Things To Do
in Dali
Dali is a sun-kissed highland town on the shores of Erhai Lake in Yunnan Province, known for its well-preserved Old Town and Bai culture. Its ancient lanes, stone-paved streets, and intimate tea houses invite relaxed wandering, with markets spilling Bai craftsmanship and local produce onto the sidewalks. Behind the town, the Cangshan mountains loom, offering scenic trails, gondola rides, and sweeping lake views.
The scene here blends tranquil lakefronts, vibrant night markets, and a distinctive regional cuisine that makes a slow, flavorful impression on every visitor.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by wandering through the cobblestone streets of Dali Ancient Town, admiring the traditional Bai architecture. Stop by the Three Pagodas, where you can capture stunning photographs against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling delicious Yunnan-style dishes such as rice noodles and fresh fruit.
After lunch, visit the Dali Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Stroll through the bustling local markets, where you can shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs made by local artisans. As the afternoon sun casts a golden glow, take a bike ride around Erhai Lake, soaking in the serene landscapes.
As dusk approaches, find a cozy restaurant along the lakeshore for a scenic dinner with views of the water. Savor local specialties such as grilled fish and mushroom hotpot while listening to live traditional music. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the lake promenade, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the twinkling lights of the town.
Travel to a nearby Bai ethnic village and begin your day by participating in a traditional Bai cooking class. Learn to prepare local dishes, such as 'Er Kuai' (rice cake) and 'Bai-style dumplings,' using fresh ingredients from the surrounding area. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you share a meal with your hosts, who will teach you about their customs and traditions.
Explore the village further by visiting local artisans who specialize in crafts like tie-dye and silver jewelry making. Engage with the community as you watch them at work and perhaps even try your hand at creating your own piece. Afterward, take a guided tour of the village to admire the intricate architecture and stunning natural surroundings.
Return to Dali and visit a cultural performance showcasing traditional Bai music and dance. Enjoy the vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements that tell stories of the Bai culture. After the show, unwind at a local tea house, sipping on Yunnan's famous Pu-erh tea while reflecting on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-4 |
| 🚕Local taxi or in-town transport | $3-6 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $20-60 |
| 🎟️Attraction entrances | $2-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning lake and mountain scenery
- Rich Bai culture and easy, walkable Old Town
- Delicious, fresh Yunnan cuisine with regional specialties
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Some areas can be crowded with tourists in peak season
- Public transit to more remote areas is limited
- Language can be a barrier outside major venues
- Accommodation prices can rise during holidays
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问，这个怎么走？" - Excuse me, how do I get to this?
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "厕所在哪里？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "我想点菜。" - I would like to order.
Places to Visit in Dali
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic photography subject with the Three Pagodas framed against blue sky and surrounding greenery.
Textured walls, carved doors, and traditional Bai architecture provide compelling street photography settings.
Long lake views, distant boats, and soft light during golden hour for tranquil water shots.
Gray walls, wooden beams, and ornate doorways offer classic Bai architectural photography.
Elevated overlooks above the town with sweeping views of Dali and Erhai on clear days.
Food in Dali
Dali Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught freshwater fish from Erhai prepared with light seasonings to highlight the fish aroma.
Must-Try!
A famous Yunnan noodle dish featuring hot broth poured over rice noodles, vegetables, and toppings; widely available in Dali’s eateries.
A chewy rice cake staple often stir-fried or served with savory toppings, a common street-side snack.
Mushrooms from local forests sautéed with greens and herbs, a comforting mountain dish.
Local dairy products paired with tea, reflecting the Bai tradition of tea culture and simple farmhouse cheeses.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling morning market in Xizhou with Bai produce, herbs, cheeses, and ready-to-eat local bites.
A row of small stalls offering fish skewers, mushroom dishes, and fresh fruit along the historic lanes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite nod or handshake is common; addressing elders with courtesy and avoiding loud conversations in temples is appreciated.
Ask before photographing people, especially in markets or homes; some locals value privacy and will appreciate courtesy.
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples; remove hats and speak softly in sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Dali
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most everyday places; if a service charge is not included, a small tip at higher-end venues is appreciated but not expected.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and smaller eateries; mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are ubiquitous in larger shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming flowers; carry light layers and a small umbrella for occasional showers.
Warm to hot days with possible afternoon rain; stay hydrated and pack a light rain jacket and sun protection.
Dry, comfortable days with cooler evenings; ideal for outdoor activities and photography with clear skies.
Cool to cool-chill temperatures; daytime sun is common, but evenings can be chilly; pack a warm layer.
Dali at Night
Hiking in Dali
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular network of trails with forested paths and scenic overlooks just above Dali.
Alpine-style trails with seasonal wildflowers and sweeping views over Erhai.
Lower-intensity routes around the lake edge suitable for a scenic day hike.
Airports
How to reach Dali by plane.
Dali Airport serves domestic flights and some regional connections; relatively small but convenient for arrivals to the area.
A larger gateway 1–2 hours away by road, offering broader national and some international connections.
Major hub in Yunnan for international and domestic flights; convenient for onward travel to and from Dali via high-speed rail or road connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the largest groups in both the city and province, present across services and commerce.
The dominant ethnic group around Xizhou and Dali Old Town, known for distinctive architecture, crafts, and hospitality.
Presence of several minority communities in the wider region with cultural offerings and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular scenic bike routes along the lake rim with easy to moderate terrain.
Trail-based activities in Cangshan with viewpoints and forest paths.
Common in community spaces and gyms, especially among locals and visitors staying longer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dali.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Dali, many dishes can be adapted to vegetarian style by requesting vegetable-focused versions; look for tofu, mushrooms, and leafy greens, and ask for no meat stock or fish sauce.