Dali has breathtaking natural scenery and is a great place to experience the culture of China's ethnic minorities. The prominent ethnic minority in Dali is the Bai people.
Here, we have listed the top 10 attractions with recommended things to do in Dali, from beautiful old towns to natural beauty, and from outdoor adventures to Bai culture experiences. This guide will help you get some ideas for your Dali trip.
1. Dali Old Town
Dali Old TownDali Old Town, or Dali Ancient Town is one of Yunnan's most popular tourist destinations. It has a history of 1,200 years and was the capital of the Nanzhao kingdom. For first-timers, it is a must-visit attraction.
With more historic sites, accommodation, and dining options as well as convenient transportation, Dali Old Town is suitable for exploring the history of Dali and immersing yourself in diverse ethnic activities.
Days and nights in Dali Old Town are quite distinctive. During the day, it's ideal for visiting attractions in the town, and it is mostly full of visitors. At night, the town comes alive with vibrant nightlife for you to explore. Learn more about Dali Old Town.
- Recommended tour: 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
2. Erhai Lake
Cruise on Erhai LakeErhai (Er Lake) is one of the most beautiful lakes in China. This plateau lake is like a deep blue gem set in the green land, making it a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Dali.
With enchanting views, Erhai is ideal for soaking up the natural scenery and capturing gorgeous photos. Every year from November to March, seagulls hover over the lake, creating a romantic and dreamlike ambiance that belongs to winter.
To visit and enjoy a peaceful moment at Erhai, consider a leisurely cruise or a scenic drive around the lake. For a more active experience, cycling along the shore is also enjoyable. Here are two recommended cycling routes, both of which are about 13 kilometers (8 miles) long:
- Erhai West Shore: A livelier route with more attractions, perfect for young or inexperienced riders. You would ride along the lakeside ecological corridor and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
- Erhai East Shore: A quieter, more tranquil option, ideal for viewing Cang Mountain and Er Lake at the same time. This route follows the lakeside highways and offers the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset.
Learn more about Erhai Lake.
- Recommended tour: 4-Day Dynamic Dali Tour
3. The Cangshan Mountains
The Cangshan MountainsCang Mountain (Cangshan) is a mountain range west of Dali city. Snowcapped peaks, flowing clouds, murmuring brooks, diverse flora, and historical temples make it one of the most famous attractions in Dali.
The best way to enjoy the mountain scenery is to combine cableways and hiking. For a unique experience, join your guide and locals in picking wild mushrooms in nearby forests. This activity is available in July and August.
For families with kids, if you are looking for more playful activities, we recommend Shimenguan, where you could enjoy exciting activities like a via ferrata and an ATV experience while exploring spectacular valley scenery with waterfalls.
4. The Three Pagodas of Dali
The Three PagodasThe Three Pagodas are famous in China for their size, beauty, and antiquity as well as their preservation. The central one is more than 1,100 years old and is one of the tallest pagodas ever built in China.
They are located at the foot of Cang Mountain, northwest of Dali Old Town. There is a small square in front of the temple where you could take a beautiful picture of the Three Pagodas.
5. Xizhou Town
Bai houses in XizhouThe little town of Xizhou (the name means 'Happy Town'), once a trade/academic hub, is now a quiet and idyllic town. After the drama Meet Yourself aired, Xizhou became more popular as one of the filming locations.
There, you could explore Bai ethnic culture and history by visiting typical Bai houses. You could also admire the tranquil scenery and enjoy the peaceful view of billowing wheat fields.
Xizhou is close to Er Lake. You could combine a trip to Erhai in one day with a tour of Xizhou. Learn more about Xizhou Town.
6. Shaxi Ancient Town
SHAXI TOWNShaxi Ancient Town was an important trading hub on the Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Road. It was included in the World Monuments Fund's protection list of 101 endangered sites as early as 2001 and was also a filming location for Meet Yourself.
If you prefer an authentic ancient town, this quaint and peaceful town is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle and enjoying a gentle pace of life. Also, explore caravan culture or experience horseback riding to trace the history of the Tea Horse Road.
Shaxi Ancient Town is located between Dali and Lijiang, about a 2-hour drive from each one. If your Yunnan trip covers both Dali and Lijiang, you could consider adding Shaxi as a stop along the way.
Learn more about Shaxi Ancient Town.
- Recommended tour: 4-Day Dali and Tea Horse Road Experience Tour
7. Zhoucheng Village
Make your tie-dying fabricKnown as "the hometown of Bai tie-dye", Zhoucheng is located 23 kilometers (14 miles) north of Dali Old Town. It is the largest Bai township in Dali, where the Bai residents are highly skilled in tie-dyeing.
If you're interested in a traditional ethnic handicraft experience, Zhoucheng is recommended for a tie-dying experience, especially with your family or friends. You could also visit Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum to learn about the history of this traditional folk craft.
Zhoucheng is only a 10-minute drive from Xizhou Town, so combining these two destinations while touring Er Lake could be a fantastic option.
8. Fengyang Yi Village
Windy CourtyardFengyang Yi has regained popularity since the Windy Courtyard that is located there was featured in Meet Yourself. It is an authentic village along the Tea Horse Road and is a 20-minute drive from Dali Old Town.
This picturesque small village would lead you to return to pastoral life and experience a leisurely lifestyle, blending historical ambiance and local folk ethnic culture. You could also explore the bustling vendors and diverse customs.
If you are a hardcore fan of Meet Yourself, Fengyang Yi is worth visiting. The village is suitable for taking selfies but horseback riding is not recommended as the cobblestone roads are quite narrow and filled with vendors.
9. Shuanglang Ancient Village
Sunset at Erhai Shuanglang Ancient Village is nestled against Cang Mountain and adjoins Er Lake. You could admire the lake view and witness local Bai minority people making their living fishing in the lake.
If you prefer taking photos, Shuanglang Ancient Village is perfect for photography with its gorgeous Erhai backdrop. It is called "the first scenic town of Er Lake". The main attractions, Yuji Island and Nanzhao Customs Island, are good places to watch a sunset.
However, it is relatively far away and quite commercialized. You don't need to spend too much time exploring the village. Instead, it's better to stop for photos while driving around Er Lake.
Learn more about Shuanglang Ancient Village.
10. Shibao Mountain
Temple in Shibao MountainShibao Mountain is a hidden gem off the beaten path for hiking, visiting ancient sites, admiring natural beauty, and seeing ethnic people live traditionally. It is only 40 minutes' drive from Shaxi Ancient Town.
You would find historic pagodas, grottoes, and even temples built on the cliffs while admiring pure creeks and winding waterways. The tranquil surroundings create a relaxing, meditative atmosphere for you to immerse yourself in. Alternatively, have a close interaction with the wild monkeys to enjoy this unique activity.
Shibao Mountain is relatively close to Shaxi Ancient Town but both of these destinations are about a 2-hour drive from Dali. If you're interested, we recommend visiting Shaxi Ancient Town and Shibao Mountain together.
Plan Your Dali Tour with Us
All our Dali tours are fully-customizable. You could contact us with what you'd like us to do, including creating your own personalized tour from scratch. Or you could see our popular Dali tours for inspiration:
- 4-Day Dynamic Dali Tour
- 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour — Meet the Amazing Beauty of Yunnan
- 7-Day Kunming, Dali, Shaxi, and Lijiang Tour — A Memorable Winter Trip in Yunnan