Dali Travel Guide: Hidden Gems, Local Favorites, and Ultimate Adventure

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Introduction and Reasons for Recommendation

Dali, located in the western part of Yunnan Province, is famous for its romantic atmosphere and rich natural landscapes. It has a long – history ancient city, the beautiful Erhai Lake, and the majestic Cangshan Mountain, making it an ideal place to experience the diverse culture and natural beauty of Yunnan.

Transportation to Dali

• By Plane: Dali Fengyi Airport has direct flights. You can take the airport shuttle to the city center from the airport.

• By Train: The high – speed train from Kunming to Dali takes about 2.5 hours, and from Lijiang to Dali takes about 1.5 hours. You can take Bus No. 8 at the exit of the station to directly reach Dali Ancient City.

• By Long – distance Bus: There are direct long – distance buses from Kunming, Lijiang and other places to Dali.

Local Transportation

• By Bus: There are many bus routes in the city with a fare of 3 yuan, which is economical and practical.

• Scenic Spot Direct Bus: There are direct buses to scenic spots without the need for transfers, which is convenient and fast, but you need to confirm the time in advance.

• Car Rental: It is free and flexible, suitable for cycling around Erhai Lake, but you need to pay attention to traffic safety.

• Shared Electric Scooter: It is suitable for short – distance travel, but you need to pay attention to the areas where electric scooters are prohibited.

• Bicycle: It is suitable for cycling along the west bank of Erhai Lake to enjoy the scenery along the way, but it takes a long time.

• Taxi: It is recommended to choose regular taxis or online car – hailing services to avoid being overcharged.

Must – Visit Attractions

Dali Ancient City

Dali Ancient City was the capital of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom. It has many old buildings, unique ethnic charm, and a romantic atmosphere everywhere.

• Address: No. 42 Y塔 Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day

• Ticket: Group tourists need to pay a Dali Ancient City maintenance fee of 30 yuan per person, while independent travelers do not need to pay any fees.

• Main Attractions: Bed Sheet Factory Art District, Wuhua Tower, Honglongjing, Guandi Temple, Confucian Temple, Catholic Church, Dali No. 1 Middle School, Yu’er Garden, Foreigner Street, Rural Film History Museum, Christian Church, Farm Market, etc.

• Tour Route: Take a bus at the Ecological Parking Lot → Get off at the Tourist Center → Walk to the South City Gate → Du Wenxiu’s Mansion → Take a bus at Baihua Hall → Get off at Zizhu Lin on Foreigner Street → Walk to Jiang Gong Temple → Take a bus at the Cinema → Pass through Boai Road, Y塔 Road, and South Ring Road → Return to the Ecological Parking Lot or Tourist Bus Parking Lot.

Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake is the second – largest lake in Yunnan and one of the four famous scenic spots in Dali. The lake is clear and blue, with a calm and vast water surface, beautiful scenery, and fresh air. It is super comfortable to travel around the lake.

• Address: No. 1 Erhe South Road, Xiaguan, Dali City, Dali Prefecture

• Tour Route: S – Bay → Lang Bridge → Xizhou Ancient Town → Shuanglang Ancient Town → Lu Wo Mountain → Wenbi Village → Ideal Bang → Xingsheng Bridge

Chongsheng Temple Three Towers

Chongsheng Temple was a royal temple during the Dali Kingdom period and is now a symbolic attraction of Dali. You can see the magnificent scenery of the three towers at the foot of Cangshan Mountain from afar, which is awe – inspiring when viewed up close.

• Address: No. 214 National Highway, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

• Opening Hours: 7:00 – 18:30

• Ticket: 120 yuan (including the Three Towers Reflection Park)

Ji Zhao An

Ji Zhao An is known as the most beautiful nun temple because it does not burn incense but only uses flowers to offer to Buddha. The flower arrangements inside and outside the temple are exquisite, and there is a flower garden in the backyard filled with various beautiful flowers and succulent plants full of vitality.

• Address: South麓 of Shengying Peak, Cangshan Mountain, Dali

Xiao Putuo

Xiao Putuo is a small island in Erhai Lake. The temple on the island and the surrounding lake water are very picturesque. There are flocks of seagulls around Xiao Putuo and the shore, which is a little – known place with few people and great for taking photos.

• Address: Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

Shuanglang Ancient Town

Shuanglang Ancient Town is known as the first town of Erhai Lake scenery. The ancient town is close to the rippling Erhai Lake, has the most beautiful sea view in Dali, and can overlook the nineteen peaks of Cangshan Mountain. Every morning, you can face the无敌 sea view.

• Address: No. 126 Dajianbang Village, Shuanglang Scenic Area, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

Nanzhao Charm Island

Nanzhao Charm Island is one of the three islands in Erhai Lake. It has beautiful scenery and is like a pearl on Erhai Lake. It is also a good place to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake. The island is very quiet and surrounded by Erhai Lake.

• Address: Shuanglang Town, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

• Ticket: 50 yuan

Tianjing Pavilion

Tianjing Pavilion is one of the four famous pavilions in the history of Erhai Lake. It is surrounded by water on three sides, with cliffs and steep terrain. The building is a horse – walking corner pavilion with flying eaves, dougong, and upturned corners, which is extremely magnificent.

• Address: Huanghai East Road, Luoquan Peninsula, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day

• Ticket: 40 yuan, including 10 yuan for the Luoquan Tower sightseeing elevator

Xizhou Ancient Town

Xizhou Ancient Town is a Bai ethnic – dominated ancient town with a history of thousands of years. The Bai ethnic dwellings in the town are well – preserved, full of strong Bai ethnic customs, beautiful environment, and unique architectural style.

• Address: East of Dali – Lijiang Highway, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain has beautiful scenery, with unpredictable clouds and mist in the mountains. The snow – capped scenery of its main peak is magnificent. There are many attractions in Cangshan Mountain, all of which are beautiful and charming. You can also take the cable car to overlook the entire Dali City.

• Address: Yinxi Road, West of Dali Ancient City, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

Zhe Mo Mountain

Zhe Mo Mountain has beautiful scenery and is an excellent place to overlook the panoramic view of Dali. It is very suitable for self – driving and taking photos.

• Address: Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

• Ticket: 30 yuan

• Recommended Spot: Navigate to Lingyun Zhijing View Farm

Must – Try Delicacies

• Xi Dou Fen: Xi Dou Fen is a specialty snack in Dali. The thick bean paste is mixed with various seasonings such as salt and pepper, peanut crumbs, etc. It tastes rich after mixing, and it is especially recommended to eat it with fried dough sticks.

• Recommended Shop: Jiu Niang豌豆粉

• Roasted饵块: Roasted饵块 is a specialty snack in Dali. Hand – rubbed饵块 has a better taste. After being roasted soft, you can spread various sauces on it and also eat it with fried dough sticks or sausages.

• Recommended Shop: Nuixin Snacks

• Sand Pot Rice Noodles: The sand pot rice noodles in Dali are very famous. The rice noodles are matched with stinky tofu, with a strong flavor and affordable price.

• Recommended Shop: Yang Ji Sand Pot Rice Noodles

• Grilled Fish: Sister Wang’s grilled fish at Nanmen Lvyu Agricultural Trade Market is very delicious. The grilled fish has a crispy skin and tender meat. The uncle and aunt are very simple and honest, and the price is affordable.

• Recommended Shop: Sister Wang’s Grilled Fish

• Crossing – Bridge Rice Noodles: Crossing – bridge rice noodles are very unique. The presentation is a bridge shape, and the flower – crossing bridge rice noodles are really decorated with fresh flowers. The rice noodles are Q – elastic and smooth, with rich ingredients such as meat slices and mushrooms, and the soup is also very delicious.

• Recommended Shop: Yunqiao Ke · Crossing – Bridge Rice Noodles

•腊排骨: It is a local – specialty delicacy in Yunnan. Their ribs have the taste of naturally air – dried bacon plus local chicken, which is incredibly delicious and tasty. There are also some side dishes to match the hot pot, which is simply too delicious.

• Recommended Shop: Po Po Qing腊排骨

•饵丝:饵丝 and rice noodles are smooth and delicious, with endless aftertaste. There is also Dali Xi Ba Wan, each bowl contains a unique flavor, and the specialty snacks are even more exceptional.

• Recommended Shop: Nanzhao Guo · Crossing River饵丝 Rice Noodles

• Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: The soup is delicious, and the wild mushrooms are fresh. You can experience the characteristic delicacies of Yunnan.

• Recommended Shop: Dian Shi Fu Wild Mushroom Hot Pot

• Liang Mi Xian: The sour and sweet taste, and the soft and glutinous rice noodles.

• Recommended Shop: Zai Hu Shou Chicken Liang Mi Xian

• Ma Guo Tou Grilled Chicken: The grilled chicken has a golden and crispy skin, making a crackling sound when bitten. The chicken is tender and juicy. Dipped in special chili powder, it has a strong atmosphere of horse -帮菜 and fully reflects the ethnic characteristics. The key is that the portion is large and cost – effective, with super high cost – performance ratio.

• Recommended Shop: Ma Guo Tou Horse -帮菜

• Hong Dou Stewed Gan Suan Cai: The red beans are soft and sweet, and the gan suan cai is sour and appetizing. A sip of sour taste and bean fragrance spreads in the mouth, instantly opening up the appetite. This dish is a classic representative of ethnic characteristics, with a popular price and full cost – performance ratio.

• Recommended Shop: Ma Guo Tou Horse -帮菜

• Bo He Fried Potato: The potato is fried golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the fragrance of mint, not greasy at all, and endless aftertaste. As a local specialty snack, it not only tastes good but also has an affordable price and extremely high cost – performance ratio.

• Recommended Shop: Ma Guo Tou Horse -帮菜

Must – Try Restaurants

• Qing Ji Feng Jian Hui Xi Li

This restaurant specializes in Japanese cuisine, but it is different from traditional Japanese omakase. Except for sashimi, it basically integrates Yunnan elements, such as Erhai silver fish, Diqing beef liver mushroom, etc. The environment is quiet, surrounded by mountains and water, with a wide view.

• Address: No. 501, San Wen Bi Village, Dali City

• Average Cost: Around 1000 yuan per person

• Recommended Dishes: Wagyu Matsutake Sukiyaki, Char – grilled Snow Beef Short Ribs, Bluefin Tuna Big Fat Black Truffle with Snow Goose Liver

• Bu Ji · BUJI

This restaurant is a Yunnan Pu’er tea house and also a vegetarian restaurant. It allows people to truly experience dining and drinking while watching Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, providing a healing experience of the beauty and tranquility of Erhai Lake.

• Address: West side of Shuanglang Wetland Park, Shuanglang Scenic Area (30 meters inside Liangdian Ancient Road Lane)

• Recommended Dishes: Pine Needle Beef Liver Mushroom, Mushroom Copper Pot Rice, Mountain Delicacies Buddha Jumps Over the Wall

• Qing Ji Daylight Sea View Restaurant

The dishes in this restaurant are exquisite. It uses whole wheat baguette with avocado black truffle sauce, and the black truffle sea urchin fried rice is fresh. The hazelnut chocolate cake is not too sweet and greasy, suitable for chocolate lovers.

• Address: No. 62, San She, Wenbi Village, Dali City

• Recommended Dishes: Turingen Black Truffle Pizza, Char – grilled Beef Liver Mushroom, Black Truffle Sea Urchin Fried Rice

• Hu Shan Yun Yin · Gezellig Garden Sea View Restaurant

You can enjoy delicious food and appreciate the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain in this restaurant. The environment is very beautiful and suitable for taking photos.

• Address: No. 126, Dajianbang Village, Shuanglang Scenic Area

• Recommended Dishes: Olive Oil Garlic Shrimp, Refreshing Fresh Vegetables with Oil – sealed Mushrooms, Vietnamese Lemongrass Grilled Yunnan Black Pig

• Qi Cai Yun Xuan · Jing Xin Dian Cai

The dishes in this restaurant have a unique taste, especially the black truffle lion’s head with wagyu and matsutake, and the Matsutake Steam Pot Chicken, which are delicious and worth a try.

• Address: No. 2 Jin Hong Road, Lijiang Ancient City

• Recommended Dishes: Black Truffle Lion’s Head with Wagyu, Cherry Shrimp Tofu, Matsutake Steam Pot Chicken

• Blue Hour Restaurant

The environment of this restaurant is very romantic. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset and sea view, making it very suitable for couples’ dates.

• Average Cost: Over 100 yuan per person

• Trout The Trout

The dishes are full of the chef and the team’s love and careful exploration of local ingredients, with a strong sense of ritual. You need to make a reservation 2 – 3 weeks in advance. The average cost is 380 yuan per person.

• Mu Xi Dali

This restaurant has a unique location where you can enjoy the whole Erhai Lake while eating. What’s more难得 is that the cooking level is also good, making it especially suitable for birthday celebrations and marriage proposals. The average cost is 300 yuan per person.

• Chai Mi Duo Dali Farm

The花椒芽炝炒白见手青 in this restaurant is crispy and tender, and the Zhaotong Spicy花椒鸡 also has rice cake blocks. The average cost is 150 yuan per person.

Cultural Experiences

• Bai Ethnic Batik

Bai ethnic batik is an ancient manual printing and dyeing process in folk art. There are many experience spots in Dali where you can experience different batik processes and production methods.

• Experience Spots: Zhi Fan Zhi Fan Intangible Cultural Heritage Batik Creative Space, Pu Zhen Bai Ethnic Batik Museum, Lan Xu Ancient Method Batik Experience Store

• Bai Ethnic Three – Course Tea

Three – course tea is a long – standing tea custom of the Bai ethnic group. Experiencing three – course tea allows you to feel the Bai ethnic hospitality and taste the bitterness, sweetness, and aftertaste of tea, which symbolizes the philosophy of life “bitterness, sweetness, and aftertaste”.

• Experience Spots: Xi Zhai Bai Family Courtyard, Dali Fengyang Village, Zhou Cheng Handmade Papermaking

• Handmade Papermaking

Handmade papermaking is one of the four great inventions of China. In Dali, you can experience the whole process of handmade papermaking, from the soaking and steaming of tree bark, to the beating and pulping, and then to the papermaking and drying, to feel the charm of traditional skills.

• Experience Spots: Jiang Zhi Ji, Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Hall (Yihe Xiaoyuan)

• Intangible Cultural Heritage Jia Ma

Intangible cultural heritage Jia Ma is a folk woodblock print art with a mysterious color. In Dali, you can experience the production process of Jia Ma, from designing patterns, carving woodblocks, to printing finished products, to feel the unique charm of Jia Ma.

• Experience Spots: Yi Shun Xiang Jia Ma, Jiang Zhi Ji, Yu Hua Shi Jia Ma Woodblock Print

• Weaving

Weaving is a traditional cotton textile skill of hand – woven cloth. In Dali, you can experience the whole process of weaving, from the combing and spinning of cotton, to the operation of the loom, to feel the charm of traditional textile.

• Experience Spots: Lan Xu Ancient Method Batik (Zhou Cheng Store), Jiang Zhi Ji

• Wa Cat

Wa cat is a clay – made house – guarding divine beast. In Dali, you can experience the production process of Wa cat, from the modeling and coloring of clay, to the firing of finished products, to feel the unique charm of Wa cat.

• Experience Spots: Li Bai · Bai Ethnic Culture Enjoyment Space, Jing Tian Yao Huo Wa Cat

Shopping Guide

• Dali Ancient City

Dali Ancient City is a symbolic attraction of Dali. There are many shops selling characteristic handicrafts and souvenirs, such as batik, wood carving, silver jewelry, etc. You can choose some characteristic gifts to take home here.

• Foreigner Street

Foreigner Street is a characteristic block of Dali. There are many shops selling characteristic goods and snacks. You can find some unique goods here.

• Xizhou Ancient Town

Xizhou Ancient Town is a historical Bai ethnic ancient town. There are many shops selling Bai ethnic characteristic goods and snacks, such as batik, embroidery, local specialties, etc. You can experience the authentic Bai ethnic customs here.

Accommodation Area Recommendations

• Dali Ancient City

It is close to attractions and restaurants, with convenient transportation, but the price is relatively high. It is recommended to book in advance.

• By Erhai Lake

You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake. The environment is beautiful, but the price is relatively high. It is recommended to book in advance.

• Xizhou Ancient Town

The environment is beautiful, and the price is moderate. You can experience the authentic Bai ethnic customs, but it is far from the attractions.

Notes

• Book accommodation and transportation in advance.

• Pay attention to sun protection and mosquito – bite prevention.

• Respect local culture and customs.

• Protect the environment and do not litter.

Summary

Dali is a charming city with rich natural and cultural landscapes, rich cultural experiences, diverse shopping choices, and many accommodation options. I hope you can have a pleasant journey in Dali!

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