Dali

Basic Overview

Dali lies in western Yunnan. It was once capital of ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom. Famous for Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake and Bai ethnic culture, it owns ancient cities, plateau lake scenery and well‑preserved intangible cultural heritage of Bai people. It is a world‑famous leisure travel destination favoured by foreign tourists.

Natural Landscapes

Dali’s representative landscape is the perfect combination of snow‑capped Cangshan Mountain and quiet Erhai Lake. Gentle mountains, clear lake water and countryside scenery form peaceful picturesque views.

• Erhai Lake: Second‑largest alpine freshwater lake in Yunnan. Crystal‑clear blue water, winding lakeside roads and wetland belts are perfect for sightseeing and cycling.
• Cangshan Mountain: Continuous snow‑capped mountain range. Visitors can take cable cars up the mountain, walk Jade Belt Road and overlook Erhai Lake panorama. Alpine meadows, waterfalls and cloud sea scenery are amazing.
• Xihu (West Lake) of Dali: Quiet rural lake surrounded by farmland. Fishing boats drift on water, showing original idyllic countryside views.
• Shuanglang Lakeside Scenery: Famous lakeside town on Erhai’s east bank, offering classic views of Cangshan Mountain mirrored on lake water.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Dali keeps abundant relics of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, as well as traditional Bai‑style folk buildings.

• Dali Ancient City: Thousand‑year‑old ancient city with complete city wall. Old lanes, local shops and Bai‑style dwellings are well‑kept.
• Chongsheng Three Pagodas: Symbol landmark of Dali built in Tang Dynasty. Elegant ancient Buddhist pagodas stand against Cangshan Mountain.
• Xizhou Ancient Town: Well‑preserved Bai ethnic ancient town. Plenty of classic Bai courtyard houses and the famous Corner Tower are located here.
• Nanzhao Ancient City Ruins: Remains of Nanzhao royal city, reflecting the brilliant ancient local civilization.

Local culture experiences

Dali is core settlement for Bai ethnic minority. Many national intangible cultural heritage projects can be experienced here.

• Bai tie‑dye hand‑on experience: Learn time‑honoured Bai tie‑dye craft, dye your own scarf or handkerchief as souvenir.
• Erhai lakeside cycling: Ride along lake roads, enjoy mountain‑lake scenery and soft wind.
• Bai folk song‑and‑dance performance: Watch traditional Bai folk shows including wedding custom performance.
• Slow life experience in ancient towns: Wander old streets, visit local tea houses and enjoy Dali’s laid‑back atmosphere.

Local cuisine

Dali food inherits Bai ethnic cooking tradition. Ingredients are fresh local produce, taste clean and delicate.

• Erhai Fresh Fish Soup: Fresh lake fish boiled in clear soup, keeps original natural seafood flavour.
• Bai Braised Pork: Important festival dish for Bai people, soft meat with rich mellow flavour.
• Milk Fan: Unique Yunnan dairy food made from fresh milk, fragrant and chewy, can be fried or baked.
• Plateau wild vegetable salad: Fresh local mountain wild vegetables with simple seasoning, refreshing and healthy.

Recommended itinerary 

‑ Day1: Dali Ancient City → Chongsheng Three Pagodas → Xizhou Ancient Town
‑ Day2: Cangshan Mountain cable car sightseeing → Erhai lakeside cycling → sunset watching by the lake

Travel tips

Best travel time: March‑May for blooming flowers, September‑November for clear sky. Plateau lakeside wind is strong, take wind‑proof outerwear. Arrange loose schedule to enjoy slow‑paced travel.