Dali

Travel Guide

Dali
Dali
Dali
Dali featuring a park as well as a small group of people
Dali

View the three pagodas of this lakeside city and ride a cable car to the mountains to explore the exotic plants and temple.

Perched on the southern shore of a vast and scenic lake, Dali is a fascinating bohemian city full of cafés and handicraft markets. It has a wonderful Old TownOpens in a new window full of architectural treasures and a range of cultures and ethnicities. Visit the highlights of the historic center and explore the picturesque countryside to understand why this city is so popular with sightseers.

Among the highlights of the region is Cangshan Mountain. Hike up the elegantly paved paths or take the cable car to the summit. Enjoy the excellent vistas of the lake and the snow-capped mountains. Inspect Zhonghe Temple and embark on the Cloud Traveler’s Path.

Make your way to the various villages along the western shore of Erhai Lake. Visit Guanyin Temple and take boat trips to the islands. On the northwestern part of the lake is the Butterfly Spring Park, where swarms of butterflies gather in a shallow pool.

Cycle to the Dali Old Town and view such highlights as the Dali Museum and Dali University. See the Three Pagodas, which date back to the Tang Dynasty. The central structure is almost 1,200 years old. Summers at ground level are hot and humid, while winters are mild and dry. Relax and warm up in the heated swimming pool in the neighborhood of Xiaguan, just north of the Xi’er River.

A little north of Erhai Lake is the smaller Zibi Lake, in Eryuan County. Enjoy the tranquil ambiance in this quiet area.

The city of Dali is on the southern end of Erhai Lake in the northwestern part of the Yunnan province of southern China. Fly from other parts of China to Dali Airport and take a taxi to the city center. You can also arrive at Kunming Wujiaba International Airport and take a shuttle bus or ride an overnight train from Kunming.

Dali is a quaint destination with intriguing cultural gems and trendy bars and cafés.

Where to stay in Dali

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Dali Ancient Town

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Dali Ancient Town is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like South Gate and Yu'er Park.

Dali Ancient Town
Dali

Xiaguan

Travelers like the museums in Xiaguan, and Dali Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Xiaguan
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Shuanglang

If you're spending some time in Shuanglang, Erhai Lake and Nanzhao Folk Island are top sights worth seeing.

Shuanglang
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Taoyuan

You'll enjoy the monuments and parks in Taoyuan. You might want to make time for a stop at Erhai Lake or Butterfly Spring Park.

Taoyuan
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Caicun

While Caicun isn't home to many top sights, Three Pagodas and Yu'er Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Caicun
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Xizhou

Travelers enjoy Xizhou for its restaurants and architecture. Consider checking out Erhai Lake while you're in the area.

Xizhou
Hilton Dali Resort & Spa

Hilton Dali Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
Qili Bridge, South of Gantong Road, Dali, Yunnan
$149 nightly
The price is $158 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$158 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Dali. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the room service in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (66 reviews)
"breakfast is limited. A male employee in concierge department with a very bad attitude to me."

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

Hilton Dali Resort & Spa
Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai by IHG

Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai by IHG

3.5 out of 5
No.15 Binhai Avenue, Dali
$212 nightly
The price is $224 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$224 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Dali. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Dali Museum and Jinsuo Island ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Great Service, Highly Recommend
"Excellent service from all staff at hotel that we had pleasure of interacting with. Anytime we needed anything during our stay the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai by IHG
Hawthorn by Wyndham Dali Erhai Park

Hawthorn by Wyndham Dali Erhai Park

2.5 out of 5
19 YUNLING AVENUE, DALI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ZONE, Dali
$87 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$92 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Dali. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attraction Dali Museum is located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"Only thing negative was My room smelled cigarette very strongly ,"

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2025

Hawthorn by Wyndham Dali Erhai Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Field Inn

The Field Inn

3 out of 5
Group 8, Xiadui Village, Dali, Yunnan, No.82, Dali, Yunnan
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Dali. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Dali Museum and Jinsuo Island are located ...
The Field Inn
Yakamoz Haijie Hotel

Yakamoz Haijie Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Dajianpang Village, Dali, Yunnan
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Dali. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Nanzhao Folk Island and Butterfly ...
Yakamoz Haijie Hotel
Dali Shijiushan Cliff Seavilla

Dali Shijiushan Cliff Seavilla

3.5 out of 5
Building A7, 2 - 1 Floor, No. B003, Dali, Yunnan
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly villa in Dali. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Jinsuo Island and Dali Museum ...
Dali Shijiushan Cliff Seavilla
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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