Top Best things to do in Dali: Hiking, Tie-Dyeing, cable car

You may know about many attractions in Dali, which showcase its thousands of years of history, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture. There are also many things to do at these attractions. These experiences allow you to fully immerse yourself in the moment. If you enjoy the moment, you'll want to stay in it.

Top 1: Stroll the Dali Ancient City

Dali Ancient City is a charming destination where history and culture come alive. Wander along its cobblestone streets lined with traditional Bai-style architecture, quaint shops, and vibrant cafes. It is nice to take a stroll in Dali Ancient City to discover historic landmarks like the South Gate and Foreigner Street, where ancient and modern influences blend seamlessly. Climb to the top of Wuhua Tower for a panoramic view of Dali Ancient City and the distant Cangshan Mountain scenery. Immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage by exploring local markets, trying authentic Bai cuisine.

Top 2: Cycling Around the Beautiful Erhai Lake

Exploring Erhai Lake by bicycle is one of the best ways to take in its stunning natural beauty and charming local culture. The route offers breathtaking views of the clear blue lake, rolling mountains, and traditional Bai villages. Along the way, you can visit landmarks such as Longkan Pier for sunrise, the serene S-shaped bay, and Haishe Park. Feel the refreshing breeze as you pedal through scenic trails, and don't miss stopping at Xizhou Ancient Town for a taste of local delicacies and traditional architecture.

Top 3: Feeding red-billed gulls at Erhai Lake

In Dali, visiting Erhai Lake is not just about admiring the beautiful scenery and cycling. From November to January each year, you can also witness flocks of migratory birds—red-billed gulls, soaring freely over the lake. These migratory birds flock to the lake, creating a lively and picturesque scene. You can bring some yellow bread（they like the color yellow）, small biscuits, or tiny fish to feed them. As you toss food into the air, the graceful gulls swoop down, sometimes catching it mid-flight, offering a unique opportunity to interact with wildlife and enjoy a special connection with nature.

Top 4: Explore the Shaxi Ancient Town

If you want to explore the Tea Horse Road, Shaxi Ancient Town is the best choice. Located about a 2-hour drive from Dali Ancient City, Shaxi town offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, you can stroll along the charming, rustic streets and visit Sideng Street, a still-active part of the ancient Tea Horse Road. The canals running alongside the streets add vitality to the tranquil town. On Fridays, market day transforms the ancient road into a lively hub where locals gather to sell a variety of goods. You can also visit the ancient opera stage and Yujin Bridge, immersing yourself in the rich history of Shaxi Ancient Town.

Top 5: Experience the Tie-dyeing in the Zhoucheng Village

Zhoucheng Village, located 23 kilometers north of Dali Ancient City, is known as the "Hometown of Bai Tie-Dyeing." The village preserves traditional Bai customs and lifestyle, making it an excellent place to experience the art of Bai tie-dyeing. Local Bai people will teach you how to sew flowers, tie them with thread, and then dye them using special plant-based dyes. After the fabric is dried and the threads are untied, The other areas are dyed blue, while the parts covered by the threads remain white, creating beautiful patterns. It is a fascinating experience where you can create your own unique designs, whether on clothes, handkerchiefs, skirts, or other items, each becoming a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Top 6: Sightseeing Erhai Lake with Boat

Exploring Erhai Lake by boat offers a unique and tranquil way to experience its natural beauty. As you glide across the clear waters, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the lake’s vast expanse, the distant Cangshan Mountain, and the picturesque Bai villages along the shore.

Exploring Erhai Lake by boat offers a unique and tranquil way to experience its natural beauty. As you glide across the clear waters, you'll be surrounded by stunning views of the lake's vast expanse, the distant Cangshan Mountain, and the picturesque Bai villages along the shore. The boat ride provides a peaceful escape, with opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the lake. It’s the perfect way to take in the breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in the charm of this beautiful region.

Top 7: Adventure Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain offers various ways to explore its stunning landscapes, including three different cable cars: Yunlong Cableway, Gantong Cableway, Dali Cableway.

Yunlong Cableway: This cable car provides access to the mountain's higher elevations, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. It’s a popular choice for those looking to experience the beauty of Cangshan without a strenuous hike.

Gantong Cableway: This cableway takes visitors to Gantong Temple, allowing for a serene visit to the temple area while enjoying panoramic views. It’s ideal for those interested in both nature and cultural experiences.

Dali Cableway: Connecting to the southern part of Cangshan, this cableway provides easy access to trails and viewpoints, making it perfect for hikers and nature lovers who want to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the area.

Top 8: Admire Three Pagodas

Dali offers many attractions to explore, but the one you absolutely cannot miss is the iconic Three Pagodas, a symbol of the city. No matter when you visit, the Three Pagodas perfectly showcase their uniqueness and historical significance. Located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and overlooking Erhai Lake，the site is said to have excellent feng shui, believed to have protected Dali for centuries. You can walk clockwise around the tallest central pagoda to pray for blessings and peace, making it a meaningful and unforgettable experience.

Top 9: Take a Small Train Through the Rice Fields in Xizhou Ancient Town

Xizhou Ancient Town offers a perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the unique lifestyle of Yunnan. Visitors can experience a poetic way of living while riding a small train through vast rice fields, watching the wind ripple through the golden crops, and enjoying stunning views of Cangshan Mountain in the distance. As you pass by traditional Bai architecture, you'll feel the peaceful and comfortable atmosphere of this rural gem, allowing you to connect with both nature and culture in a tranquil, leisurely way. It's a truly serene escape for anyone interested in the harmony between nature and tradition.

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