Dali Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dali
Dali
Dali
Dali
Dali
View the three pagodas of this lakeside city and ride a cable car to the mountains to explore the exotic plants and temple.

Perched on the southern shore of a vast and scenic lake, Dali is a fascinating bohemian city full of cafés and handicraft markets. It has a wonderful Old TownOpens in a new window full of architectural treasures and a range of cultures and ethnicities. Visit the highlights of the historic center and explore the picturesque countryside to understand why this city is so popular with sightseers.

Among the highlights of the region is Cangshan Mountain. Hike up the elegantly paved paths or take the cable car to the summit. Enjoy the excellent vistas of the lake and the snow-capped mountains. Inspect Zhonghe Temple and embark on the Cloud Traveler’s Path.

Make your way to the various villages along the western shore of Erhai Lake. Visit Guanyin Temple and take boat trips to the islands. On the northwestern part of the lake is the Butterfly Spring Park, where swarms of butterflies gather in a shallow pool.

Cycle to the Dali Old Town and view such highlights as the Dali Museum and Dali University. See the Three Pagodas, which date back to the Tang Dynasty. The central structure is almost 1,200 years old. Summers at ground level are hot and humid, while winters are mild and dry. Relax and warm up in the heated swimming pool in the neighborhood of Xiaguan, just north of the Xi’er River.

A little north of Erhai Lake is the smaller Zibi Lake, in Eryuan County. Enjoy the tranquil ambiance in this quiet area.

The city of Dali is on the southern end of Erhai Lake in the northwestern part of the Yunnan province of southern China. Fly from other parts of China to Dali Airport and take a taxi to the city center. You can also arrive at Kunming Wujiaba International Airport and take a shuttle bus or ride an overnight train from Kunming.

Dali is a quaint destination with intriguing cultural gems and trendy bars and cafés.

Where to stay in Dali

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Dali Ancient Town

5/5(1 area review)

Dali Ancient Town is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like South Gate and Yu'er Park.

Dali Ancient Town
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Taoyuan

You'll enjoy the monuments and parks in Taoyuan. You might want to make time for a stop at Erhai Lake or Butterfly Spring Park.

Taoyuan
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Shuanglang

While visiting Shuanglang, you might make a stop by sights like Erhai Lake and Nanzhao Folk Island.

Shuanglang
Er Hai

Longkan

Travellers like the parks in Longkan, and Erhai Lake is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Longkan
Dali

Xiaguan

Travellers like the museums in Xiaguan, and Dali Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Xiaguan
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Caicun

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Caicun and surrounding area, you can visit South Gate and Three Pagodas.

Caicun
Hilton Dali Resort & Spa
Hilton Dali Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
Qili Bridge, South of Gantong Road, Dali, Yunnan
The price is AU$139 per night from 6 May to 7 May
AU$139
includes taxes & fees
6 May - 7 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Dali. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the room service in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (64 reviews)
"I had such a great time staying at this resort! You get both mountain (Cang Shan) and water view (Er Hai)."

Reviewed on 2 Jun. 2024

Hilton Dali Resort & Spa
Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai by IHG
Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai by IHG
3.5 out of 5
No.15 Binhai Avenue, Dali
The price is AU$160 per night from 20 May to 21 May
AU$160
includes taxes & fees
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Dali. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Dali Museum and Jinsuo Island ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Great Service, Highly Recommend
"Excellent service from all staff at hotel that we had pleasure of interacting with. Anytime we needed anything during our stay the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai by IHG
Hilton Garden Inn Dali Ancient City
Hilton Garden Inn Dali Ancient City
3.5 out of 5
No. 1, Sanyue Street, Dali Town, Dali, Yunnan
The price is AU$91 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
AU$91
includes taxes & fees
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Dali. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Yu'er Park and South Gate are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Hotel was located within walking distance to Dali Ancient Town. There are street food stores lined up on the streets after a night out exploring the nice bars in the Ancient Town. View from room is great, room is spacious too."

Reviewed on 9 Apr. 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Dali Ancient City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Yakamoz Haijie Hotel
Yakamoz Haijie Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Dajianpang Village, Dali, Yunnan
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Dali. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Nanzhao Folk Island and Butterfly ...
Yakamoz Haijie Hotel
The Field Inn
The Field Inn
3 out of 5
Group 8, Xiadui Village, Dali, Yunnan, No.82, Dali, Yunnan
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Dali. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Dali Museum and Jinsuo Island are located ...
The Field Inn
Dali Shijiushan Cliff Seavilla
Dali Shijiushan Cliff Seavilla
3.5 out of 5
Building A7, 2 - 1 Floor, No. B003, Dali, Yunnan
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly villa in Dali. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Jinsuo Island and Dali Museum ...
Dali Shijiushan Cliff Seavilla
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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