Dali Travel Tips

Getting to Dali

• By Plane: Dali Fengyi Airport is located in Fengyi Town, Dali City, about 30 kilometers from the ancient city. There are airport buses往返于机场和古城，票价约25元，车程40分钟。也可打车，约80-100元。
• By Train/High-Speed Rail: Dali Railway Station is in Xiaguan Town, about 15 kilometers from the ancient city. You can take bus No. 8, Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Special Line and other buses to the ancient city, with a fare of 2 yuan; taxi fare is about 30-40 yuan.
• By Bus: Dali has multiple bus stations, among which Xingsheng Road Bus Station and Express Bus Station mainly operate routes to various places within the province.

Local Transportation

• Bus: The bus routes in Dali City cover a wide area, with fares ranging from 1-2 yuan, reaching major areas such as the ancient city, Xiaguan, and Xizhou.
• Taxi: The starting fare is 8 yuan for 3 kilometers, and 1.8 yuan per kilometer thereafter. It is recommended to use the meter or negotiate the price in advance.
• Electric Bike: There are many electric bike rental points in the ancient city, costing 50-80 yuan per day, suitable for touring around Erhai Lake (pay attention to battery level).
• Chartered Car: The price for a full-day chartered car is about 300-500 yuan, suitable for group travel or visiting distant attractions.
• Boat Tour: There are multiple routes for Erhai Lake boat tours, with prices ranging from 140-200 yuan, reaching attractions such as Nanzhao Style Island and Xiaoputuo.

Featured Cuisine

• Dali Sour and Spicy Fish: Uses Erhai fish, cooked with sour papaya, chili and other seasonings, with a sour and spicy taste.
• Xizhou Baba: Available in sweet and salty flavors, with a crispy outer skin and rich filling, it is a famous snack in Dali.
• Bai Ethnic Eight Bowls: A traditional Bai ethnic feast, including 8 characteristic dishes, a combination of meat and vegetables with unique flavors.
• Ersi/Erkuai: A characteristic staple food in Dali, made of rice, can be boiled or stir-fried, served with various seasonings.
• Three-Course Tea: A traditional Bai ethnic etiquette, first bitter, then sweet, then aftertaste, symbolizing life philosophy.

Recommended Food Locations

• Renmin Road, Dali Ancient City: Gathers various characteristic snacks and restaurants.
• Xizhou Ancient Town: Taste authentic Xizhou Baba and Bai ethnic home-cooked dishes.
• Shuanglang Ancient Town: Focuses on Erhai Lake fresh fish, where you can enjoy the sea view while eating.

Bai Ethnic Etiquette and Taboos

• When entering a Bai ethnic residence, respect the host's arrangement and do not enter the bedroom casually.
• When accepting tea and snacks from a Bai family, take them with both hands.
• When participating in Bai ethnic weddings or festival activities, follow the host's guidance and arrangements.
• Do not touch the shrines and ancestral tablets of Bai families casually.
• When taking photos of local residents, especially the elderly and children, it is better to ask for permission first.
• Respect local religious beliefs, take off your hat when entering temples, and do not make noise.

Best Travel Time

Dali has a spring-like climate all year round, but the best travel time is from March to May and September to November, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Cherry blossoms bloom from March to April, and September to November has clear autumn skies, suitable for outdoor activities.

Essential Items

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat: Dali has strong ultraviolet rays, so sun protection is necessary.
• Light jacket: There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, even in summer, it is necessary to prepare a jacket.
• Comfortable shoes: The ancient city has many stone roads, so shoes suitable for walking are important.
• Rain gear: It rains frequently in summer, so it is recommended to carry it with you.
• Common medicines: Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, etc.

Safety Tips

• When cycling around Erhai Lake, pay attention to traffic rules and wear a safety helmet.
• Do not take unlicensed black cars casually.
• When playing by the lake, pay attention to safety and follow warning signs.
• Keep your personal belongings safe, especially in crowded places.
• Dali emergency calls: 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), 119 (firefighting)