Things to do in Yao'an
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Top 10 attractions in Yao'an
Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town
Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town is located approx. 12 km north of the county seat of Yao’an, Chuxiong Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It has a long history, beautiful mountains and rivers, and numerous historical sites, and is known as the Cultural hub of western Yunnan and the Home of flower lanterns. The town's architecture is laid out in the shape of the Chinese character "Kun," with many ancient buildings. It has been an important town for governing Yunnan since ancient times and served as a key stronghold on the ancient Southern Silk Road leading to Southeast Asia, India, and other regions. To highlight the town's unique features, the local government is focusing on developing four major themes: fortune, longevity, prosperity, and joy. Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town is characterized by its historical and agricultural culture. The pastoral scenery is picturesque throughout the seasons, with spring, summer, fall, and winter each offering a different natural landscape, creating beautiful pastoral views. Visitors can see the coexistence of the Earth God belief, Taoism, and Buddhism here, which reflects the local area's profound cultural heritage and inclusivity. Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town is a place where outstanding people are born. It has produced many famous figures, and the Gao family once had the legendary reputation of "nine scholars, seven dukes, eight prime ministers, three kings, one emperor, and five marquises," producing famous scholars such as Gao Jiongying, Zhao Zixiang, Ma Siliang, and Zhao Heqing. This place is not only a must-visit stop on the ancient Southwestern Silk Road but also a historic town that carries a thousand years of fortune culture.Yao'an · 9.8km from downtown
Dianchi Lake
Dianchi Lake is also called Kunming Lake. It is the sixth largest freshwater lake in China. It has the nickname of "Sparkling Pearl Embedded in a Highland". The lake is wide and spectacular. Every winter, a large flock of red-billed gulls migrate here from Siberia, making it a good place for bird watching and bird feeding. There are different ways to explore Dianchi lake. You can stroll around the lake, cycle, or ride a boat. You can also climb up to the Dragon Gate overlooking Dianchi Lake to get a better view of the entire lake.China · Kunming
Erhai Lake
Erhai Lake lies quietly at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains and east of Dali Ancient Town, serving as Yunnan's second-largest plateau freshwater lake after Dianchi Lake. Stretching narrowly over 40 km from north to south, its silhouette resembles both a human ear and a crescent moon. The Bai people traditionally call large lakes "seas," and with its vast expanse and sea-like waves when winds rise, it earned this romantic name. The nineteen peaks of Cangshan stand like a screen to the west, reflecting the lake's shimmering waters—a scenery long praised as "silver Cangshan and jade Erhai." This is also the setting for the "Erhai moon," one of Dali's famed "wind, flower, snow, and moon" four scenic wonders. The classic way to explore Erhai Lake is riding or hiking along the lakeside ecological corridor, where you can stop anytime along the 100 km shoreline: Longkan Dock on the western shore features boardwalks extending into the water and rows of dawn redwoods, making it a popular sunrise spot. Further north, Panxi S-bend's waterfront trail curves gracefully along the lake, with a solitary tree in the water and pastoral shores serving as iconic photo backdrops. Taking a cruise offers distant views of Little Putuo Island and a chance to visit Nanzhao Folk Island, often accompanied by Bai ethnic tea ceremonies and dances. Jinsuo Island in the southern lake has been home to Bai fishermen for generations, preserving both village charm and Benzhu faith traditions. During the summer Torch Festival, lakeside villagers toss pine resin powder, creating fiery sparks, while the legend-linked Shuahai Festival—honoring Lady Bojie and Duan Chicheng's serpent-slaying tale—keeps Bai bravery alive by the lakeshore. To slow down, head to Shuanglang Ancient Town by the lake and pick a waterfront café to spend half a day. At dawn, wait for the sunrise on the western shore; in the evening, watch the sunset paint the Cangshan Mountains golden-red from the eastern shore—riding along the lakeshore, cruising back to gaze at the mountains from the lake center, or simply sitting by the water—these experiences perfectly piece together different facets of Erhai Lake.China · Dali City
Yunnan Provincial Museum
The Yunnan Provincial Museum is a comprehensive museum showcasing Yunnan's history and ethnic culture, housing over 200,000 cultural relics (sets), with strengths in ancient Dian Kingdom bronzeware, Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom Buddhist statues, and historical calligraphy and paintings. The building itself is distinctive: its reddish-brown exterior is composed of irregular stone prism shapes, resembling a stone forest rising from the ground, making it memorable even before entering the exhibition halls. The permanent exhibition follows a chronological sequence, with six themed halls—"Ancient Yunnan," "Dawn of civilization," "Dominance in southern China," "Land of fragrant Buddhism," "Frontier expansion and defense," and "A century of upheaval"—taking visitors from prehistoric times to the modern era, offering a condensed overview of Yunnan's history. Located in a multi-ethnic border region, the artifacts here differ markedly from those in inland museums: bronzeware depicts vivid scenes of animal combat, rituals, and warfare, while the Dian Kingdom's unique shell containers resemble lidded bronze "piggy banks." The Buddhist statues bear the distinct regional style of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, warranting closer attention. The museum's crown jewels deserve dedicated viewing time: the Warring States period bronze ox-tiger table, unearthed from the Lijiashan tombs in Jiangchuan, features a small ox hidden beneath a large ox and a fierce tiger biting the ox's tail, earning the saying "In the north, there's the galloping horse treading on a flying swallow; in the south, there's the ox-tiger bronze table." The Dali Kingdom gilded Avalokitesvara statue with silver halo from the Qianxun Pagoda of Chongsheng Temple in Dali has a unique golden form. Other treasures include Song Dynasty Guo Xi's "Travelers among mountains and streams," Yuan Dynasty Huang Gongwang's "Visiting Dai in Shanxi," and the Ming Dynasty gem-inlaid golden crown. After the visit, you can stop by the nearby Guandu ancient town, making it possible to explore both sites in a day.China · Kunming
Mu Fu Mansion
Mu Fu Mansion is located at the foot of Lion Mountain in the ancient town of Lijiang. It served as the residence of the Mu family chieftains for centuries since the Ming Dynasty. The architecture retains the central plains style of the Ming era while incorporating Bai and Naxi craftsmanship. When Xu Xiake visited Lijiang, he could only admire the grand complex from outside the gates, leaving behind the praise "The splendor of these palaces rivals that of imperial courts." These eight characters are now gilded on the entrance screen wall. Locals often say "As there is the Forbidden City in the north, so there is Mu Fu Mansion in the south," regarding it as Lijiang's version of the Forbidden City. Visiting Mu Fu Mansion, you first pass through the wooden archway inscribed with "Tian Yu Liu Fang" – these four characters are a homophone for "Go study" in the Naxi language, reflecting the Mu chieftain family's tradition of valuing education – then through the exquisitely carved stone archway bearing the words "Loyalty and righteousness." In the past, locals praised it with the saying, "The Three Pagodas of Dali, the stone archways of Lijiang." Stepping through the vermilion gate, the central axis runs east to west, lined with the assembly hall, Wanjuan Tower (Ten-Thousand-Volume Library), guardian hall, Guangbi Tower, Yuyin Tower, and Sanqing Hall. The assembly hall was where the chieftain conducted political affairs, dignified and imposing. Wanjuan Tower once housed thousands of Dongba scriptures, hundreds of Buddhist sutras, poetry collections of six chieftains, and numerous calligraphy and paintings by renowned scholars, embodying the mansion's cultural heritage. The guardian hall, also called the rear assembly hall, was used for family discussions. Guangbi Tower, the gatehouse of the rear garden, has long been hailed as "the finest in western Yunnan." Yuyin Tower was where imperial edicts were received and banquets with music and dance were held. At the axis's end stands Sanqing Hall, situated high at the foot of Lion Mountain, offering a panoramic view of the entire mansion and the layered rooftops of the ancient town. Over a hundred auxiliary halls, pavilions, street-crossing buildings, and family courtyards flank the axis in staggered elevations, recreating the grandeur of the chieftain's residence. Most structures of Mu Fu Mansion were destroyed in wars during the late Qing Dynasty. Its current layout was reconstructed after fundraising following the 1996 Lijiang earthquake and completed in 1999. TV series like "Mu Fu Feng Yun" and "Qian Wang" were filmed here. After the tour, the Zhongyi Memorial Archway outside the mansion, the "Tian Yu Liu Fang" archway, and the screen wall inscribed with Xu Xiake's praise are all photo-worthy spots.China · Lijiang
Pu'er Tea Horse Ancient Road Relic Park
Pu'er Tea-horse Ancient Road Scenic Attraction (4A) is located in Pu'er City, Yunnan Province, the "World Tea Source", 2km away from the municipal center, covering an area of nearly 5,000 acres, with a total tour length of about 5,174.4 meters, andadjacent to the national night culture and tourism consumption gathering area of the Tea-horse Ancient City Tourism Town.The site of theTea-horse Ancient Roadin the scenic spot is an important section of the north-south movement of the ancient Tea-Horse Road.It is not only a distribution center for tribute tea entering Beijing, but also a section withcomplete preservation, long distance, rich culture, and well-maintained along the way. In 2013, the Tea-horse Ancient Roadwas listed as the seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units by the State Council. Along the ancient town of Tea horse tourism Zhengguan Street into the scenic area, the first thing you will see is the majestic Simao CityGate. On the shimmering Yinma Lake is a group of horse caravans trekking on the ancient road - "tea messengers", showing us the picture of the horse caravans trekking hard on the steep mountain road. It is the generations of horse caravans with their fortitude, courage and wisdom, have used their blood and sweat to build trade routeswith all directions.From here, the journey of exploration begins. Take the battery sightseeing bus directly to the beautiful Dingbo Lake, where pavilions and towers are dotted, and the blue sky and clear water complement each other. Standing on the continuous tea mountain stand, you can enjoy the first immersive water dance show "Horse Caravan Love Song" on the Tea-Horse Ancient Road. Relying on resources such as primitive forests, plateau lakes, musical fountains, and misty fireworks, combined with exciting local ethnic historical stories to take you into the magnificent but long-forgotten years of the horse caravans. Walk through the floating bridge shaded by flowers and head to the starting point of the Rainbow Cableway. This section of the cableway is 786 meters long and takes about 13 minutes and 14 seconds to ride, implying a lifetime of romance. During the cableway ride, visitors can enjoy the beautiful subtropical rainforest and ecological tea gardens all over the mountains, overlook the scenery of the tea city Pu'er, and feel the fresh and natural countryside scenery. Sitting on the cableway all the way up to the Zhongyi Post Station on the top of the mountain. The caravans set up at daybreak and slept at night, and there were many post stations along the ancient road. The caravans from south to north would stop here to stay overnight, through the strove to prepare dinner for the hungry people and horses, and they would feast on the food at the table and chat about everything under the sun. It was so pleasant. Get up close and personal with the "Pearl of Dayuan, noble among Horses", the Ferghana Horse, a national treasure of Turkmenistan that has came afar, and witness the splendid and glorious ancient road culture with you. Zhongyi Posthouse Museum is a unique and ornamental caravan museum in southwestern Yunnan. It focuses on theTea-Horse Ancient Road cultureand the caravan culture, combines the multi-ethnic characteristics of Pu'er and presents the most representative caravan culture on the Yunnan-TibetTea-Horse Ancient Roadin a multi-level and multi-dimensional way to the world, becoming an important cultural business card of Pu'er. The museum has more than 800 collections, mostly caravan utensils, sacrificial and daily necessities of various ethnic groups in history. It is the essence of the collection of Shang Mingpeng, a caravan culture scholar and famous print artist for more than 20 years, and many items have become out of print. 9 Take a step forward and continue to explore the mysteries of the tea-horse culture. The exchange of tea for horses began in the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Tea Hall in the Ancient Road Origin Area will lead you to trace the source of history, reveal the evolution of tea and horses, and depict the early imprint of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. Walk along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road and taste the fragrance of Pu'er tea. The green shade of pine and cypress is cool, and the footprints of ancestors and the marks of horse hooves are clearly visible on the mossy ancient road. It feels like entering the Wizard of Oz, lush and green, with birdsong sound. Walking through the suspension bridge full of blessing ribbons, we arrived to the Land Altar, a sacred place of worship on the Yunnan-Tibet Tea-HorseAncientRoad. The mottled statue of the God of Land, the verdant mountain god tree, the gurgling Kongming Well, and the overturned tripod which all came from history are the bearing and reposing of the caravan's faith. Step into Songming Pavilion and relive the glory of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road! From the Eastern Han Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this legendary trade road spanned a thousand years, connecting the southwest and the border areas, with horse caravans carrying tea and the ancient road leisurely. At Jiangcheng Ferry, the fragrance of Pu'er tea spreads all over the world; the ancient post station in Yunnan Province witnesses the integration of ethnic groups and the prosperity of trade. The Tea-Horse Ancient Road is not only a trade road, but also a cultural corridor. Let's pursue that glorious history together! Walk into the deep valley plank road where you can smell the fragrance of orchids and the chirping of swallows, take the electric car through the mottled shadows of trees, let the wind blowing from the tea mountains brush your face, and let the mountain breeze carry the fragrance of tea and soak your sleeves. Walking into the Gongcha Courtyard, you will dream back to the 21st year of Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty, witness the national glory of Pu'er - the imperially bestowed plaque "Ruigong Heaven", feeling the prosperity of tea and horse, lamenting at the spirit of craftsmen, feeling the hardships of the horse caravans, and be grateful for the great "Belt and Road National Strategy". Take a leisurely stroll, walk down the 407 steps slowly or take a thrilling forest slide, take the pulley whistling down, sometimes you are in the woods, sometimes in the mountains covered with weeds, sometimes in the fragrant tea garden. The "derailment feeling" brought by the inertia when the trolley turns makes your heart beat faster and scream with excitement. After a wonderful journey, you can return to the visitor center and go to the Caravan Banquet to enjoy a meal of caravan specialties. Caravan Banquet is backed by tea mountains and surrounded by Pu'er green color, which is comfortable and leisurely. The restaurant has the large conference halls, open-air banquet halls, and luxurious and elegant private dining rooms.The dishes are mainly caravan dishes, local ethnic minority dishes and Pu'er local specialties, so that you can feel the strong regional cultural atmosphere while tasting delicious food. Here, you will perfectly end this unforgettable journey on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.China · Pu'er
Old Town of Lijiang
The Old Town of Lijiang, also known as Dayan Town, is one of the famous towns along the ancient Tea Horse Road. TV dramas like "One Meter of Sunshine" and "Mu Fu Feng Yun" were filmed here. The town features wooden houses with dark-tiled roofs, ancient stone-paved streets, and small bridges over flowing streams winding past homes. Standing on East Street, one can see the snow-capped peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on clear days, with the iconic view of the mountain and the old town framed together. The ancient town is built along the mountain slopes, with streets and alleys following the waterways. Sifang Street, once a trading market on the ancient Tea Horse Road, remains the town's center today, with four main streets—Guangyi Street, Qiyi Street, Wuyi Street, and Xinhua Street—radiating outward and branching into a crisscrossing network of lanes. The Yu River splits into three at Yulong Bridge in the north, forming the East, Middle, and West Rivers, which further divide into nine tributaries and countless water alleys, creating a layout where main streets border rivers and small lanes adjoin canals. Mu Fu, the residence of the Mu chieftain praised by Xu Xiake as "palatial splendor rivaling that of kings," stands at the foot of Lion Mountain beside Guangyi Street. For a panoramic view of the town, climb to Wangulou on Lion Mountain, where layers of dark-tiled rooftops unfold below. The melodies of ancient Naxi music can be heard year-round in the town, while shops displaying Dongba script and handmade silver and copper crafts are scattered throughout the streets, offering glimpses of Naxi craftsmanship at every turn. The large waterwheel at the entrance of the ancient town is an iconic photo spot. The town is filled with shops selling ethnic accessories, tea, silverware, and shawls. Local delicacies like cured pork ribs and chickpea jelly can be found in restaurants, alongside Western options like pizza. Tired visitors can take a break anywhere.China · Lijiang
Dali Ancient City
Dali Ancient City is nestled against the Cangshan Mountain and faces the Erhai Lake. This area was once the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Dali Kingdom. The preserved city layout mainly inherits from the reconstruction of the Dali Prefecture during the Ming Dynasty. Bai ethnic courtyards with white walls and blue tiles spread out along the chessboard-like streets. Locals spend their leisure time gardening, basking in the sun, and chatting, creating a slow-paced lifestyle that distinguishes this ancient city from many imitation historic districts. You can start your exploration from the south gate tower during the day, where the characters "Dali" on the wall serve as a popular photo backdrop. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of dark-tiled rooftops and distant Cangshan Mountain. Fuxing Road, extending north from the south gate, is the ancient town's central pedestrian street, lined with shops in Ming and Qing styles displaying marble carvings, tie-dye fabrics, silverware, and ethnic costumes. Wuhua Tower at the intersection, originally built during the Nanzhao period and rebuilt several times, remains a landmark of the town. Nearby, the Honglongjing area features clear streams flowing along the streets, making it a pleasant spot to rest when tired. The Renmin Road area is packed with snack stalls, fruit vendors, and handicraft shops, where you can sample local flavors like grilled rushan cheese, cold chicken rice noodles, and Xizhou baba. As night falls, another scene unfolds. Bars and cafés along Foreigner Street (originally Huguo Road) and Renmin Road light up one after another, with live music drifting from the shops to the streets. The town seamlessly transitions from daytime leisure to nighttime vibrancy within the same ancient city.China · Dali City
Xizhou
Xizhou is located 18 km north of Dali Ancient Town, nestled between the Cangshan Mountains to the west and Erhai Lake to the east. This well-preserved Bai ethnic settlement is the birthplace of Xizhou baba cakes. Strolling through the ancient town, you'll encounter seniors in traditional Bai costumes, local bakeries selling baba cakes, and authentic Bai architecture – all radiating rich Bai cultural charm. Xizhou at a glance The Zhengyi Gate serves as the west entrance to Xizhou Ancient Town, leading directly to its historic streets. Just a few hundred meters inside the west gate stands a 500-year-old banyan tree—so massive it takes several adults to encircle its trunk—making it an iconic landmark of Xizhou. Not far into the ancient town stands Ziyunshan Temple, a Qing Dynasty structure that appears quite weathered. Local elderly residents often gather here for activities and sunbathing. Further in lies Sifang Street, a small square surrounded by shops that serves as the town's central hub. Exploring Xizhou typically begins at Sifang Street, the birthplace of the renowned local snack Xizhou baba, which offers authentic flavors. Explore Bai ethnic architecture Bai-style folk houses are a hallmark of Xizhou, with structures spanning different historical periods. The most visited residences belong to the Yan and Yang families. The Yan Family Residence, located at the southwest corner of Sifang Street, features the classic Bai courtyard layout known as "three rooms with a screen wall" and "a quadrangle with five courtyards." As the wealthiest of Xizhou's "four great families" in the past, this residence offers a glimpse into the Yan family's former grandeur. Visitors can enjoy Bai ethnic song and dance performances and sample the traditional "Three Courses of Tea" here. Tickets are available for those interested in architecture and ethnic culture. The Yang Pinxiang Residence, situated east of Xizhou, shares a similar layout but stands out for its exquisite wood carvings and particularly ornate, flowing gatehouse. Nearby Sifang Street also houses another Yan Family Compound, ideal for a quick introduction to Bai-style dwellings. Explore Haishe Peninsula Additionally, it's worth mentioning the Haixi Peninsula east of Xizhou Ancient Town. Head approx. 3–4 km east toward Erhai Lake until you reach Haixin Pavilion, then continue a few hundred meters further to Jingui Temple. Here you'll discover a lush oasis approx. 100m wide and 1 km long, resembling a jade hairpin piercing the shimmering waters of Erhai Lake—locals call it "Haixi" (Sea Tongue). With few visitors, this spot offers breathtaking scenery: azure skies, white clouds, emerald trees, crystal-clear waves, and waterfowl gliding through the landscape, creating a perfect harmony with nature. Every photo taken here looks like a painted masterpiece. Travel recommendations Xizhou is not far from Dali Ancient Town. If you're staying in Dali Ancient Town, you can take a ride or cycle there for a day trip to explore the area. Alternatively, you may choose to stay overnight in Xizhou and visit Butterfly Spring the next day.China · Dali City
Yang Li Ping Art Space
Yang Li Ping Art Space is located at the northern end of Yuji Island in Shuanglang Town, Dali, Yunnan. Built in 2000, it was originally the private residence of dancer Yang Liping facing Erhai Lake. Designed by Bai ethnic artist Zhao Qing with the concept of "harmonious coexistence with nature," it blends the charm of Bai folk houses with modern design. The entire structure is built on reefs, combining local bluestone with steel frames, and the building extends toward Erhai Lake, appearing to float above the water from a distance. Inside, multiple split levels undulate, with most rooms facing Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. A century-old banyan tree grows through the central hall, symbolizing the coexistence of tree and architecture, creating a highly recognizable scene here. Today, this private residence has been opened to the public as an art space. Inside, it displays paintings by artist Ye Yongqing and preserves props from Yang Liping's dance drama "Pingtan Impression," as well as scenes from her former daily life. The spacious terrace faces Erhai Lake, offering a view of Nanzhao Folklore Island opposite. Visits require advance reservations and entry in batches; travelers planning to come are advised to arrange their itinerary in advance.China · Dali City
Experiences you can't miss in Yao'an
Featured Day tours in Yao'an
View all Day tours![Jizu Mountain 1-day tour [includes admission ticket + cable car + sightseeing bus | quality pure play | round-trip pickup & drop-off]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0101q120008flnx0p2FDD_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
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Free things to do in Yao'an
Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town
Yao'an · 9.8km from downtownDianchi Lake
China · KunmingErhai Lake
China · Dali CityYunnan Provincial Museum
China · KunmingMu Fu Mansion
China · LijiangImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimePu'er Tea Horse Ancient Road Relic Park
China · Pu'erOld Town of Lijiang
China · LijiangDali Ancient City
China · Dali CityXizhou
China · Dali CityYang Li Ping Art Space
China · Dali City
What travellers say about Yao'an
阴阳宝瓶7 October 2024
4.0
Guanglu Ancient Town in Yao'an is a scenic spot in the county and a must-visit place when visiting Yao'an. It has a sense of age and you can go and experience it. As a county, it is not appropriate to have this culture.
Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town
Anonymous user14 October 2026
5.0
Location: Haigeng Park/No. 16 Hubin Road ↔ Xishan Longmen (West Mountain Dragon Gate), not near the old street, you have to go to the Dianchi Lake area.
Experience: Crossing the lake + climbing the mountain, about 20 minutes one way, views of Dianchi Lake, Sleeping Beauty Mountain, and city scenery, great for taking photos.
Ticket Price: One way about 59-60 RMB, round trip about 98-100 RMB.
Advantages: Easy for lazy people to climb West Mountain, no climbing required, unique views; seagulls in winter.
Disadvantages: Stops during strong winds/thunderstorms; long queues during peak season; separate ticket/walking required for Longmen after climbing the mountain; don't confuse with the "Xishan Longmen Cableway".
Conclusion: First time in Kunming, taking the Dianchi-Xishan route → worth it; if just exploring the old street → not worth a special trip.
Dianchi Lake
Oo一天世界oO11 September 2026
5.0
On my second trip to Dali, I stayed for three days. On the first day, I stayed at Erhai Park, facing north to enjoy the view of Erhai Lake. On the second day, I stayed at Shuanglang Ancient Town, facing west to see the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake together. On the third day, I cycled from west to east along the Erhai Ecological Corridor to enjoy the view of Erhai Lake. I also went to Yunxiang Mountain Road for extreme mountain biking, Shuanglang, Xizhou Ancient Town, Dali Ancient City, etc. Every angle offered a different perspective of Erhai Lake. The scenery in Dali is truly beautiful.
Erhai Lake
Anonymous user17 October 2026
5.0
This guided tour at the Yunnan Provincial Museum was exceptional! Our guide, Ms. Xia, possessed a solid foundation of knowledge and didn't just read from materials mechanically. She interspersed the lecture with many interesting anecdotes, making the otherwise obscure history of the ancient Dian and Nanzhao kingdoms vivid and engaging. The artifacts, which were originally displayed quietly, seemed to come alive. I was completely captivated throughout the tour; it wasn't boring or drowsy at all. Her pacing was excellent, and she was very patient in answering questions. It was a completely different experience from simply rushing through the exhibits. A big thumbs up!
Yunnan Provincial Museum
houston10 October 2026
5.0
This visit to the attraction was an excellent experience. It boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, beautiful natural scenery, and excellent facilities, making for a smooth and comfortable overall tour. In conclusion, this attraction is of exceptional quality and highly worth visiting; it is strongly recommended to all tourists.
Mu Fu Mansion
Donghae3313 October 2026
5.0
At the foot of the mountain, you can watch some great performances, and the scenery around Dingbo Lake is beautiful.
Taking the cable car up the mountain offers panoramic views of Pu'er city, and you can also participate in interactive activities to earn virtual currency, as well as timed flash mob performances where you can go on stage and dance with the performers – it's a lot of fun!
Pu'er Tea Horse Ancient Road Relic Park
西格玛 12318 September 2026
5.0
The night view of Lijiang Old Town is a gentle interplay of lights and flowing water. As night falls, the cobblestone streets are bathed in the warm yellow glow of lanterns, creating a poetic atmosphere. The Jade River shimmers, reflecting the starry sky of the old town. In the streets and alleys, Naxi ancient music and folk songs blend together, and the everyday life of the city merges with the ancient charm of a thousand years ago. From a high vantage point, the myriad lights of homes create a scene resembling a flowing ink painting of Jiangnan, gentle and romantic, captivating visitors with its blend of tranquility and vibrancy, making them linger and reluctant to leave.
Old Town of Lijiang
印象西南2 September 2026
5.0
Dali Ancient City is definitely worth a visit. Entering from the South Gate, the ancient cobblestone streets exude a charming, old-world atmosphere. Backed by Cangshan Mountain, with distant views of rolling hills, it evokes the feeling of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom. The ancient city's streets and alleys are crisscrossed, with Renmin Road and Yangren Street being particularly lively. You can find Bai ethnic snacks like roasted milk fan and crispy rice cakes on the street. Climbing Wuhua Tower offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city's rooftops.
The main street is lined with shops, making it quite commercialized. Souvenir shops abound, so be sure to compare prices before buying. It's recommended to avoid the crowds and explore the side alleys to experience the local atmosphere. Stroll around during the day, watch the sunset over the ancient city, and enjoy the enchanting ambiance when the city lights up at night.
Overall, it's a great experience. I recommend allowing 2-3 hours to explore at a leisurely pace. A must-visit in Dali, perfect for a relaxing stroll and soaking in the city's laid-back lifestyle.
Dali Ancient City
白克凡9 October 2026
5.0
Xizhou Ancient Town is so relaxing! The streets are free to explore, and it retains a strong Bai ethnic atmosphere. Strolling through the corner towers and tie-dye alleys is very charming. The most stunning sight is the Xilinyuan Rice Paddy, nestled against Cangshan Mountain. The sunset casting its glow on the rice paddies creates a truly magical ambiance. I recommend visiting in the afternoon; half a day is just right. A leisurely stroll is perfectly timed and incredibly therapeutic.
Xizhou
M19***0028 July 2026
5.0
Yang Liping's Afternoon Tea at the Sun Palace is a poetic experience immersed in the romantic atmosphere of Dali. From the moment you step into the courtyard with the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake as its backdrop, time slows down. The wooden structure coexists with nature, and each window is like a picture frame, capturing the flowing lake and mountain scenery as works of art.
Yang Li Ping Art Space
