2026 Dali Prefecture Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

In Huading Flower Valley, flower-covered terraces flow gently along the mountain slopes. The air is fresh, the pace is slow, and the scenery feels natural rather than designed. It’s a place to walk, breathe, and simply take in the view. 🌺 Location • Yunnan Province, China • Nearest major city: Dali (approximately 60–80 km, 1.5–2 hours by car) • Elevation: around 2,200–2,500 meters Huading Flower Valley is a quiet, little-known valley with blooming terraces and mountain landscapes. 🪻What makes this place special • Vast lavender fields and wildflowers, especially stunning in spring • Mountain terraces and non-touristy villages • A perfect spot for photography and slow, mindful walks • Pure, living nature with no crowds of tourists 💰 Entrance fee • Entrance ticket: approx. 80–100 CNY • Optional extras: small parking fee or a local guide (around 20–30 CNY) • Total estimated cost: 100–130 CNY Prices may vary slightly depending on the season. 🚗 How to get there From Dali: 1. By car or taxi (about 1.5–2 hours) 2. You can also join a small local mini-tour (not mass tourism, small groups) Important: The road is mountainous, so it’s best to travel during daylight hours. 📅 Best time to visit • March – June: peak blooming season • Summer: green landscapes and mild weather • Winter: fewer colors, but beautiful mountain views 🌷 How much time to plan • 2–4 hours for walking through the fields and the valley • Can be combined with visits to nearby villages and mountain terraces 📌 Honest tips • Very limited infrastructure: almost no cafés or shops • Wear comfortable walking shoes • It can be windy due to the elevation • Locals are friendly, but English is rarely spoken 🎒 Best for • Nature and flower lovers • Photographers and content creators • Travelers looking for quiet, authentic places away from crowds ❌ Not ideal for those expecting cafés, frequent buses, or developed tourist facilities #ChinaAdventures #yunnan #travel2026

Hey there! April and May are the golden months for budget travel! The weather is mild, flowers are in full bloom, and most importantly, there are fewer tourists and lower prices. A quick search on the high-speed rail will unlock these treasure cities. Today, I'm sharing 3 of my personal favorite "budget travel paradises". Follow this guide, and you can have a blast for 3 days with an average of just CNY 500 per person. Students and working folks, let's go! 🎒 Must-read before departure! A guide to saving money 1. Don't forget your essential documents and gear: ID card, student ID (a must-have for half-price tickets at scenic spots!), power bank, lightweight camera (essential for taking beautiful photos), disposable towels, and bed sheets (pack them in your suitcase for hygiene and convenience). 2. Outfit formula: Light jacket + short sleeves + long skirt (big temperature difference between morning and evening), comfortable sneakers (for walking all day without tiring your feet), sun hat, and sunglasses (the April sun can be unforgiving!). 3. Plan your budget in advance: Book high-speed rail tickets 15 days in advance (often with discounts), choose hostels or homestays for accommodation (CNY 30-80 per person), prioritize free attractions, and look for local eateries recommended by locals to minimize the risk of disappointment. 🌿 Stop 1: Lishui, Zhejiang | A hidden scenic paradise in Jiangnan They say "Zhejiang Green Valley" is a heavenly place, and it's no exaggeration! In April, Lishui is surrounded by clouds, mist, and flowers. The morning mist on the Ou River is like a traditional ink painting, and the rapeseed flower fields in Guyan Painting Village are in full bloom. The best part is that 90% of the attractions are free, making it a paradise for budget travelers! ✅ Must-visit attractions 1. Guyan Painting Village: Free admission before 6:00 am! Watch fishermen casting their nets and small boats sailing across the river. Every shot is like a scene from National Geographic. 2. Yunhe Terraces: Free viewing platform on the periphery! During the April irrigation period, the layered terraces reflect the blue sky, like mirrors of the earth. 3. She Township Window: Catch the "March 3rd" festival in April (around April 15th this year) for a free experience of bamboo pole dancing and long table banquets. Taking photos in She ethnic costumes is super photogenic! 🍜 Foodie list ✔️ Lishui Casserole: A large bowl for CNY 15, with plenty of tofu balls, dried bamboo shoots, and meat slices. The broth is so delicious you'll want to lick the bowl clean! ✔️ Qingtian Stone Carving Coffee: Stop by Qingtian Overseas Chinese Township and enjoy authentic Italian coffee for CNY 30, paired with a French crepe, and pretend you're in Europe! 🚗 Transportation and accommodation Take the high-speed rail to Lishui Station, then take bus No. 1 for CNY 1 to the city center. Stay in a homestay in Guyan Painting Village (CNY 80/night in the off-season), and enjoy the river view right outside your window! 💡 Tips: Don't buy the scenic area sightseeing bus ticket! You can walk around the core area in 10 minutes, saving money and enjoying the pastoral scenery at your own pace. 🌊 Stop 2: Dali, Yunnan | A slow-paced life of wind, flowers, and snow at 20℃ Spring in Dali is so gentle! The snow on Cang Mountain hasn't melted yet, the Erhai Lake is breezy at 20℃, and the Xizhou rice fields are lush green. The best part is that prices are half of what they are during peak season, making it a great choice for students! ✅ Must-visit attractions 1. Erhai Ecological Corridor: Rent an electric bike (CNY 50/day) and ride from Caicun to Panxi, passing through reed marshes and S-bends along the way. When you're tired, sit by the sea and watch the waves crashing on the shore. It's super therapeutic! 2. Xizhou Ancient Town: Buy a freshly baked Poplar Leaf Cake (CNY 5/piece), and take photos in the wheat fields. The white walls and gray tiles paired with golden wheat ears create a perfect Japanese-style fresh vibe. 3. Shaxi Ancient Town: A thousand-year-old town quieter than Dali Ancient City. The stone roads and caravan relics are well-preserved. A cup of ancient tree tea costs only CNY 10, and time seems to slow down. 🍜 Foodie list ✔️ Bai Stone Barbecue: CNY 40 per person. Beef, tofu, and mushrooms are grilled on a stone slab and dipped in a secret sauce. It's super delicious! ✔️ Xidoufen Fried Dough Sticks: A must-eat for breakfast! A bowl of Xidoufen costs CNY 5. Dip the fried dough sticks in the soup, and add chopped green onions and chili peppers. It's the perfect way to wake up in the morning! 🚗 Transportation and accommodation Take the high-speed rail to Dali Station, then take bus No. 8 for CNY 2 to the ancient city. Stay in a hostel in Nanmen (CNY 30/bed/night). It's more cost-effective to team up and rent a car to circle Erhai Lake. 💡 Tips: Choose the "Jade Belt Road" for hiking in Cang Mountain! This free route is less crowded and offers beautiful scenery. You can overlook the entire Erhai Lake. Remember to wear non-slip shoes! 🏮 Stop 3: Changting, Fujian | A thousand-year-old Hakka ancient city forgotten by time This is my personal favorite hidden gem! Changting Ancient City is less crowded than Fenghuang and has lower prices than Lijiang. The bluestone streets, ancient Ming and Qing streets, and Hakka Tulou buildings are like stepping back into Jiangnan 10 years ago. ✅ Must-visit attractions 1. Changting Ancient City Wall: Free to climb! Go in the evening to watch the sunset dyeing the Jichuan Gate red. The red lanterns hanging on the city wall make it feel like you're filming a historical drama. 2. Diantou Street: A gathering place for time-honored brands! A bowl of tofu pudding costs CNY 3, a serving of poached pig kidney soup (with unlimited rice refills) costs CNY 15, and there are also freshly made ginger candies and dried tofu. It's super satisfying to eat and stroll around! 3. Dingwuling: A "mosquito-free ancient village" hidden in the mountains! Tulou buildings, stone streets, and old camphor trees. The old grandma at the entrance of the village sells rice wine for CNY 3 a cup. It's sweet and delicious! 🍜 Foodie list ✔️ Changting Rice Noodles: A large bowl for CNY 10, with beef balls and pickled cowpeas. The broth is made with pork bones and is so delicious you'll want to drink it all! ✔️ Taro Buns: A Hakka specialty! The glutinous rice skin is filled with taro paste and meat filling. They can be steamed or fried and are fragrant and filling for CNY 5 each! 🚗 Transportation and accommodation Take the bullet train to Changting South Station, then take bus No. 1 for CNY 1 to the ancient city. Stay in the Nanmen Hotel (CNY 50/night), and you can walk to the riverside in 5 minutes to see the night view. 💡 Tips: Renting a Hanfu costume costs only CNY 30! Go to Wolong Academy to take photos of the waterside pavilion and corridors. You can easily create a Jiangnan blockbuster. Remember to bargain! 📝 Budget travel summary: Saving money is the key! 1. Travel during off-peak season: April and May are not peak seasons, so accommodation and tickets are cheaper, and there are fewer people if you avoid weekends. 2. Free activities: Each city has hidden free attractions (such as Nanming Mountain in Lishui and Longkan Pier in Dali). Doing more research can save you hundreds of dollars. 3. Local guides: Follow the grandmas and grandpas in line to buy snacks, and choose old restaurants without internet celebrity check-ins for meals. The taste is authentic and cheap. Hey there, the joy of spring is on the road! These three cities are directly accessible by high-speed rail, with beautiful scenery and low prices. Just posting a photo on WeChat Moments can get you 999+ likes. Save this guide and call your bestie/boyfriend to set off. Budget travel can also be super stylish! ✨

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

"Tianlong Babu Film and Television City" is located about 20 minutes by bus from Dali Ancient Town. It is a film studio village. It is a Chinese film studio that looks like a real town in dramas, so even if you actually visit it, it will feel like a real town because it is so elaborately made down to the smallest details. It's like you are in the drama. It is an amusement park where you can experience a time trip.

#Mainland China Attractions Erhai Lake, formerly known as Kunming Lake, Erhe River, Yeyu Lake, etc. Located in Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, the lake covers an area of ​​about 246 square kilometers. It is the second largest lake in Yunnan after Dianchi Lake and the seventh among China's freshwater lakes. It is named "Erhai Lake" because of its shape resembling a human ear. Erhai Lake is a very famous scenic spot with various hotels, homestays and restaurants scattered around the lake, providing complete supporting facilities. When you come to Erhai Lake, you can choose to drive around the lake, ride a bicycle along the lake, or take a walk along the lakeside, all of which will make you feel particularly happy. The blue sky, white clouds, dancing willow branches, clear lake water, and sometimes you can see large groups of seagulls circling in the sky. It is fascinating and very beautiful. I really recommend it.

#Mainland China Attractions Cangshan Mountain, also known as Dian Cangshan Mountain, is located in the central part of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, west of Erhai Lake. It is an important water source of Erhai Lake and a national geological park. The Cangshan Scenic Area covers an area of ​​470 square kilometers and includes Gantong Temple, Ximatan, Butterfly Spring, Huadian Dam, Shimen Pass and other attractions. Cangshan Mountain has beautiful natural scenery, numerous scenic spots and places of interest, and offers a panoramic view of Erhai Lake. To visit Cangshan Mountain, you can take the cable car, but since there are many attractions, it is recommended to reserve half a day to a day to have a good look around. Of course, if the weather is good, the scenery will be even better.

【Departure from Hong Kong🇭🇰】Transportation Tips - - Available Lazy Plan 1⃣️: Direct flight from Hong Kong to Dali Money-saving solution 2⃣️: Direct flight from Shenzhen to Kunming 2.5hr → Kunming High-speed Railway Station to Dali Station 2.5hr → Dali Station take a taxi into Dali Ancient City 0.5hr ✅ Local attractions - - Cangshan, Erhai, Tea Horse Road, Dragon Pier (Long Ni Pier), Xizhou Ancient Town, Double Gallery, Starry Flower Sea (You can rent pony "Coke" and Cao Nima to take pictures, "Coke" is very obedient, the grass mud horse is more naughty, being taken care of by the boss and boss) ✅ Hotel - - Recommend the bed and breakfast in the ancient city, the price of about ¥ 200, convenient and comfortable, and the bed and breakfast in the ancient city are decorated very taste, can experience. It is recommended to stay in a B&B on [Yu'er Road], which would be more convenient and quiet in the bustle. ✅ Food and Restaurant - - Local Chicken Rice Noodles, Crossing Bridge Rice Noodles, 👍🏻 Baked Tofu 👍🏻, Mushroom Hot Pot, Lap Rib Hot Pot, Stone Slab Grill, Dai Style Cold Stuff ✅ Shopping Guide - - You can go to experience the costume photography, within ¥ 300 to photograph a set of costumes ✅ Play tips ———— You can rent a tricycle, within ¥300 a day, can take you where you want to go and wait for you to pick you back, you can go anywhere you want to go in a day. The local lady in the tricycle I rented was super nice. ‼ ️‼ ️ Suitcase Tips - - In Dali is summer are not need to turn on the air conditioner, the wind is very strong, super invincible dry, moisturizing products bring more, clothes do not need to bring too thick, there is a jacket and trousers enough. Moreover, Yunnan is located on a plateau, UV rays are very strong, sunscreen products must be brought and must be wiped every day, even without strong sunlight UV rays are very strong, do not be careless. #Yunnan #Yunnan Travel #Dali Ancient City #Overseas Tour #South of Caiyun #Mainland China Attractions #Mainland Travel

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

Just went before the New Year, the flow of people is not much, the drive is very relaxed, the whole process is quite other hahaha Seeing the recent New Year holiday there has been crowded we go to really see people all day black are jammed into cars such popular places we have the opportunity to travel next time really do not be a holiday 🥲

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

Amazing sunrise here today. Fresh air and peaceful atmosphere. #tigeryear2022

#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.

Transportation Tips - It is recommended to take a taxi Local attractions - Vast rice fields Various coffee shops in Xizhou Ancient Town Hotel- There is one in the ancient town Food and Restaurants Chau Cafe Can sit for a long, long time Shopping Guide - Eat Xizhou Baba Don't miss it Missed a year

#mytripvlog A bird’s eye view of Dali’s three pagodas and the surrounding area.