2025 Dali Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

These days, Huang Yi's location is in Dali, Seeing the video that Huang Yi posted a few days ago is BellaVita, So I followed Huang Yi's footsteps~ After arriving, the deepest feeling is! The decoration inside is really comfortable~ There is really a feeling of coming to the Thai tropical rainforest We ordered the same mushroom hotpot as Huang Yi here As soon as it was served, I smelled a strong fragrance The taste of the soup base is still quite fresh and rich~ It is full of various ingredients It's really delicious - 【Freshly cut beef slices】 The texture of the beef will be tender The best time to put it in is when it just changes color If you taste it carefully, there is a faint milky flavor🥛 It's really more and more fragrant 【Nine-square grid side dishes】 There are nine different side dishes on it I really like the peeing beef balls inside The QQ is bouncy and chewy 【Hotpot noodles】 The noodles are soaked in the taste of the soup, which is quite flavorful Every bite feels very satisfying BellaVita·Rainforest Garden Sea View Restaurant 📍No. 28, Xiapo Shancun, Huanhai West Road

Dali Ancient Town in Yunnan, China, is an enchanting and picturesque destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. The town is located at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains and is surrounded by the beautiful Erhai Lake, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The ancient town is known for its well-preserved architecture and traditional buildings, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can explore the narrow cobblestone streets, quaint courtyards, and traditional shops, or admire the ancient temples and pagodas. Dali Ancient Town is also a hub for local arts and crafts, with various galleries, workshops, and markets showcasing traditional Chinese art and handicrafts. Visitors can watch local artisans create beautiful ceramics, textiles, and jewelry, or purchase unique souvenirs to take home. The town also features a range of excellent dining options, with local Yunnan cuisine and traditional Chinese dishes available at various restaurants and street vendors. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at one of the many charming cafes and teahouses. Dali Ancient Town is easily accessible by public transport, with several bus routes connecting it to other parts of the city. The town also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Butterfly Festival and the March Street Carnival, offering visitors a chance to experience the local customs and traditions. Overall, Dali Ancient Town in Yunnan, China, is a charming and tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings, it is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to China.

The Three Pagodas in Dali, China, are an ancient and breathtaking testament to the region's rich history and architecture. The pagodas, dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries, are among the oldest and most well-preserved structures of their kind in China. The three pagodas are located on the grounds of the Chongsheng Temple, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil ponds. The pagodas, each standing at over 200 feet tall, are made of bricks and feature unique architectural designs and intricate carvings. Visitors to the Three Pagodas can explore the temple grounds, admire the pagodas from up close, or climb to the top of the tallest pagoda for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The temple also features various exhibitions and displays showcasing the history and culture of the region. The Three Pagodas are easily accessible by public transport, with several bus routes connecting the site to other parts of the city. The area also hosts various cultural and religious festivals throughout the year, offering visitors a glimpse into the local customs and traditions. Overall, the Three Pagodas in Dali, China, are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history, architecture, and culture. With their stunning beauty, rich history, and tranquil surroundings, they are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.

📍Detailed address: The hotel is located in the Wetland Park scenic area on the west coast, less than 15 meters from Erhai Lake, truly nestled between the mountains and the sea, with breathtaking views all around! Rest here and enjoy the boundless blue waves of Erhai Lake, the moon shining on the flowers, the green peaks of Cangshan Mountain entering the clouds, and the everlasting verdant beauty! The sea view room is less than 15 meters from Erhai Lake, allowing you to fall asleep to the sound of the waves and moonlight. Take a stroll along the west coast and you will come across a courtyard - Chuanjia Heyuan (Dali Haixi Store). The hotel is 8 kilometers away from Dali Ancient Town, 17 kilometers by car from Banxi Village, 5 kilometers from China's most beautiful nunnery Jizhao Temple, 40 minutes by car from Santorini (Ideal Country), 12 kilometers from Erhai Park, 27 kilometers from Dali Airport, 23 kilometers from Xizhou, 30 kilometers from Zhoucheng, the hometown of tie-dyeing, and 50 kilometers from Shuanglang Scenic Area. 🌟Highlight features: The hotel decoration style combines Chinese and Western elements, showcasing traditional Chinese culture while also incorporating modern amenities. The courtyard is located in the ecological wetland park. Get up in the morning and watch the sunrise, take a walk around the wetland park, slow down time. The appropriate space often understands you better than people, feel the poeticization of space and the ritual sense of life.

The three pagodas are located within the big complex of Chongsheng Temple, in Dali China. The three pagodas are separated from the rest of the temple buildings by a building that forms a bridge over a road that passes through the complex. The pagodas form a triangle, where the main square pagoda was built first about 1800 years ago, and the other two smaller circular pagodas were built 100 years later, with a different style. The pagodas are quite incredible architecturally. The other temple buildings are regular, classical but modern Buddhist temples. The Congshan mountain forms a great background. A vegetarian buffet is served for lunch, for about 20RMB. #China#Dali #threepagodas

When visiting Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan, one of the best things to do is wake up and catch the early morning sunrise over the lake☀️✨⭐️ The sun rises around 8am and rises over distance mountains across the lake!💫 You can view it from the western side of the lake and find a quaint spot along the cycling path - there are many viewing spots or areas you can stop in! arrive early to catch the whole sunrise🌅☀️🌷 #yearofrabbit #newyearadventure #dali #yunnan #lakes #lakeerhai #erhai #china #chinasolo #chinadestinations #chinatravel #chinatrips

Yunnan travel, Dali, the ideal place! Santorini by the side of Erhai Lake! ❣️Positioning is the ideal state! No need for tickets or accommodation~ You can drive or take a taxi. It's a great place for taking photos in Dali. When I went there, there weren't many people~ You can take a picture of the ideal state seen from afar! There are many stairs inside, making it easy to find a good angle to stand. At night, it's also very beautiful with the lights on~

Don’t waste your time in Dali ancient town. It’s pretty much the same as any ancient town in China except for it’s much much bigger but this place, Xizhou is an authentic and Quaint ancient town. Everything is walkable, and it is a lot less touristy than the dali ancient town. Here you’ll find some of the best local food. There aren’t many bars around, but there are some gorgeous boutique hotels. #tripblazers #china

Visiting Dali Ancient Town and came across the Dali Photography Museum which was an interesting experience The Museum had an exhibition based on the External Light on Dali’s Photography across a Century where Yunnan was taken as a photography research base to capture the rich culture and groups of minority people and showcase it through the lens of the camera 😍😍 The exhibition hall is on the 2nd Floor and comprises of amazing photographs of various minority groups in Yunnan Province through the years.. alongside this you can also see various chinese and Japanese made cameras dating back to the 18th Century stores in glass cabinets for you to explore with various old printing machines 😍😍😍 If your in Dali Ancient City, so explore this amazing museum as there is alot to learn here 🤩 📍Dali Ancient City ( Dali Photography Museum) 🕰️ 10:00 - 18:00 🎫 Free #newyearadventure #yunnantravel #yunnan #yearofrabbit

One of the must visit places in Dali is Erhai lake. The best way to enjoy the lake is taking a bike ride along the lake. There are many bikes, you pay the fee and the deposit to locals and you have a bike for three hours. There are coffee shops nearby for taking a rest and enjoying the view but we preferred just to sit by the lake on the small rocks to have mor natural view. #yunnan #erhailake #dali

I went to the scene of the TV play "Go to the Windy Place". Following the plot, I went to the ancient town of Dali, Xicun in Xiangyang, Xizhou ancient town, the famous Erhai Lake, Shaxi ancient town and Fengyang city. There should be a lot of famous places in Dali that are still waiting for the drama. There is a clip that impressed me deeply. It is a very beautiful scenery. It is the Cangshan Mountain in the snow. The most attractive time for the city is in winter. It's not particularly hot, it feels very refreshing, and you can see a variety of geological features. The main thing is that it is very romantic to calm down and enjoy it alone.I am a person who likes to live by the sea, but the ancient cities and villages here are so distinctive, and the price is close to the people, there is a feeling of simplicity, small bridges and flowing water, quiet houses, ethnic minority customs, and the place where the heroine lives in the TV series "Go to the Windy Place" is almost exactly the same. There are also many pedestrian streets and shopping malls and supermarkets, so it's easy to buy things. As we all know, the popular scenic spots here are the ancient city, Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain. However, there are still some scenic spots that are not inferior to the above ones in terms of features and scenery.And that is Shaxi Ancient Town: a tranquil ancient town, surrounded by green mountains and waters, with beautiful environment, fresh air and little human interference. Songsheng Temple: It looks like the royal residence in ancient times, with red walls and green tiles. It is very big. Xizhou Ancient Town: It is very beautiful here, with ancient streets, many beautiful women, and golden fields as far as the eye can see. It is simply the beauty of poetry. In some places, there is also a chance to take a tricycle, which is very contemporary.我到了电视剧《去有风的地方》的取景地 顺着剧情我到了大理的古镇，向阳的溪村，喜洲古镇，著名的洱海，沙溪古镇，凤阳邑。 后面还在等追剧应该还有很多大理有名的地方。 有一个片段让我印象深刻，是一个非常美的景色，是雪中的苍山，这座城市景色最吸引人的时候就是冬季。不会特别热感觉很清爽，能看到多种风貌的地质。主要是一个人静下心来享受很浪漫。我是一个喜欢住在海边的人，可是这里古老城池和村镇太有特色了，而且价格亲民，有一种古朴，小桥流水，宁静的大家宅院，少数民族风情的感觉，和电视剧《去有风的地方》里的女主住的地方几乎一模一样。这里还有很多步行街，也有商场超市，买东西很容易。 众所周知 这里的热门景区古城，洱海，苍山。不过还有一些景区不论特色还是景色都不输上面几个。那就是 1沙溪古镇：宁静的古镇，青山绿水环绕，环境优美，空气新鲜，少有人类干扰。 2嵩圣寺：这里很像古代的皇室居住地，红墙青瓦，非常大。 3喜洲古镇：这里非常漂亮，古老的街道，还有好多美女，金色的田地一望无际。简直就是诗词中的美景。 在有些地方还能有机会乘坐三轮车非常有时代感。

These pagodas are an icon of Dali, in-between Dali Old Town and Xizhou Old Town. They are worth a visit! The pagodas are ancient and with the backdrop of Dali's mountains you can see how they became an icon. If it's not hot travel a little while up the hill behind the pagodas to get a panoramic view of them. behind the pagodas there's a huge temple complex you can visit, if you have the strength (we didn't 🤭) #tripblazers#summervacation#celebratewithtrip #passionpassport#awesomepic

Dali city is a county level city that actually encompasses all the settlements surrounding the Erhai Lake. The modern central part is located in the south and is your most probable entry point since the bus and train stations are located there. That part is also probably the one you will be least interested in. Although it's coastal area does have nice views and some fancy hotels most travelers head out to one of the smaller places around the lake, most notably the Dali Old Town. Dali Old town is technically a tourist center and most travelers choose to stay in or around it. The famed three pagodas as well as the starting point for climbing CangShan are all located near the Old Town. The town itself is nice enough and rather big. The fact that it is not pedestrianized and that pavements are very often blocked with stalls and parked cars does make it a bit hectic, especially in the high season, so staying on the fringes of it is probably a better option. To be honest, most of the things we wanted to see and do In Dali had nothing to do with the Old Town itself. It is a good place to eat and drink though, although 'tourist surcharge' will most certainly apply. If you have not arrived by car, renting an e-bike for exploring short distances is actually a good idea. The three of us got on one e-bike and squeezed it out of all of its juice while exploring around. So much so, that we actually had to recharge on the way because the declared 70km range probably did not refer to a 160kg+ weight-load. Great way to discover surrounding villages that offer a bit more authenticity and bit less crowds that the Dali Old town.Most of the town pictures you see above(5-6-7) are actually from XiZhou (喜洲古镇) a smaller village further north really worth a visit. Quite a lot of people also like renting one of the pink convertibles and I suppose it is a good way to reach farther as well as take that ever so important Instagram photos. I would come here again. The place does offer some real peace and quiet as well a serene landscape, even though it is often hidden by noise of the crowds and commerce. #wintergetaway

Take you to see the real Santorini in Dali. Online photos of various Dali Santorini have all been carefully post-processed. This set of photos restores the real appearance there. Although there is no post-processed romance, it is indeed good. Taking photos there, as long as you find a good angle, every shot is a masterpiece of Dali Santorini.

Walk the streets and small alleys of the ancient city in Dali to find the best cocktails, delicious Italian food, rose flavored pastries, key lime pie, the tastiest street food and drinks and many handmade market goodies. We went in the afternoon and ended up staying all night, bar hopping listening to live music!#summervacation #passionpassport #dalitravel #dali

#yunnan #china #dali After exploring the cobbled streets of Lijiang’s old towns with their wooden buildings and cultural dress, we thought we knew what to expect when arriving at Dali Ancient City, but boy were we surprised! Dali boats culture of a completely different kind, akin to Shoreditch in London, with long haired artists selling their wares, bearded musicians playing music that spills out of the front of every bar and cafe and fortune tellers offering to give you a glimpse into the future. We loved the vibe here and absolutely recommend you come at night for the great food options and lively experience.

Yunnan is a must place to visit when in China. Make sure to tour around Erhai Lake in Dali. You can visit ancient towns dotting around the lake, eat local delicacies, cycle along the riverbank, or simply just relax in a cafe and enjoy the scenery. We rented a car for a day with driver, who toured us around. He recommended where to stop and snapped photos and he can take quite good pictures too. #2023travelwish #mytripvlog

#celebratewithtrip #summervacation The Three Pagodas temple (三塔诗) is the cultural symbol of Dali. Located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and near the famous Erhai Lake, the Three Pagodas stands about 1 kilometre west of Dali City.They are three pagodas in tripartite formation and the main pagoda is named Qianxun Pagoda; it is 70 metres high and flanked by 2 smaller pagodas on each side at 42 metres high. Qianxun Pagoda is in the typical architectural style of the Tang Dynasty’s (618 – 907). It is a 16-storied pagoda enclosed with stone hurdles while the two smaller same style pagodas are 10-storied.During the repairing of the Three Pagodas in the 1970s, more than 600 relics were found, including scriptures, bronze mirrors, golden Buddhas and crystal Buddhas.Tourists can visit the Three Pagodas from 8:00 to 19:00 and the admission fee is RMB 121. It takes 30 minutes to reach there by feet if you start from the Dali Old Town. Also there are public buses leaving from Xiaguan directly to Three Pagodas temple.

Pictures speak louder than words ✌️ Getting There - cab Attractions - pagodas, huge area and you’ll need easily 2-4h Hotels - stayed in the Hilton

#bucketlistreboot Three Pagodas of Dali are famous in China for their size, beauty, and antiquity, and for their preservation. The central one is more than 1,100 years old and is one of the tallest pagodas built. As I can’t take the picture nearby so the afar view is the best to capture 3 pagodas. In the area they have temples and one can engage a local guide or buggy to go around. if you feel like strolling and walking, you can do the same.

If Dali is in your itinerary, a stroll or cycling by Erhai lake is a must! Beautiful and well-maintained surroundings will leave you feel in awe and utterly relaxed. The whole area is well preserved and all the houses kept their original looks. You can rent a bike to get the chance to see more of the area and enjoy the gorgeous nature. No words for the beauty of it! #erhailake #dali

Location - Near Qili Bridge, Dali Town, Dali City, Yunnan Province, China. Getting There - Located approximately 5km away, it’s advisable to take a local didi from Dali Ancient City to reach Zhang Family Garden. Opening Hours - 8:00-19:00(daily) Entrance Fee - RMB90/adult Attractions - Known as the first park of Yunnan Province, Zhang Family’s garden is the typical Bai residential house(an AAAA scenic location😊). The garden consisted of Bai ethnic residential style courtyard with 3-side houses and a screen wall and a central yard with 4-small patios on each corner. Advisable to spend 3-4 hours exploring and admiring the Bai ethnic architecture history. #asiatrip #travelwithgeo #travelphotography #chinatravel #travelinspiration #yunnantravel #architecture #dalitravel #wanderlust

Location - Situated about 3.2km east of Dali covering an area of 250 square kilometers. Getting There - Grab a local taxi or didi to travel to Erhai Lake from Dali Ancient City(fees would be around RMB12). Attractions - Known as ‘sea shaped ear’ in chinese, Erhai is the second largest lake in Yunnan province. There are few activities that can be carried out; cycling around the Erhai lake, enjoying Erhai Lkae Cruise, visiting Erhai Park and exploring Little Putuo Island at the east of Erhai😊. #asiatrip #travelwithgeo #travelphotography #travelinspiration #dalitravel #chinatravel #yunnantravel #erhailake

Location - Cangping Street, Fuxing Road, Dali, Yunnan Province, China Getting There - Via Dali Airport(30km away from Dali Ancient City) or Dali Railway Station(approximately 17km away from Dali Ancient City). Attractions - A town full of historical culture which was first built in Ming Dynasty; also the ancient capital of Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom. Less crowded and best time to visit would be within March to November(spring time). Food & Restaurants - Plenty of modern cafes and bars can be found within the ancient architectures in Dali Ancient city. Shopping - Able to find lots of local handmade products but be careful with the pricing(differs every shops😊) #asiatrip #travelwithgeo #travelphotography #yunnantravel #dalitravel #chinatravel #ancientcity

Location: Dali, Yunnan, China Experience: Dali has 3 cable cars, only this one takes you to the summit area for an elevation of 3966m ASL! You’re in the eaves of the Himalayas. No need to book a tour to do this - just grab a didi or taxi to the ticket office and buy your ticket there. It’s so easy to do it by yourself. Highly recommend going early to avoid the crowds.

This place will definitely turn your bad mood into awesome! The water is very clean and clear. The place is sooo lovely. There are bicycles on the lake that you can rent for 15 rmb good for the whole day. If you get tired cycling or walking, you can just sit and have a rest cause the whole area has benches. There are many homestays on the lake. It's suitable for jogging too. It has some restaurants and snack bar. The place is very popular in Yunnan, and the scenic area is free, so it is expected to have more people every day, especially on holidays. #awesomepic #themepark #naturalwonders #vacation #wonders

Longkan Gudu 龙眼古都 is located in Dali Longniche Village, Longniche Ancient Dudu is one of the landmarks of Longniche Pier. The Dragon Niche Ancient Du is a round arch with a historical architectural style, and it is also a scenic spot. It’s a place to gather after 3:00 pm rent a bike and enjoy the views. You can ride along the bike path , you can rent a beach style bike with flowers. Or a mountain bike, Children bikes are available. Cafes surround this street, you can grab a coffee and snack and see the sunset. 📍20 minutes from the ancient town going towards the lake. 🚕 Did type Longkan Gudu. You will have to walk , as cars can’t go in. 🚲 cost varies. #bikeridedali #summervacation #dalitravel #

The ancient city of Dali is rebuilt on the foundation of Yangyu City in the early Ming Dynasty. The beauty of this city lies in the scene of the old Bai houses between Cangshan and Erhai lake. This city is very beautiful. You can find flowers in this city the whole year. Many festivals of the Bai people are concentrated in March to April each year. The are some cultural songs and performances which you will enjoy. There are many local specialties you should try like coffee, tea, rice noodles and many more. The weather in this place is wonderful. You would love to visit this place especially in summer where other cities could melt you down but Dali will make you feel the fresh air and cool wind. #awesomepic #historicculture

Dali Old City is such a wonderful place. You can walk around the place and check different restaurants (Western or Chinese). Cars aren’t allowed to enter in the vicinity and so do not bring lots of things. Our hotel is located in the area and so it was perfect for us to enjoy the entire night at Dali Old City. You can also try to wear their traditional costumes and take pictures but it is expensive. You have an option to choose with the package inclusion such as make up and official photographer. If you’re planning to go to Shangri-La, costume rentals there are cheaper. #couplestrip #dalitravel #yunnantravel #dalioldtown

One of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China, Erhai Lake. It’s a crystal clear lake with edible water flowers. The weather is perfect even in summer. Tourists can rent a bike or bring your own if you have to cycle halfway around the lake and back. Lots of people also jog or just enjoy the scenery along the lake by walking. Lots of prenuptial photos going on, nice cafes and area to explore. #couplestrip #dalitravel #yunnan #erhailake #summervacation