Top 10 Famous Tourist Attractions Must-Visit in Dali

Dali City boasts beautiful natural scenery and rich historical and cultural heritage. It is not just a tourist spot; it is an ideal place for deep immersion in Yunnan's history, culture, and customs. In addition to admiring ancient architecture, there are many attractions worth visiting, such as the majestic Cangshan Mountain, the stunning Erhai Lake, the famous Dali Three Pagodas, Shaxi Ancient Town and Xizhou Ancient Town. Each attraction has its unique charm that attracts countless visitors from both home and abroad.

Top 1: Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake is one of China's famous freshwater lakes and the second-largest lake in Yunnan, Known as the "Pearl of the Plateau," Erhai was formed during the last ice age and sits at an elevation of 1,972 meters. It stretches 40 kilometers from north to south and varies in width from 3 to 9 kilometers. The lake is named Erhai, meaning "Ear Sea," due to its ear-like shape.

Each season showcases its beauty, with the crystal-clear blue waters reflecting white clouds and the distant Cangshan Mountain. Erhai Lake is quite long, so touring the lake can be divided into the western and eastern sections. In the western, you can leisurely bike along the lake's corridors, take a family-friendly boat ride, and visit the ancient town of Xizhou, which features numerous Bai ethnic architectural styles. The eastern side including the Xingsheng Bridge, Lixiangbang, Wenbi Village, a charming little island in Erhai Lake called xiaoPutuo Island, and the ancient town of Shuanglang. Flocks of seagulls add vibrancy in winter (the migration period for migratory birds to spend the winter primarily occurs from late October to March or April of the following year), and the gentle breeze makes it an inviting place to stay.

• Distance and drive-time : 2 km, 5 mins
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: 1-3 day
• Address: Dali Ancient Town, Dali

Top 2: Dali Ancient City

The history of Dali Ancient City can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty during the Tianbao era. you will feel as if you have traveled back a thousand years when you pass through the ancient South Gate. This ancient city, nestled between Erhai Lake to the east and Cangshan Mountain to the west, was established in the 15th year of the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty. Dali Ancient Town, once the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, is one of China's first historical and cultural cities.

Unlike Lijiang, Dali is a little more authentic. Apart from Fuxing Road, which is more commercialized, the rest of the area remains quite local, as many local residents still live in the nearby small streets. The most striking features within the ancient city are the Bai-style architecture, with its exquisite carvings and courtyard layouts, complemented by the bluestone pavements, and city wall creating a vivid tapestry of Dali Ancient City. Wuhua Tower, the highest point in the ancient city, offers a panoramic view of the stunning scenery of Dali from its summit. There is a unique Guandi Temple in the ancient city, established in 1386, boasting a history of over 600 years.

Here, you will find not only ancient relics but also the warm hospitality of the Bai people and authentic cuisine waiting for your arrival. In every corner of Dali Ancient City, which is one of Yunan’s most popular tourist destinations, you can feel the charm of this historic attraction.

• Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Tour Length: 2 hours
• Address: Dali Ancient Town, Dali

Top 3: The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are located 1.5 kilometers northwest of Dali Ancient Town and is one of Dali's iconic attractions that must not be missed. Once a symbol of the Nanzhao Kingdom, they were originally part of a temple complex, but the rest of the temple was destroyed during wartime, leaving only the three pagodas standing. Recognized as a national key cultural relic protection unit, the pagodas consist of one large tower and two smaller ones. The large tower is known as Qianxun Pagoda, while the two smaller towers are situated to the north and south. There is a small pond on the right side of the pagodas as you walk toward the mountain, where you can capture a stunning reflection of the three pagodas in the water.

• Distance and drive-time : 1.5 km, 5 mins
• Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Tour Length: 1 hours
• Address: Dali Ancient Town, Dali

Top 4: Shaxi Ancient Town

Shaxi Town is located in the southeastern part of Jianchuan County, Yunnan Province, is a key point on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and situated between the major tourist areas of Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. It takes about two hours by car from either Dali or Lijiang to reach Shaxi.

If you are looking for an authentic ancient town of Dali, I highly recommend visiting Shaxi Ancient Town. it is less commercialized than Dali Ancient Town, its historical sites are well-preserved, and it is the only still-functioning marketplace of the Ancient Tea Horse Road in the country. You will understand why I recommend it after visiting this place.

It is like a gem hidden in Dali, the town is predominantly inhabited by the Bai ethnic group, along with Han, Yi, and Lisu people. Shaxi Town is small, but it boasts famous attractions, including the 'Ancient Opera Stage,' 'Yujin Bridge,' 'Dongzhai Gate,' 'Sideng Street,' and 'Xingjiao Temple. In 2001, the world Monument Fund nominated the Shaxi Market Place on the list of 101 Most Endangered Sites.

Siden Street is not only an important trading hub on the Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Road but also the only still-functioning marketplace of the Tea Horse Road. Every Friday, Bai people from the surrounding areas gather on this ancient street to trade their goods, including tea, wild mushrooms, medicinal herbs, and more, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

The Ancient Opera Stage in the center of Shaxi Town is a landmark building, Yujin Bridge is the first bridge connecting Dali along the ancient Tea Horse Road, serving as a vital route for all horse caravans traveling north and south. Ouyang Courtyard, known as the "five-star horse shop" on the Tea Horse Road, was a key resting and trading spot for horse caravans and traders. Now, it has been transformed into an inn, making it a great place for visitors to experience the culture of the ancient horse caravans.

• Distance and drive-time : 130 km, 2 hours
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: a day
• Address: Dali Ancient Town, Dali, Yunnan Province

Top 5: Xizhou Ancient Town

Xizhou, located 18 kilometers north of Dali Ancient Town, is bordered by Erhai Lake to the east and Cangshan Mountain to the west. It is an important settlement for the Bai ethnic group, known for having the best-preserved traditional Bai residential architecture. The quaint architecture of the old wooden corner house and the two "Fengshui" trees, also known as the "Couple Trees," enhance the beauty of the town, surrounded by vast rice fields. This picturesque scene resembles something out of a Miyazaki film. In the town, you can also find tie-dye studios and Jiamabian printmaking art galleries. If you have time, you can experience traditional hand-dyeing and Jiamabian printmaking, and enjoy the stunning sunset over Erhai Lake.

Zhoucheng Village in Xizhou Town, located 25 kilometers from Dali Old Town, is a Bai ethnic settlement with a long history of tie-dyeing. Bai women are known for their craftsmanship, with nearly every household having a dye vat, earning the village the title "Home of Bai Tie-Dyeing." If you're interested in tie-dyeing, you can try creating a unique piece of your own.

• Distance and drive-time : 18 km, 30 mins
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: half or a day
• Address: Xizhou Ancient Town, Dali, Yunnan Province

Top 6: Shuanglang Ancient Town

Shuanglang Ancient Town is located at the northeastern end of Dali City. It's often said that the beauty of Dali lies between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, while Shuanglang is the most picturesque spot for enjoying both. This charming and leisurely town features famous attractions such as Jiyi Island, Nanzhao Style Island, and the Shuanglang Viewing Platform. Shuanglang is renowned as the top destination for experiencing the stunning scenery of Cangshan and Erhai.

• Distance and drive-time : 60 km, 1.5 hours
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: half or a day
• Address: Shuanglang Ancient Town, Dali, Yunnan Province

Top 7: Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain, located on the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau in Dali, consists of 19 peaks and stretches for 48 kilometers.The highest peak of Cangshan Mountain, Malong Peak, has an elevation of 4,122 meters. It is a national nature reserve and serves as a green barrier for Dali city, being one of China's top ten famous mountains. It is a stunning mountain range known for its beautiful mountain, plants, waterfall, view of the Erhai Lake and temple.

Cangshan Mountain features three cableways located at different points. The most convenient one, closest to the Dali Ancient Town, is the Gantong Cableway, Near the entrance of the Gantong Cableway lies the famous Gantong Temple. Zhonghe Cableway is located on the north side of the mountain, Midway up the mountain stands the ancient Zhonghe Temple, one of the oldest temples in the Dali region. Ximatan Cableway is the longest and highest, offering stunning views as it takes you to the top of the mountain.（Tips: The cable car stops selling tickets at 4:30 PM. Make sure to plan your time in advance to avoid missing it.）

You can easily explore the area by taking a cable car, or opt for a hiking challenge, combining both hiking and cable car rides to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Cangshan as well as the beautiful views of Erhai Lake nearby.

• Distance and drive-time : 11 km, 20 mins
• Open Hours: 8:30-17:00
• Tour Length: 2-3 hours
• Address: Dali, Yunnan Province

Top 8: Nuodeng Village

If you're looking to experience a truly ancient and authentic Chinese village rather than a tourist destination, I recommend Nuodeng Village, located 149 kilometers from Dali City. This village has preserved a thousand years of culture and was once a key site on the Tea Horse Road. The salt industry was extremely important here in ancient times, making it a significant place in history. As time has passed, Nuodeng Village may no longer hold the importance it once did, but its historical architecture and salt wells remain well-preserved. The village features over a hundred elegant residences built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, along with numerous temple structures from that era, such as the Yuhuang Pavilion, Confucian Temple, and Wumen Temple. You can also find ancient buildings like the salt wells, the former Salt Bureau, and remnants of the Salt Horse Road, all contributing to the village's rich heritage.

• Distance and drive-time : 152 km, 2.5 hours
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: a day
• Address: Nuodeng Village, Dali, Yunnan Province

Top 9: Shizhongshan Stone Caves

The Shizhongshan Stone Caves are located on Shizhong Mountain in the southern part of Jianchuan County. These caves, known for their intricate Buddhist sculptures and inscriptions, date back to the Tang and Song dynasties. Historically known as Shizhongshan, the mountain gets its name from the red Danxia rock formations that resemble a giant bell. The caves are divided into three areas: Shizhong Temple, Lion's Pass, and Shadingqing, comprising a total of 16 caves with 139 statues. This site is the southernmost cave complex in China and is often referred to as the "Gem of the Southern Rejion."

• Distance and drive-time : 166 km, 2.5 hours
• Open Hours: 08:00-17:00
• Tour Length: 2 hours
• Address: Jianchuan County, Dali, Yunnan Province

Top 10: Butterfly Spring Park

Butterfly Spring Park is located 24 kilometers from Dali Ancient Town. Butterfly Spring is a well-known place in China, famous for the iconic film "Five Golden Flowers," which was shot there in the 1950s. The large Acacia trees by the spring emit a fragrant scent that attracts thousands of butterflies from all directions. The spring got its name because of the breathtaking sight of swarms of butterflies flying above the water in the past.

• Distance and drive-time : 25 km, 40 mins
• Open Hours: 08:00-17:00
• Tour Length: 1 hours
• Address: Dali, Yunnan Province

Tips: All distances and drive times mentioned in this guide are based on starting from Dali Ancient Town.

Sunrise Viewing Spots

Longkan Wharf: This is the most popular spot for watching the sunrise over Erhai Lake. It's close to Dali Ancient Town but can get crowded. The best viewing time is between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM, so it's recommended to arrive half an hour early to secure a good spot for photography.

Caicun Wharf: Located near Longkan Wharf, this is also a great place to watch the sunrise.

Erhai Moon Wetland Park: This is a favorite among locals, and it tends to be less crowded while still offering great views of the sunrise.

Nanyang Creek: Situated in the urban area, this is the starting point of an ecological corridor. It’s a quieter spot with beautiful scenery.

Haishe Park: Close to Xizhou Ancient Town, you can enjoy the sunrise here and then explore the area afterward.

Sunset Viewing Spots

Wenbi Village: Located in Haidong Town, this spot is known for its scenic road and offers excellent views for sunset watching.

Lixiangbang: While not a typical tourist attraction, the terrain here provides a great perspective for enjoying the sunset.

Xiaoputuo: The sunset here beautifully reflects off the small island and the seagulls, creating a stunning scene.

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