Dali, once the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, is a city rich in history and cultural heritage. It’s home to ancient towns, historical sites, and stunning natural landscapes that draw countless visitors every year. Whether you’re planning a China tour, a trip to China, or already living in China, Dali offers a unique blend of culture, tradition, and scenic beauty. To help you make the most of your visit, this guide highlights 8 must-see attractions in Dali, Yunnan—covering everything from ticket prices and opening hours to travel tips, best times to visit, and detailed introductions to each destination.
TOP1 Erhai Lake
Tickets: Free, some attractions and attractions are charged separately
Opening hours: All day
Altitude: about 1972 meters
Best travel time: March to October
Recommended playing time: 2~4 hours
Address: Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Introduction to Erhai Lake: Erhai Lake is also known as Ear Lake because of its ear-like shape. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in China and one of the four famous scenic spots in Dali. Taking a boat or riding a bicycle is the best and most interesting way to visit Erhai Lake. While enjoying the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake, you can also enjoy a romantic free time.
TOP2 Dali Ancient Town
Tickets: Free, but a maintenance fee of 30 yuan per person is required
Opening hours: All day
Altitude: about 2000 meters
Best time to travel: All year round
Recommended time: 1~2 days
Address: No. 172 Huguo Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Introduction to Dali Ancient City: Dali Ancient City is one of the famous ancient cities in Yunnan . As the capital of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom, it has many amazing historical and cultural relics, and the buildings are also very simple and exquisite. It is an excellent place to explore the history and culture of Dali. In addition, Wuhua Tower is a landmark building in Dali Ancient City, which can provide a panoramic view of the attractions of the entire ancient city.
TOP3 Cangshan Mountain
Tickets: 115 yuan/person
Opening hours: 8:30~17:30
Altitude: about 2100 meters to 4122 meters
Best time to travel: All year round
Recommended playing time: 2~4 hours
Address: Cangshan Scenic Area, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Introduction to Cangshan Mountain: Cangshan Mountain is a famous world geological park with a very complex topography. It is mainly composed of 19 peaks, and there is a stream between every two peaks, forming a unique landscape of 19 peaks and 18 streams in Cangshan Mountain. The scenery is very magnificent and worth visiting. In addition, you can take the longest cableway in Yunnan – Ximatan Cableway to have a panoramic view of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.
TOP4 Xizhou Ancient Town
Tickets: Free, additional fees for attractions
Opening hours: All day
Altitude: about 1900 meters
Best time to travel: All year round
Recommended playing time: 2~3 hours
Address: Provincial Road 221, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Introduction to Xizhou Ancient Town: Xizhou Ancient Town has a history of thousands of years and is the best place to experience Bai culture. It has well-preserved traditional Bai residential buildings, and the wood carvings and stone carvings in the buildings are very exquisite. In addition, Yan’s Courtyard and Xizhou Morning Market are not to be missed. In Yan’s Courtyard, you can see the most perfectly preserved Bai residential buildings, and visiting Xizhou Morning Market allows you to deeply experience the daily life of the Bai people.
TOP5 Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
Tickets: 75 yuan/person
Opening hours: 7:30~18:30
Altitude: about 2000 meters
Best time to travel: All year round
Recommended playing time: 1~2 hours
Address: At the foot of Yingle Peak, Cangshan Mountain, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Introduction to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: The three pagodas of the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are the symbol and emblem of Dali, with a history of thousands of years. Chongsheng Temple was once the royal temple of the Dali Kingdom. It is large in scale and houses a large number of precious cultural relics such as Buddhist scriptures, Buddha statues and Buddha bodies. It is a national key cultural relic protection unit and a national 5A-level scenic spot.
TOP6 Shaxi Ancient Town
Tickets: Free
Opening hours: All day
Altitude: about 2100 meters
Best travel time: April to October
Recommended playing time: 3~4 hours
Address: No. 084 County Road, Jianchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Introduction to Shaxi Ancient Town: Shaxi Ancient Town was once a prosperous trade center on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, with a history of more than 700 years. The ancient streets, ancient theaters, Xingjiao Temple, Yujin Bridge and other well-preserved ancient town allow you to deeply appreciate the charm of Shaxi’s history. In addition, if you encounter the Friday market in the ancient town, you must visit it, which is the only surviving market on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road.
TOP7 Shuanglang Ancient Town
Tickets: Free
Opening hours: All day
Altitude: about 2000 meters
Best travel time: May to September
Recommended play time: 1 day
Address: Huanhai East Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Introduction to Shuanglang Ancient Town: Shuanglang Ancient Town is located between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. It is an excellent place to enjoy the scenery of Cangshan and Erhai Lake. It is famous for its charming sunset. In addition, the buildings of different styles are also very interesting, among which Yang Liping’s Sun Palace and Moon Palace are particularly attractive.
TOP8 Zhoucheng Village
Tickets: Free
Opening hours: All day
Altitude: about 2100 meters
Best travel time: April to October
Recommended playing time: 2~3 hours
Address: Xizhou Town, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Introduction to Zhoucheng Village: Zhoucheng Village is known as the “hometown of tie-dyeing”. It is one of the birthplaces of Bai ethnic group’s tie-dyeing technology and is famous for its exquisite tie-dyeing art. Here you can make tie-dye by yourself, such as making scarves, skirts, etc., which is a special experience during the trip.
The above is a curated guide to the 8 must-see attractions in Dali, Yunnan. If you’re passionate about history and culture, don’t miss Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou Ancient Town, Shaxi Ancient Town, and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. For nature lovers, Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake are unforgettable highlights. If you’re interested in traditional crafts, Zhoucheng Village is the best place to experience authentic tie-dyeing. Whether you’re on a short trip to China, part of a longer China tour, or living in China, Dali is a destination that truly showcases the beauty and depth of Chinese culture.