Dali Travel Guide - "Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon"

Top Attractions & Experiences in Dali

Dali's highlights revolve around "One Mountain, One Lake, One City, One Town". Here's a snapshot of the key areas and experiences:

Cangshan Mountains
Take a gondola ride from Gantong or Ximatan to enjoy sweeping views, or hike the scenic Yudai Trail. From nearly 4,000 meters, you can see panoramic vistas of Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient Town, alpine rhododendrons, and even snow. The mountain’s vertical ecological zones allow you to experience four distinct seasons in one place, making it a must for nature lovers and photographers.

Erhai Lake
Cycle or drive along the 129 km ecological corridor that winds through wetlands, farmland, and local villages. Visit Shuanglang Ancient Town for peaceful lakeside views and photography, or explore Nanzhao Cultural Island to learn about the region’s rich heritage. The lake offers a perfect combination of outdoor activity, scenic beauty, and cultural immersion.

Dali Ancient Town
Wander the charming streets of this thousand-year-old town, explore Chongsheng Temple and the iconic Three Pagodas, and enjoy the lively artsy atmosphere on Renmin Road and Foreigner Street. Day or night, Dali Ancient Town offers a blend of history, culture, and local life that captures the spirit of the region.

Xizhou Ancient Town
Admire well-preserved Bai-style residences and enjoy the serenity of Haisha Park. Participate in traditional craft workshops like tie-dye or woodblock printing to experience intangible heritage firsthand. Xizhou combines architectural beauty, tranquil landscapes, and hands-on cultural experiences, offering a more relaxed, authentic side of Dali.

Cultural Experiences

• Handmade Heritage: Try Bai tie-dye,  craft a clay "Wama" roof spirit, or create a traditional woodblock print  in Xizhou or Fengyangyi villages.

• Local Exploration: Visit historic villages and Tea Horse Road sites, or cycle through Xizhou's farmland for scenic countryside views.

Nearby Excursions & Itinerary Ideas

Lijiang: ~2.5–3 hrs by bus; explore Naxi culture and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Weishan: ~20 min by train; origin of the Nanzhao Kingdom, unique local snacks, authentic old-town vibe.

Shaxi Ancient Town: A peaceful, well-preserved stop along the Tea Horse Road.

Western Yunnan Loop: Use Dali as a hub to explore Baoshan (Tengchong volcanoes), Dehong (border culture), Nujiang (gorge landscapes), and Diqing (Shangri-La).

3-Day Dali Highlights Tour:

Day 1: Arrive in Dali and explore Dali Ancient Town. Take a gondola ride up Cangshan Mountains for panoramic views.

Day 2: Full-day Erhai Lake tour. Drive to Xizhou Ancient Town in the morning to experience local crafts and taste traditional snacks, then head to Shuanglang in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the lake.

Day 3: Cycle along Erhai’s ecological corridor in the morning, then depart in the afternoon.

Getting There & Around Dali

Dali is accessible by air via Huangcaoba Airport with domestic and some international flights, by high-speed train from Kunming (≈2 hours), or by frequent long-distance buses to nearby destinations like Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Baoshan. Around the city and Erhai Lake, travelers can use car rentals, cycling, or ride-hailing apps for easy local transport.

Best Time to Visit Dali

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer (June–August) is cooler and lush but rainy, while winter (December–February) is dry and sunny, ideal for viewing Cangshan snow, though mornings and evenings can be chilly.

Dali Local Flavors

Dali cuisine blends Bai and Yunnan specialties. Must-try dishes include claypot fish from Erhai, grilled or fried milk fan (Ru Shan), crispy Xizhou Baba (sweet or savory), roasted pig skin (Sheng Pi), and the Bai three-course tea ritual. Other local snacks like Erkuai, Pa Rou Er Si, and preserved plums are also worth tasting.