Dali Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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
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 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 ฿2,730 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
฿2,730
฿3,183 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Dali. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the room service in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (58 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,543 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
฿3,543
฿4,131 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
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! (14 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
Holiday Inn Express Dali Xiaguan, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Dali Xiaguan, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
B2 Building Dianxi Commercial Center, Jianshe Road, Xiaguan District, Dali, Yunnan
The price is ฿1,631 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
฿1,631
฿1,902 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Dali. Enjoy free breakfast, Wi-Fi (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attraction Dali Museum is located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"Staff is very excellent in customer service. Very talented and very intelligent 👌 👏 👍."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2024

Holiday Inn Express Dali Xiaguan, 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.
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
Haishanghua Lake View Villa
Haishanghua Lake View Villa
2 out of 5
D37-2, second floor, Building B3,, Haidongfang Zhen, Dali, Yunnan
Stay at this villa in Dali. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Jinsuo Island and Dali Museum are located nearby.
Haishanghua Lake View Villa
Dali Hidden in the Clouds Lake View Hotel
Dali Hidden in the Clouds Lake View Hotel
2 out of 5
Erhai Legend B39, East Ring Erhai Road, Dali, Yunnan
Stay at this villa in Dali. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a conference centre. Popular attractions Jinsuo Island and Dali Museum are located ...
Dali Hidden in the Clouds Lake View 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.

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