Absolutely the symbol of the town and region, these pagodas, a 2km walk north of the north gate, are among the oldest standing structures in southwestern…
Mark Read
Dali
Dali Old Town (大理古城, Dàlǐ Gǔchéng), the original backpacker hang-out in Yunnan, was once the place to chill, with its stunning location sandwiched between mountains and Erhai Lake. Loafing here for a couple of weeks was once an essential part of the Yunnan experience.
In recent years, domestic tourists have discovered Dali in a big way and the scene has changed accordingly. Instead of hippy Westerners, it's young Chinese travelers who walk around with flowers in their hair, and face-lifts of the old town precede apace.
Surrounding Dali there are fascinating possibilities for exploring, especially by bicycle and in the mountains above the lake. Or you can do what travelers have done here for years – eat, drink and make merry.
Explore Dali
- Three Pagodas
Absolutely the symbol of the town and region, these pagodas, a 2km walk north of the north gate, are among the oldest standing structures in southwestern…
- DDali Catholic Church
It's worth checking out Dali’s Catholic Church. Dating back to 1927, it's a beautiful blend of Bai-style architecture and classic Christian theology and…
- DDali Confucian Temple
Dali's attractive Confucian Temple is a 2014 reconstruction on the site of the original Qing dynasty structure, but the grounds are peaceful and there are…
- DDali Municipal Museum
The museum houses a small collection of archaeological pieces relating to Bai history, including some fine figurines. English descriptions are lacking,…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Dali.
See
Three Pagodas
Absolutely the symbol of the town and region, these pagodas, a 2km walk north of the north gate, are among the oldest standing structures in southwestern…
See
Dali Catholic Church
It's worth checking out Dali’s Catholic Church. Dating back to 1927, it's a beautiful blend of Bai-style architecture and classic Christian theology and…
See
Dali Confucian Temple
Dali's attractive Confucian Temple is a 2014 reconstruction on the site of the original Qing dynasty structure, but the grounds are peaceful and there are…
See
Dali Municipal Museum
The museum houses a small collection of archaeological pieces relating to Bai history, including some fine figurines. English descriptions are lacking,…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Dali
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