Dali travel guide: attractions, weather, food, hotels, local culture, itinerary, etc.

Dali is the capital of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province and was once the ancient capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom. It is located in the northwest of Yunnan, with the charming ancient city of Lijiang and the mysterious Shangri-La to its north.The total area is 1,815 square kilometers, with permanent population of Dali Prefecture is 3.342 million.

Dali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Yunnan and China, with a long history and rich Bai ethnic culture. It is also one of the first 24 historical and cultural cities in China. Dali boasts mild weather year-round, fertile land, and many historical and cultural sites, as well as natural attractions, including Dali Ancient Town, which was once the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom; Shaxi Ancient Town, the only still-functioning market on the ancient Tea-Horse Road in China; the majestic Cangshan Mountain; and the enchanting Erhai Lake. The combination of these elements gives Dali a unique charm that is incomparable.

Culture of Dali

Xizhou Ancient Town

Dali, also known as Yucheng or Zicheng, Dali city was the capital of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and the Dali Kingdom. It has a rich history that dates back to the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom, which flourished from the 8th to the 10th century. It served as the political, economic and cultural center of the ancient Yunnan region for more than 500 years.

Dali is a multi-ethnic area primarily inhabited by the Bai ethnic group. Dali City has a permanent population of 790,100, with the Bai ethnic group accounting for 65% of the city's population. Bai ethnic culture and Han culture come in mixture that sparkles with strong ethnic flavor. Besides, the local costumes, residences, belief and traditional festivals of the Bai people are also dictated by the unique culture it presents to the outside world.

The integrity of Dali's history and culture, the wisdom of the Bai people, and the depth of their art have had a significant impact on the development of Chinese civilization, making Dali one of the regions with the richest and most distinctive local cultural characteristics in China.

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Must-visit Attractions, what to visit

Erhai Lake

Dali is a picturesque region, rich in cultural and historical heritage, with numerous famous attractions, including 138 tourist sites. Highlights include beautiful natural landscapes such as the majestic Cangshan Mountain and the stunning Erhai Lake, as well as many world heritage sites and historical landmarks. Notable attractions include the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali Ancient City, and Xizhou Ancient Town, which is known for having the best-preserved traditional Bai residential architecture. Sidengjie Street in Shaxi Ancient Town is the only still-functioning marketplace of the Ancient Tea Horse Road in the country. Other attractions include the authentic and well-preserved Shaxi Ancient Town and Nuodeng Ancient Village, known for its ancient salt wells and hundreds of elegant traditional residences and buildings

More Top Attractions in Dali »

Local Food and Snacks

Dali, as a historical and cultural city, is home to the Bai people and naturally boasts its own unique and flavorful dishes. Dali's cuisine not only showcases the region's rich culinary culture but also allows visitors to experience the local Bai ethnic customs through tasting. The flavors of Dali include sour, spicy, bitter, sweet, and salty.

Sour and Spicy: One popular dish is sour and spicy fish(酸辣鱼), which almost every household prepares, known for its delicious and fragrant taste.

Salty: Another highlight is Nuo Deng ham(诺邓火腿), and the Xizhou Baba(喜洲粑粑), known as "Eastern Pizza," is a flaky bread that's also quite famous.

Bitter: The "Three Courses of Tea"(三道茶) is an important traditional tea custom for welcoming guests in Bai culture.

Sweet: the grilled milk fan(乳扇) is a well-known snack in Dali Ancient Town.

More Local Food-Restaurants in Dali »

Weather, when is best time and season to visit

Erhai Lake

When is the best time or season to visit Dali?

The answer is the best time/season for traveling is Spring (Mar. to May) and Autumn (Sep. to Nov.). It’s mild all the year round in Dali without being too hot in summer and too cold in winter. A song goes like this, "March is the very time when Dali showcases its exceptional beauty." Wherever you go, being Dali ancient town, Mt. Changshan or Erhai Lake, spring is the best season for you. Moreover, the Bai people celebrate most of their traditional festivals (e.g. the famous March Street Festival) and hold most of their important gatherings around March. If you go there in spring, you can truly experience the strong ethnic lifestyle there.

Top destinations, where to visit

Nuodeng Ancient Village in Yunlong County

Dali, a place steeped in history, stunning natural landscapes, and Bai ethnic culture, with mild weather year-round, is one of the first 24 historical and cultural cities in China. It captivates every travel enthusiast with its dreamlike charm.

Jianchuan County, a hidden gem, exudes a rustic and ancient charm throughout its region. It is home for historical of the Ancient Tea Horse Road with highlights including Shaxi Ancient Town, which is listed among the World Monuments Fund's 100 most endangered sites.

Yunlong County is a key location on the Tea Horse Road, historically significant for its salt industry in ancient times.

Heqing County, is rich in tourism resources and famous for its silver.

In a nutshell, all those destinations offer their own incredible charm.

Top destinations in Dali »

Best Things to do in Dali

Cycle around Dali

As one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, Dali is rich in history and culture while also offering breathtaking natural landscapes. In today's fast-paced and stressful world, an increasing number of people long to immerse themselves in nature, looking to unwind and rediscover their true selves through outdoor activities. Visitors choose to stroll through Dali Ancient Town, where the days and nights offer distinct experiences. Explore Shaxi Ancient Town, a key point on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, and visit the local market. Cycle around the beautiful Erhai Lake and enjoy the amazing views of Cangshan Mountain. Take a Small Train Through the Rice Fields in Xizhou Town. Experience the Tie-dyeing in the Zhoucheng Village, etc.

Interesting hands-on activities

Bai Tie-dye

Dali is not only known for its stunning landscapes but also for its rich Bai ethnic culture. The Bai people, who have lived in this region for thousands of years, are famous for their traditional arts. There are many hands-on cultural activities in Dali, such as Bai Tie-dye, create your own unique Tie-dye artwork, join a flower cake making class, and savor the delicious local desserts you’ve made yourself. Meeting artisan of Nuodeng salt, visit the Nuodeng Salt Production. Wood carving class, visit local craft man and learn about the art of wood carving.

Through these experiences, get away from all worries, simply relax and enjoy the fun of these activities.

The Third Month Fair of the Bai Ethnic Group(April/May (days 15 to 21 of the third lunar month))： March Street, also known as "Guanyin Market" or "Guanyin Street," is an annual grand festival of the Bai people. Originally associated with religious activities, it has gradually evolved into a trade fair featuring various dances and competitions. The event is held from the 15th to the 21st day of the third lunar month at the foot of Dianchi Mountain, west of Dali City.

The Torch Festival (July/August (days 24 to 26 of the sixth lunar month))：The Torch Festival is a traditional celebration for several ethnic groups in Yunnan, including the Bai, Yi, Naxi, and Jino peoples. Typically held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, it features activities such as worshipping the torches, lighting them, and dancing. Known as the "Carnival of the East," the festival is a time to pray for a bountiful harvest and prosperity.

Worship Gathering in the Three Temples (the 23rd to the 25th day of the fourth lunar month each year)：Originating from the Tang and Nanzhao periods, the Bai people's "Ritual of the Three Spirits" is a vibrant festival celebrated from the 23rd to the 25th day of the fourth lunar month each year. This grand traditional festival, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, involves lively singing and dancing gatherings for the Bai people of Dali before the busy farming season.

Luxury Hotel in Dali

Yiyun Hotel

When visiting Dali, most of the main attractions revolve around Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, and Cangshan Mountain. For convenience, consider staying at a hotel near these areas, where you'll find a variety of options with complete facilities and attentive service. Many boutique hotels offer beautiful views, allowing you to enjoy the scenery right from the comfort of your room. For example: Hilton Dali Resort & Spa, Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai, Dali Yuewan Resort Hotel, Dali Ancient Luchun Hotel, Yiyun Hotel.

How to Plan an Itinerary in Dali

Visiting the top classic attractions in Dali takes about 3 full days. Adding arrival and departure time, you'll need approximately 4-5 days.

Here some suggestion for 4 days sightseeing in Dali

Day1: Arrival, visit iconic Three Pagodas, a symbol of the city, stroll Dali Ancient Town, Climb Wuhua Tower for a panoramic view of the Dali Ancient Town.

Day2: Visit Xizhou Ancient Town. experience the Bai Tie-dye in the Zhoucheng village.

Day3: Adventure the Cangshan Mountain for nice paranoic views, Explore the Erhai Lake and feeding red-billed gulls at Erhai Lake.
Day4: Explore the Shaxi Ancient Town, visit Sideng street, the only surviving marketplace, the ancient opera stage, Xingjiao Temple, and Yujin Bridge. End trip and departure in the evening.
All the itinerary are flexible. Just contact us, please. We would be honored to customize a perfect, personalized itinerary specifically for you.

Customize Your Unique Yunnan Tour

If you are interested in one of the Yunnan itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Yunnan Tour, please visit our Yunnan Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Dali Trip

Dali Three Pagoda

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