1 Welcome to Dali - Where History Meets Nature

Dali, a city in Yunnan Province, is a haven where ancient history meets breathtaking natural beauty. With the majestic Cangshan Mountain as a backdrop and the serene Erhai Lake by its side, Dali offers a unique travel experience.

Steeped in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, Dali serves as a gateway to explore the unique landscapes and traditions of Yunnan Province. The city is rich in cultural heritage, being the former capital of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, and home to the Bai ethnic minority with their distinctive traditions and architecture.

2 Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Dali

2.1 Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake is the soul of Dali. Its vast, shimmering waters are surrounded by lush mountains and charming villages. The name "Erhai" means "ear-shaped sea," referring to the lake's distinctive shape when viewed from above.

You can cycle along the lake's shore, taking in the beautiful scenery at your own pace. For a more immersive experience, take a boat ride on the lake, where you can enjoy the gentle breeze and the stunning views. The lake is also famous for its traditional fishing methods using cormorant birds.

WakaChina can help you rent high-quality bicycles, book boat tours in advance, and recommend the best spots for photography around the lake.

Ticket Price: Free (boat tours vary) Duration: 1-2 days for cycling

Explore Erhai Lake with WakaChina

2.2 Dali Ancient City

Dali Ancient City is a living museum that showcases the city's long-standing history. The well-preserved city walls, ancient gates, and cobblestone streets take you back in time to the days of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms.

Inside the city, you'll find traditional Bai architecture, with its unique white-washed walls and intricate carvings. There are also numerous shops selling local handicrafts, tea houses, and restaurants serving authentic Dali cuisine. The city comes alive in the evenings with street performances and vibrant night markets.

WakaChina can provide you with a map of the ancient city, highlighting the must-visit spots, and arrange for a local guide to tell you the stories behind each historical site.

Ticket Price: Free Duration: 2-3 hours

Explore Dali Ancient City with WakaChina

2.3 Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain is a nature lover's paradise. With its 19 peaks covered in snow for most of the year, it offers a spectacular sight. The mountain range stretches for about 50 kilometers and reaches elevations of up to 4,122 meters.

There are several hiking trails on the mountain, each with its own unique scenery, from lush forests to clear streams and stunning viewpoints. You can also take a cable car to various elevations for different perspectives of the mountain and Erhai Lake below.

WakaChina can help you choose the best hiking trail according to your fitness level, arrange for transportation to the mountain, and provide safety tips for your hike.

Ticket Price: ¥30-40 ($4.2-5.6) Duration: 4-6 hours

Hike Cangshan Mountain with WakaChina

2.4 Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are an iconic symbol of Dali. These ancient Buddhist pagodas have stood for over a thousand years, with the tallest one reaching 69.13 meters. They are arranged in a symmetrical triangle and have survived numerous earthquakes.

The pagodas are surrounded by a beautiful temple complex and a large square, creating a peaceful and solemn atmosphere. The site also includes a museum that displays Buddhist artifacts and provides historical context about the pagodas and the region.

WakaChina can book tickets for you in advance, and arrange for a guided tour to explain the historical and religious significance of the pagodas.

Ticket Price: ¥75 ($10.4) Duration: 2-3 hours

Visit Three Pagodas with WakaChina

2.5 Xizhou Town

Xizhou Town is known for its well-preserved Bai-style architecture. The ancient houses here are a showcase of the Bai people's exquisite craftsmanship, with their elaborate wood carvings, stone carvings, and painted murals.

Strolling through the town's streets, you can also taste local snacks like Xizhou Baba, a kind of baked cake. The town offers a more authentic and less commercialized experience compared to Dali Ancient City, with opportunities to visit local families and learn about Bai culture.

WakaChina can recommend the best-preserved ancient houses to visit, and guide you to the most popular snack stalls in the town for an authentic taste of local life.

Ticket Price: Free Duration: 2-3 hours

Discover Xizhou Town with WakaChina

3 Accommodation Options in Dali

Finding the right place to stay in Dali can enhance your travel experience. WakaChina offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference:

If you prefer to be close to the action, staying in Dali Ancient City or near Erhai Lake is a great choice. WakaChina can help you compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, and book your accommodation directly.

4 Savor the Flavors of Dali Cuisine

Dali's cuisine is a reflection of its rich culture and abundant natural resources, with strong influences from Bai ethnic traditions. Must-try dishes include:

• Shengpi: A traditional Bai dish made from fresh pork skin, which is usually served with a special dipping sauce
• Suanla Yu (Sour and Spicy Fish): Made with fresh fish from Erhai Lake, cooked in a tangy and spicy broth
• Xizhou Baba: A baked cake with sweet or savory fillings, a specialty of Xizhou Town
• Rusuan: A unique dairy product in the shape of a fan, made from goat or cow milk
• Er Kuai: Rice cakes made from non-glutinous rice, served in various ways including grilled or stir-fried

WakaChina can recommend the best local restaurants, both in the city center and off-the-beaten-path spots, where you can enjoy these authentic Dali dishes.

5 Popular Activities in Dali

6 WakaChina Services in Dali

7 Plan Your Dali Adventure

Dali, with its beautiful scenery, rich history, and delicious cuisine, is a destination that has something for everyone. From the serene beauty of Erhai Lake and majestic Cangshan Mountain to the ancient charm of Dali Ancient City and authentic Bai culture, there's something to captivate every interest.

With WakaChina's professional services, you can explore this enchanting city with ease and confidence. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, Dali will leave you with unforgettable memories.