Dali

About Dali

Dali sits in western Yunnan, famed for its classic "Wind, Flower, Snow and Moon" scenery. Framed by rolling Cangshan Mountains and clear Erhai Lake, it was once the capital of the ancient Dali Kingdom with over 1,000 years of history. It is home to the Bai ethnic group, featuring unique white-and-grey folk architecture, ancient stone streets and laid-back lakeside villages. Iconic landmarks include Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas and Dali Old Town. With mild spring-like weather all year round, Dali delivers a peaceful slow-travel vibe mixing stunning nature, profound local culture and relaxing lakeside views.

Highlights

• 1Chongsheng Three Pagodas – Iconic Tang royal Buddhist landmark of Dali
• 2Erhai Lake – Serene highland freshwater lake with cycling corridors and sunrise views
• 3Cangshan Mountain – Cloud-shrouded peaks with full lake panoramic overlook
• 4Xizhou Ancient Town – Well-preserved Bai village & traditional tie-dye craft hub
• 5Bai Ethnic Folk Culture – Unique courtyard architecture, March Street festival and handicrafts
• 6Local Yunnan Cuisine – Cross-bridge rice noodles, crispy Xizhou Baba and wild mushroom dishes

Must-See Attractions

Chongsheng Three Pagodas

Visit the Tang-dynasty royal temple complex, capture pagoda reflections in mirror pond and explore ancient Buddhist relics

2-3 hours

Erhai Lake

Cycle the west ecological corridor, watch sunrise at Longkan Dock, shoot photos at Panxi S-curve and wander lakeside fishing hamlets

3.5-4 hours

Cangshan Mountain

Take cable cars to mountain terraces, hike Yudai Trail through cloud forests, overlook the full Erhai basin view

3-4 hours

Dali Ancient Town

A historic old town known for the romantic scenery of wind, flowers, snow and moon

2-3 hours

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Land of Nanzhao-Dali Cultural Heritage

As the political and cultural heart of ancient Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms with over 1,200 years of recorded history, Dali preserves complete Bai ethnic civilization and ancient southwest frontier Buddhist culture. It integrates Tang royal Buddhist architecture, Bai folk village customs, ancient Tea Horse Road trade relics and indigenous craft traditions, forming a unique cultural heritage system that unifies mountain, lake and ethnic life.

Getting Around

Travel Tips