Dali Destination Guide
Explore the most worthwhile attractions and experiences in Dali
Dali Ancient City
Address：No. 172 Huguo Road, Dali Ancient City, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (South Side)
Opening Hours：Open 24/7
Ticket：Free (Some attractions charge separately)
Dali Ancient City is a famous historical and cultural city in Yunnan Province, founded in the 15th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1382). The ancient city is surrounded by city walls, which are 7.5 meters high, 6 meters thick, and 6 kilometers in circumference. The streets in the city are laid out in a chessboard pattern with bluestone pavements, giving an antique feel. Major attractions include Wuhua Building, Wenxian Building, and Foreigner Street.
Erhai Lake
Address：Erhai Lake Scenic Area, Dali City
Opening Hours：Open 24/7
Ticket：Free (Boat rides and some islands charge fees)
Erhai Lake is the second largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province, named for its ear-like shape. It has a circumference of 116 kilometers and an area of 251 square kilometers. There are many famous attractions along the lake, such as Xizhou Ancient Town, Shuanglang Ancient Town, and Nanzhao Style Island. Cycling around Erhai Lake is one of the most popular tourist activities.
Cangshan Mountain
Address：Cangshan Mountain Scenic Area, Dali City
Opening Hours：8:30-16:00
Ticket：35 yuan/person (Cable car not included)
Cangshan Mountain, also known as Diancang Mountain, consists of 19 peaks, with the highest peak Malong Peak reaching an altitude of 4122 meters. Between each pair of peaks, there is a stream flowing down into Erhai Lake, known as the "Eighteen Streams of Cangshan". The Cangshan Cable Car can reach Ximatan at an altitude of 3900 meters, which is an excellent location to enjoy the snow scenery and sea of clouds of Cangshan.
Xizhou Ancient Town
Address：No. 130 Qingzhen Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Opening Hours：Open 24/7 (Attractions in the town: 8:00-18:00)
Ticket：Town is free (Yan Family Courtyard and other attractions: 30 yuan/person)
Xizhou Ancient Town is one of the important birthplaces of the Bai culture in Dali, famous for its well-preserved Bai nationality residential architecture. Xizhou Baba is a famous local snack, crispy and delicious. Every spring, rapeseed flowers bloom in the fields around the town, making it a paradise for photographers.
Butterfly Spring
Address：035 Township, Yongxing Highway, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Opening Hours：8:00-18:00
Ticket：40 yuan/person
Butterfly Spring became famous at home and abroad because of the movie "Five Golden Flowers". The spring pool covers an area of about 50 square meters, with clear见底 water. There is an ancient silk tree beside the spring. Every lunar April, thousands of butterflies gather here, forming the spectacular "Butterfly Gathering".