Ask a QuestionWhat are the Best Places to Visit in Dali? As one of the famous tourist destinations in Yunnan Province, Dali is rich in historical and natural relics. It is also one of the main residence of Bai Ethnic Group. Where to visit in Dali? Travel with us, you will have chance to experience its unique Bai Ethnic Culture, appreciate the well-preserved architectures that built hundreds years ago, and also to visit the graceful deep blue Erhai Lake.
The following listed 10 top places to visit in Dali are for your reference. You can click to jump to the section:
About 13km away from Xiaguan County, Dali City, Dali Ancient Town is the spotlight of the area. Backing on evergreen Mt. Cangshan, facing light blue Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town is a walled place with a history of over 1,200 years. Within the guarding walls, old houses, bluestone paved paths and wrinkle faced elders are created a peaceful atmosphere.
Unlike any other Chinese town, the traditional Bai ethnic folk houses and blooming flower gardens they cared, give the town distinctive feel. The town's layout was uniform, with five main streets from south to north and eight main streets from east to west, while marketplaces were neatly arranged within the town, which has remained unchanged to this date.
Dali is also famous for the many types of marble it produces, which are used primarily in construction and for decorative objects. Marble buildings, marble streets, marble wall foundations and marble wells make the city so bright and limpid as if it is a tranquil fairyland.
Three Pagodas site is located about 1.5km north of Dali Ancient Town. They are standing at the east foot of the tenth peak of the massive Mt. Cangshan and facing the west shore of the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of brick and covered with white mud.
As its name implies, the Three Pagodas comprise three independent pagodas forming a symmetric triangle. The elegant, balanced and stately style is unique in China's ancient Buddhist architectures, which makes it a must-see in the tour of Dali. The Three Pagodas, visible from miles away, has been a landmark of Dali City and selected as a national treasure meriting preservation in China.
There is a lake named Reflection (Juying Chi) behind them. The lake is known to be able to reflect images of the Three Pagodas.
Chongsheng Monastery
Three Pogadas' mother building was known as Chongsheng Monastery and used to be the royal temple of the Kingdom of Dali and one of the largest Buddhist centers in south-east Asia. It was originally built at the same time as the first pagoda but was destroyed in a fire in the Qing Dynasty reign period.
Located in the northwest part of Dali City, Yunnan Province, Erhai Lake is a plateau lake that stretches 42km from north to south and 3.9km from east to west. As the lake has a shape of an ear, it gets the name Erhai (Ear Lake). Reputed as the pearl on plateau for its beautiful scenery, it is also one of the most attractived sits in Yunnan.
Three Islets, four lands and nine caves are the famous sites in the lake. Besides these spots, the lake also has some other attractions such as Shadows of Three Towers, Nine-Arched Stone Bridge, and Jade Dragon Playing in the Water, etc.
Looked from Mt. Cangshan, the lake like a crescent lying between Mt. Cangshan and Dali City. In a sunny day, the crystal water of Erhai Lake and the snow mantled Mt. Cangshan radiate with each other forming a beautiful picture.
Bai minority are much in evidence at Xizhou, 18 km north of Dali Ancient Town. Green mountains, winding creeks and fertile land make here a lyrical and carefree life.
People nowadays regard Xizhou as a town that is famous for the Bai minority culture. The old houses and streets are well preserved, through which visitors may still find some traces of past glory.
The houses of local residents are characterized by a traditional Chinese rectangular courtyard with a screen wall facing the gate. On the screen wall there are usually four Chinese characters, reading 'Qingbai Shijia' (innocent family) or 'Ziqi Donglai' (Auspicious air comes from the East). Around them are landscape paintings and decorations with profusion of colors. The doors and windows are full of grills with auspicious paintings.
In Xizhou, visitors also have the opportunity to appreciate the genuine tea ceremony of the Bai minority. Sandao Tea is a must-drink. It consists of bitter tea, sweet tea and aftertaste tea, indicating the whole life of the people.
Towering behind Dali Ancient Town, Cangshan Mountain stretches over 50 kilometers from north to south and consists of 19 peaks and 18 streams. Its snow-capped peaks, rich biodiversity, and winding hiking trails make it a haven for outdoor lovers. The Jade Cloud Road and the Cable Car are two of the most popular ways to explore the mountain. On a clear day, Cangshan’s reflection in the Erhai Lake creates a breathtaking mirror-like image, making it one of the most iconic landscapes of Dali.
Located in Binchuan County about 90 kilometers from Dali City, Jizu Mountain is one of the most important Buddhist mountains in Yunnan. Shaped like a chicken's foot (hence the name "Jizu"), the mountain is home to numerous temples and ancient relics, including the famous Jinding Temple at its summit. The area attracts both pilgrims and travelers looking for spiritual retreats and panoramic sunrise views.
Less known among tourists, Diaoshang Mountain is a peaceful and picturesque destination located near the town of Fengyi. With dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and quiet trails, it offers a more secluded hiking experience. Local folklore and legends enrich the natural surroundings, making it a fascinating place for those who wish to escape the busy tourist areas and connect with nature.
Nestled on the northeast shore of Erhai Lake, Shuanglang Ancient Town is a charming lakeside village known for its artistic atmosphere and stunning lake views. The town blends old Bai architecture with modern boutique guesthouses, making it a popular destination for creative travelers and couples. Sunset over Erhai Lake from Shuanglang is a must-see, and the town’s cafés, art galleries, and lakefront strolls offer plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy the beauty of life.
Situated in Jianchuan County between Dali and Lijiang, Shaxi was once a vital trading stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Unlike more commercialized old towns, Shaxi retains its authentic charm with cobblestone streets, ancient theaters, and traditional Bai courtyard homes. The weekly Friday market is a local highlight, where Bai villagers from the surrounding mountains gather to sell handmade crafts, produce, and livestock.
Located in Yunlong County, about 150 kilometers northwest of Dali, Nuodeng Ancient Village is a well-preserved Bai ethnic village with a history of over a thousand years. Remarkably, its name has remained unchanged since the Nanzhao Kingdom of the Tang Dynasty.
Built along the mountainside, the village features tiered traditional Bai residences, connected by winding ancient stone paths. Time-honored temples, ancestral halls, and stone houses with grey-tiled roofs blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The solemn and rustic architecture reflects the village's prosperous past as a once-thriving salt trade hub in western Yunnan. A visit to Nuodeng is like stepping back in time, offering a peaceful yet powerful glimpse into Bai heritage and mountain life.
More famous attractions in Dali please click Dali Attractions
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