Dali

Why Visit Dali

Dali is where Yunnan's cultural soul lives. Set between the towering Cangshan Mountain range and the serene Erhai Lake, this ancient Bai kingdom capital offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, living heritage, and laid-back charm that draws travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Erhai Lake

Yunnan's second-largest lake stretches 42 km along the eastern foot of Cangshan. Cycle the lakeside road, visit fishing villages like Shuanglang and Xizhou, or take a boat to Jinsuo Island. The sunrise over Erhai is unforgettable.

Cangshan Mountain

Nineteen peaks rise above 3,500m, laced with hiking trails, alpine meadows, and hidden temples. Take the Washburn cable car for panoramic views, or hike the Cloud Trail between peaks.

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

Dali's iconic landmark — three Tang-dynasty pagodas dating back over 1,000 years. The main tower stands 69.13m tall. The reflection pool behind the complex creates one of Yunnan's most photographed scenes.

Dali Old Town

Walk through the ancient city gates into a grid of marble-paved streets lined with Bai-style architecture, artisan workshops, cafés, and local markets. Don't miss the daily morning market at the North Gate.

Xizhou

A quiet Bai village 20 minutes north of Dali, famous for its traditional courtyard homes (三坊一照壁), tie-dye workshops, and the best xizhou baba flatbreads in all of Yunnan.

Best Time to Visit

March to May (spring flowers and the Third Moon Fair) and September to November (clear skies, golden light). Summers are warm with occasional rain; winters are mild and dry.

Getting There

Fly into Dali Airport (DLU) or take the high-speed train from Kunming (2 hours). Dali is a natural stopover between Kunming and Lijiang.