Chinese to avoid miscommunication.
Ride-Hailing Apps (Didi Chuxing)
App: Didi Chuxing (China’s equivalent of Uber) is widely used in Dali.
Cost: Slightly cheaper than taxis, around 25-40 RMB (about $4-6 USD).
Travel Time: Similar to taxis, around 20-30 minutes.
How to Access: Download the Didi app and set up payment (international credit cards may not work, so cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay is recommended).
Dali Ancient Town 大理古城
Dali Ancient Town is a well-preserved historic town that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. The town is known for its traditional Bai architecture, vibrant markets, and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can explore the town’s many shops, cafes, and restaurants or simply wander through the winding streets to soak in the vibes.
The town is also home to several cultural landmarks, such as the Three Pagodas and the Dali Museum, which showcase the region’s rich history and culture. The town’s Foreigner Street is a popular spot for tourists, offering a mix of local and international cuisine, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. The town’s South Gate and North Gate are also worth visiting, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Address: Dali Ancient Town, Dali, Yunnan.
How to Get There: Take a bus or taxi from Dali Railway Station (about 20 minutes).
Erhai Lake 洱海
Erhai Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in China and a stunning natural attraction. The lake is home to several scenic spots, including Xizhou Town, known for its traditional Bai architecture, and Shuanglang, a charming village with stunning views of the lake.
The lake’s Butterfly Spring is a popular spot for travelers, offering crystal-clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere. The lake is also a great destination for birdwatching, with a variety of migratory birds visiting throughout the year.
Address: Erhai Lake, Dali, Yunnan.
Best visited during daylight hours
How to Get There: Take a bus or taxi from Dali Ancient Town (about 30 minutes).
Cangshan Mountain 苍山
Cangshan Mountain is a stunning mountain range that offers breathtaking views of Dali and Erhai Lake. The mountain is home to several scenic spots, including the Jade Belt Road, a hiking trail that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Seven Dragon Maidens Pool, a series of crystal-clear pools fed by mountain springs. You can take the Cangshan Cable Car to the summit and explore the many trails and viewpoints.
The mountain’s Gantong Temple is also worth visiting, offering a peaceful retreat and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The mountain is a popular destination for hiking, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs.
Address: Cangshan Mountain, Dali, Yunnan.
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
How to Get There: Take a bus or taxi from Dali Ancient Town (about 20 minutes).
Xizhou Town 喜洲镇
Xizhou Town is a charming village located on the shores of Erhai Lake. The town is known for its traditional Bai architecture, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage.
The town is also home to several cultural landmarks, such as the Yan’s Compound, a well-preserved Bai-style mansion, and the Xizhou Morning Market, where you can sample local delicacies and buy traditional handicrafts. The town’s Bai Embroidery Workshop is also worth visiting, offering a glimpse into the region’s traditional crafts.
Address: Xizhou Town, Dali, Yunnan.
How to Get There: Take a bus or taxi from Dali Ancient Town (about 30 minutes).
Three Pagodas – Chongsheng Temple 三塔 – 崇圣寺
The Three Pagodas are one of Dali’s most iconic landmarks. Built during the Tang Dynasty, the pagodas are a stunning example of ancient Chinese architecture. The central pagoda, known as Qianxun Pagoda, is 69 meters tall and is flanked by two smaller pagodas. The pagodas are part of the Chongsheng Temple complex, which also includes several halls, gardens, and a museum.
The temple’s Reflection Pond is a popular spot for photography, offering a mirror-like reflection of the pagodas. The temple also hosts cultural performances and events throughout the year, providing a deeper insight into the region’s rich heritage.
Address: Three Pagodas, Dali, Yunnan.
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00
How to Get There: Take a bus or taxi from Dali Ancient Town (about 10 minutes).
Shuanglang Town 双廊镇
Shuanglang is a charming village located on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake. The village is known for its stunning views of the lake and the Cangshan Mountains, as well as its vibrant arts scene. The village is also home to several scenic spots, including Moon Palace, a popular viewpoint, and Jinsuo Island, a small island with traditional Bai architecture.
The village’s Morning Market is a great place to sample local delicacies and buy traditional handicrafts. The village is also a popular destination for photography, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
Address: Shuanglang, Dali, Yunnan.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours (best visited during daylight hours).
How to Get There: Take a bus or taxi from Dali Ancient Town (about 1 hour).
The Trout 鳟鱼餐厅
Trout has always been the favorite ingredient of the restaurant’s founder and chef. Trout has delicate meat and rich fat and can be fragrant by simply frying or grilling. The restaurant’s first menu included many trout dishes. The restaurant focuses on exploring and presenting local Yunnan ingredients, so the name is simple, named after an ingredient.
The restaurant has only one dining table, and outdoor dining areas are open depending on the situation. It can accommodate up to 12 guests and a minimum of 6 guests. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance. At the same time, the Trout Restaurant team also undertakes out-of-town cooking activities, deep in the mountains, by the Erhai Lake, and on cruise ships, and provides catering services according to needs, such as weddings, brand events, etc.
Reservation required
WeChat: the_trout_dali (Suggested contact information, built-in translation in chat)
Contact: +86 18187299525
Address: G214, Dali, Yunnan 671006
Chinese Address(Show to Driver): 鳟鱼餐厅
大理市登舟工作室东北侧50米 (G214公路)
Opening Hours: 18:00-21:00 ( Wednesday to Sunday)
Dali is a destination that offers something for everyone, from stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring ancient towns, relaxing by the lake, or immersing yourself in local traditions, Dali promises an unforgettable journey through China’s most enchanting region!
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