Dali

Written by Alexander Kopp, Wei Li
19/08/2025
Elegant view of the Three Pagodas in Dali, China, framed by lush greenery and distant mountains.
鹏翔 方, Pexels

Dali, China, is a captivating destination set against the stunning backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains and the serene Erhai Lake, offering a blend of rich historical heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. It is an ideal retreat for those seeking a tranquil escape, cultural immersion, and outdoor activities.

Dali Ancient City provides a lively environment for socializing, particularly along its vibrant streets like Renmin Road and Fuxing Road. Here, visitors can discover numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars with live music, especially active during the evening. The night market within the Ancient City also presents a bustling atmosphere for interacting with locals and other travelers.

Top 5 Things to do in Dali

Dali offers a range of experiences from exploring ancient historical sites and immersing in local culture to enjoying the natural beauty of its surrounding mountains and lake.

1. Explore Dali Ancient City

Wandering through Dali Ancient City reveals a charming blend of traditional Bai ethnic architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant local life. Visitors can discover numerous cafes, restaurants, bars with live music, and street food vendors within its well-preserved city walls. It is an ideal place for leisurely strolls, admiring the intricate building designs, and soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. The city gates, such as the North and South Gates, offer a glimpse into its historical defenses. Many artisans and small shops sell local handicrafts, providing opportunities for unique souvenirs.

Cost: Entry to Dali Ancient City is generally free. Costs within the city vary depending on purchases and dining. Public buses within the city typically cost 2 RMB.

Transport: Dali Ancient City is largely walkable. From Dali Railway Station, take bus No. 8 directly to Dali Ancient Town (approx. 40 minutes, 2 RMB). Taxis from the railway station cost around 50 RMB.

2. Cycle or Cruise Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake, often referred to as 'Ear Sea' due to its shape, is a central feature of Dali's natural landscape, nestled between Cangshan Mountains and the ancient city. Cycling around the lake offers breathtaking scenic views, with routes like the 126-kilometer loop providing a full-day or two-day adventure for enthusiasts. Alternatively, a boat cruise on the tranquil waters offers a relaxed way to appreciate the stunning scenery, with various routes available from different piers. Some cruises also feature Bai ethnic song and dance performances.

Cost: Bicycle rental typically ranges from 5 to 40 RMB per day, with electric scooters around 50 RMB per day. A large cruise ticket is approximately 142 RMB, often including a Bai 'Three-Course Tea' performance.

Transport: For cycling, many guesthouses in Dali Ancient City rent bicycles. To access Erhai Lake's various piers, local buses or taxis are available. For instance, Caicun Village is a common starting point for cycling and is a short distance from Dali Ancient City, accessible by local transport or a short bike ride. Cruises depart from Dali Port, Shuanglang Pier, and Xigui Temple Pier.

3. Ascend Cangshan Mountain

The majestic Cangshan Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to Dali and Erhai Lake, offering incredible panoramic views. Visitors can ascend the mountain via one of three cableways: Ximatan, Gantong, or Zhonghe. Each cableway provides access to different scenic spots and hiking trails, such as the famous Jade Belt Roam Road. The Ximatan Cableway is the longest and reaches higher elevations, offering views of alpine meadows and Ximatan Lake. Hiking along paths like the Jade Belt Road provides a moderate trek through lush scenery and to various temples.

Cost: Cangshan Mountain entrance fee is 35-40 RMB. Cableway prices vary: Zhonghe Cableway (30 RMB one-way, 60 RMB round-trip), Gantong Cableway (50 RMB one-way, 100 RMB round-trip), Ximatan Cableway (around 280-335 RMB for a round-trip ticket including mountain entrance).

Transport: The cableway stations are accessible from Dali Ancient City. For example, the Zhonghe Cableway is located near Sanyue Street in Dali, and the Gantong Cableway has shuttle bus services from Dali Ancient Town (5 RMB). Taxis are also an option.

4. Visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

Standing majestically at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are an iconic symbol of Dali and a significant historical and architectural marvel. The complex features three ancient pagodas, with the tallest being Qianxun Pagoda, known for its Tang Dynasty style. The site also includes the rebuilt Chongsheng Temple, offering a deeper insight into the region's Buddhist heritage. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, admire the pagodas up close, and capture stunning reflections in the nearby Reflection Pond.

Cost: The entrance fee for the Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas is approximately 75-121 CNY.

Transport: The Three Pagodas are located about 1-2 kilometers northwest of Dali Ancient City. It's a convenient 20-30 minute walk from the North Gate of Dali Ancient Town. Alternatively, a special tourist bus line from Dali Ancient Town to the scenic spot takes about 10 minutes, costing 3 RMB. Taxis from Dali Ancient Town cost around 13 RMB.

5. Experience Bai Culture in Xizhou and Zhoucheng

To deeply engage with the Bai ethnic minority culture, a visit to Xizhou Ancient Town and nearby Zhoucheng Village is highly recommended. Xizhou showcases beautifully preserved traditional Bai homes and a vibrant local market where one can sample local delicacies like Xizhou Baba. Zhoucheng, known as the 'Home of Bai Tie-Dye,' offers an immersive experience where visitors can learn about the traditional tie-dyeing craft, observe artisans at work, and even participate in a workshop to create their own unique souvenir. Both villages provide a tranquil escape and a chance to witness authentic local life.

Cost: Entry to Xizhou Ancient Town and Zhoucheng Village is generally free. A tie-dyeing experience workshop in Zhoucheng typically costs around 130 CNY to create your own souvenir. Costs for food and other handicrafts vary.

Transport: Xizhou Ancient Town is about 18-19 km from Dali Ancient City. Minibuses from Dali Ancient City or Xiaguan to Xizhou cost around 5-8 RMB and take about 40 minutes. Public buses (e.g., Bus No. 8 to Dali Bus Passenger Transport North Station, then minivan to Xizhou) are also options. Alternatively, a 1-2 hour bike ride along the scenic route from Dali Ancient City is possible. Zhoucheng Village is about 23 km north of Dali Ancient City and can be reached by minibus or coach from Dali Ancient City.

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