Dali Travel Guide: Attractions, Hands-on Experiences, Hotels, Food, Travel Time...

Brief information

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 part of Yunnan, to the north of the charming cities of Lijiang and the captivating Shangri-La. Four thousand years of splendid civilization have contributed to the extraordinary enchanting beauty of the city. Dali is one of the most popular destinations in Yunnan and China, boasting mild weather all year around, fertile land, ancient town that were key points on the ancient Tea Hose Road, and picturesque scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. It's dotted with diverse Bai ethnic cultures and rich history, shaping its own uniqueness that any other place can never compare to.

Culture of Dali

Dali has a rich history that dates back to the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom, which flourished from the 8th to the 10th century. It later became a significant cultural and trade center during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

After witnessing thousand years of vicissitudes, Dali is shining as an old but dynamic pearl in the vast land of China. Today, new downtown areas are being constructed, aiming at developing Dali into a city with a combination o modern vitality and ancient antiquity.

Dali is a multi-ethnic area primarily inhabited by the Bai ethnic group. 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.

Must-visit Attractions

Dali is picturesque region with boasting numerous famous attractions, each with its unique charm. As for the natural landscape, Erhai Lake will never fail to delight your eyes. Here, you can see mountains upon mountains and scenery beyond scenery. Overlooking from the top of the Cangshan mountain, you’ll be amazed by the scene that the whole Dali ancient town is surrounded by mountains and waters, depicting an attractive and tranquil pastoral picture. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple is one of Dali’s iconic attractions that must not be missed. Shaxi Ancient Town was an important trading hub on the Yunna-Tibet Tea Horse Road in ancient times. Xizhou Ancient Town is an important settlement for the Bai ethnic group, known for having the best- preserved traditional Bai residential architecture.

Local Food and Snacks

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 and spicy, bitter, sweet, and salty.

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

Salty: Another highlight is Nuo Deng ham, and the Xizhou Baba, known as "Eastern Pizza," is a flaky bread that's also quite famous.

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

Sweet: Lastly, the grilled milk fan is a well-known snack in Dali Ancient Town.

Best Things to do in Dali

Activities to Experience in Dali

Best Time and Season to Visit Dali

Luxury Hotel in Dali

How to Plan an Itinerary in Dali

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