Dali Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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 Town 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(2 area reviews)

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
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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Xizhou

Visitors to Xizhou like its restaurants and architecture, and Erhai Lake is a sight worth a stop.

Xizhou
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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 Three Pagodas and South Gate.

Caicun
Hawthorn by Wyndham Dali Erhai Park
Hawthorn by Wyndham Dali Erhai Park
19 YUNLING AVENUE, DALI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ZONE, Dali
The price is ₹3,842 per night from 16 May to 17 May
₹3,842
per night
16 May - 17 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge).
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
Only good for business trip.
"Bad: It has a very limited choices kn breakfast. No lockers on the room; no towel hangs while showering; tv programme is very unfriendly to foreigner traveller. Far from old town tourist place. Good: Staffs are very friendly. Location is super close to train station"

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2023

Hawthorn by Wyndham Dali Erhai Park
Hilton Dali Resort & Spa
Hilton Dali Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
Qili Bridge, South of Gantong Road, Dali, Yunnan
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹6,684 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹6,684
per night
20 May - 21 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the room service in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (54 reviews)
"great view and large room."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Hilton Dali Resort & Spa
Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
No.15 Binhai Avenue, Dali
The price is ₹9,016 per night from 19 May to 20 May
₹9,016
per night
19 May - 20 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge).
9.2/10 Wonderful! (12 reviews)
"We enjoyed staying at this beautiful boutique hotel on lake Erhai. The room was great w a nice view of the lake, comfortable bed and great shower. Breakfast buffet was excellent. The staff was very nice. Would definitely come here again."

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai, an IHG Hotel
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.
Shan Hai Ju Sea View Hotel
Shan Hai Ju Sea View Hotel
3 out of 5
Jin K Seaview Building C, Airport Road, Dali, Yunnan
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"非常适合一家人或则2个家庭来大理旅游居住,有3个房间,可以省不少酒店钱"

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2024

Shan Hai Ju Sea View Hotel
The mountain with cloud Private Villa
The mountain with cloud Private Villa
3.5 out of 5
H8-3-6 Canghaiyishu Residential Zone, Dali, Yunnan
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping.
The mountain with cloud Private Villa
Dali SiWu Seaview Villa
Dali SiWu Seaview Villa
3 out of 5
A272, Mengyun South Sea Oriental Villa, Huanhai East Road, Dali, Yunnan
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities.
Dali SiWu Seaview Villa
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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