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Attractions in Dali Overview

Dali Old Town is a historic town located in Yunnan Province, China. It served as an important trading post on the ancient Tea Horse Road fromTang Dynasty to the early 20th century.The town features a unique blend of Bai ethnic minority architecture and traditional Chinese elements, including stone bridges, pagodas, and temples.


Visitors to Dali Old Town can explore the ancient city walls, which date back to the Ming Dynasty, and visit many historic sites, such as the Three Pagodas and the Erhai Lake. The town also offers a range of cultural experiences, such as traditional music and dance performances, as well as workshops featuring local crafts.


Today, Dali Old Town is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with many galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. Visitors can sample delicious Bai cuisine at local restaurants or shop for traditional handicrafts at the bustling markets.


Overall, Dali Old Town offers visitors a chance to experience China's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Its unique blend of history, architecture, and culture make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Yunnan Province.


  • Three Pagodas of Chong Sheng Temple

    The Three Pagodas of Chong Sheng Temple are an ensemble of three independent pagodas located about 1.5 km (0.93 mi) north of Dali City, Yunnan province. They are at the east foot of the tenth peak of the massive Cangshan Mountains and face the west shore of the Erhai Lake of the ancient Dali town.


    The 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.

  • Shaxi Town

    Shaxi is a historical market town in Jianchuan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan province. The town is located roughly in between Dali and Lijiang. The Sideng market square of the town of Shaxi was added to the World Monuments Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites in 2001.Shaxi started as a trading point for tea and horses during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). The prosperity of the town was at its height during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912). Nearby Shibao mountain contains Buddhist rock carvings and temples of over 1300 years old with, amongst others, images of the bodhisattva Guanyin. The two main ethnic groups of Shaxi are the Bai and Yi people.

  • Cangshan Mountain

    Cangshan is a mountain range immediately west of Dali City in Yunnan province of Southwest China.
    The highest summit, Malong, is 4,122 m, and the mountain includes another 18 peaks all over 3,500 m altitude. The mountain is noted for its very rich, diverse flora. There is a paved walkway running north and south from the top chairlift station near ancient Dali. This walkway passes several waterfalls, and overlooks Erhai Lake and the ancient city itself. This walkway is named "Jade-Cloud Road" after the cloud formations that appear over the Cangshan peaks.

  • Erhai Lake

    The Erhai Lake is named after its ear-like shape. It is the second largest lake in Yunnan Province.


    The lakeshore can be explored by hiking. Highlights include Erhai Lake Park and the Butterfly Springs on the Western bank. Islands on the lake – including Guanyin Ge, Jinsuo Island ("Golden Shuttle Island"), Nanzhao Fengqing Island and Xiaoputuo Island – are also available for visits, via a boat cruise on the lake.
  • Three Pagodas of Chong Sheng Temple
  • Shaxi Town
  • Cangshan Mountain
  • Erhai Lake
 

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