Dali Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Old Town Dali
Old Town Dali
Old Town Dali
Old Town Dali
Old Town Dali
Appreciate the historic Bai architecture, admire the city walls and enjoy mountain views from the heart of this lakeside district.

Old Town Dali is the cultural cornerstone of its namesake city on the shore of Erhai Lake. Quaint cafés and bars adorn the narrow alleys, which lead to pagodas, museums and intriguing monuments. Get a glimpse into the customs and traditions of the locals with a trip to this historic center.

Wander around the central area and enjoy the scenic vistas of nearby mountains and preserved city walls. The town is decorated with elegant Bai architecture. Learn about this historic district, which has long been at the center of trade routes between China and the rest of Southeast Asia.

Explore the intriguing sights in the Dali Museum for a better idea of the town’s past. Consider its future at Dali University. This educational institute is known for the spectacular scenery of its Old Town campus.

Marvel at the spectacular Catholic Church, which combines the styles of Chinese and Western architecture. For a change of pace, relax in the verdant setting of Yu’er Park.

Make your way to the northern part of the town for the Three Pagodas. Its central structure is about 1,200 years old. The three independent towers make up an equilateral triangle. Capture photos of the immense structure with a backdrop of the mountains.

Ride a cable car up to the summit of Cangshan Mountain and trek along the Cloud Traveler’s Path. See the Zhonghe Temple and inspect the array of exotic vegetation on the mountain. Expect wet and warm summers and cool, dry winters.

The district is in the heart of the county of Dali on the southwestern corner of Erhai Lake in southern China. It is 6 miles (10 kilometers) north of the modern district of the city in the Yunnan province. Fly to Dali Airport or Kunming Wujiaba International Airport and take the shuttle bus or train to the city.

Old Town Dali offers a cultural feast, with numerous historic and ecclesiastical institutions.

Where to stay in Dali Town

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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
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Xizhou

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

Xizhou
Dali

Xiaguan

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

Xiaguan
Er Hai

Longkan

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

Longkan
Hilton Dali Resort & Spa
Hilton Dali Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
Qili Bridge, South of Gantong Road, Dali, Yunnan
The price is ฿2,559 per night from 5 Feb to 6 Feb
฿2,559
฿2,984 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Feb - 6 Feb
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Dali. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the room service in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (61 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, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
No.15 Binhai Avenue, Dali
The price is ฿3,283 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
฿3,283
฿3,828 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Dali. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Dali Museum and Jinsuo Island ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (17 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
Dali Old Courtyard Boutique Inn
Dali Old Courtyard Boutique Inn
3.5 out of 5
No 12 Xinming Road Dali, Dali, Yunnan
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly inn in Dali. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions South Gate and Yu'er Park are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"The hotel is set in an ancient dwelling built around a courtyard. While our room retained its original ancient nature, it was clean and comfortable. The bathroom, on the other hand, was modern and there was no lacking hot water. The staff was friendly and helpful. The hotel is located in a quiet ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Dali Old Courtyard Boutique Inn
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 Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Nanzhao Folk Island and Butterfly ...
Yakamoz Haijie Hotel
Yun Luo Hotel
Yun Luo Hotel
2 out of 5
Caicun Wharf, 671000, Dali Ancient, Town, China, Dali, Yunnan
Yun Luo Hotel
Qizi Mountain Lodge
Qizi Mountain Lodge
4 out of 5
111 Section B, Zhonghe Village, Dali, Yunnan
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Dali. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Cangshan National Geopark and South Gate are located ...
Qizi Mountain Lodge
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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Cities near Dali Town