Top Things to do in Dali: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Dali is one of the most complete destinations in China's Yunnan province. Situated between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, it combines natural landscapes, ancient cities, temples, traditional villages and a strong heritage of Bai culture.

At Trip.com, we'll tell you what to see in Dali, how many days to spend there, which places are must-visits, and how to organise your travel. You'll also find recommendations on accommodation, food, and the best time to travel.

📍 What to Do in Dali Based on Your Stay

Although it is possible to see the main monuments in two days, it is recommended to set aside three or four days. This way, you will be able to explore the Old Town, visit Cangshan and dedicate a full day to the villages and viewpoints of Erhai Lake.

If you're short on time, focus your first day on the Old Town and the Three Pagodas. On the second day, you can choose between going up Cangshan or exploring part of Erhai Lake. With four days, you'll have enough leeway to organise your visits without spending too many hours on the road.

🏙️ Must-Visit Areas in Dali

Dali is not a single urban centre. The Old Town, the modern area of Xiaguan and the villages located around Erhai Lake are all separate, so it is best to choose your accommodation based on your planned route.

Dali Ancient Town: the most practical option

Dali Ancient Town is home to a concentration of accommodation, restaurants, cafés, and shops. It’s a great base if you’re visiting Dali for the first time and want to be close to its main monuments.

From here, it’s easy to reach the Three Pagodas and the access points for Cangshan Mountain. At night, the streets remain quite lively, especially around the main gates.

Xiaguan: close to the station and urban amenities

Xiaguan is the modern area of Dali. It’s a practical choice for those arriving by train, needing an early transfer, or preferring to stay close to shopping centres and urban amenities.

It's located further away from the Old Town, so you'll need to use a bus, taxi, or pre-booked transport to get around for your sightseeing.

Shuanglang and the shore of Erhai Lake

Shuanglang Ancient Town might be for you if you are looking for lake views and an environment away from the city centre. The area offers accommodation with terraces facing Erhai, small restaurants and pedestrian streets.

You should bear in mind that Shuanglang is located far from Dali Old Town. If you choose this area, plan your transfers well and avoid cramming visits to opposite shores into the same day.

⭐ Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Dali

1. Dali Old Town: history at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains

Dali Ancient Town is the most common starting point. Its layout combines historic gates, cobbled streets, traditional houses, craft shops, and numerous dining establishments.

Among its best-known spots are the South Gate, Renmin Road, and Fuxing Road. However, it’s also well worth venturing away from the main commercial thoroughfares to explore the side streets, where the atmosphere tends to be a little more peaceful.

The city is great to visit during the day, though it takes on a different character at night thanks to the lighting and the opening of stalls and restaurants.

2. Erhai Lake: the great landscape of Dali

Erhai Lake stretches to the east of the Cangshan Mountains and defines much of Dali's landscape. All around it, you will find villages, fields, wetlands, piers and viewpoints.

The full route is extensive, so it's not a good idea to try and cover it without planning your stops in advance. If you only have one day, choose one of its banks and combine two or three nearby spots.

Among the most well-known spots are Longkan, Xizhou, and Shuanglang. There are also sections adapted for walking or cycling, although access conditions can vary depending on the area.

3. Cangshan Mountain: trails and panoramic views

The Cangshan Mountains form the great natural backdrop to Dali. The massif boasts numerous peaks, forests, streams and trails from which you can get views of the city and Erhai Lake.

There are various access points and cable cars, so it's important to check which route corresponds to each ticket. The duration of your visit will depend on the itinerary you choose, the weather conditions, and whether the ski lifts are operating.

Even when temperatures are mild in the Old Town, it can get chilly in the higher areas. Bring layers, water, sun protection, and suitable footwear.

4. Chongsheng Temple and the Three Pagodas

Chongsheng Temple and the Three Pagodas form one of the most recognisable historical sites in Yunnan. The central pagoda, known as Qianxun, is accompanied by two other smaller structures.

The complex isn't limited to just the pagodas. It includes temples, courtyards, statues, and various vantage points from which to admire the whole site with the Cangshan mountains in the background.

The visit requires quite a bit of walking, as the buildings are spread out in depth and part of the route is on an incline. Allow at least half a day if you want to see the whole complex.

5. Shuanglang Ancient Town: Dali by the lake

Shuanglang Ancient Town is located on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake. Its narrow streets, terraces and accommodation with views have made it one of the most popular stops on the route.

You can stroll along the water, explore the centre, and combine your visit with other spots on the eastern bank. Vehicle access is limited in some areas, so you may have to complete part of the journey on foot.

🌿 More Places to Visit in Dali

Butterfly Spring

Butterfly Spring is a natural space linked to the traditions of the Bai community. The site combines lush vegetation, ponds, and cultural elements.

It is located to the north of Dali, so it is more practical to include it in a route around that part of the lake than to visit it as a separate trip.

Longkan Pier viewpoint

The Longkan Pier viewpoint is one of the most photographed spots on the western shore of Erhai. Its walkways and waterside trees create an especially attractive landscape at sunrise.

Zhang family garden

The Zhang Family Garden offers a glimpse into Bai architecture and decorative traditions. The complex is made up of courtyards, ornate buildings, and spaces showcasing various cultural elements.

Xizhou Fields

The Xizhou wheat field train is an activity designed for touring and photographing the agricultural landscape. The appearance of the fields changes with the seasons, so the experience can be different depending on when you travel.

Family-friendly activities

If you're travelling with children, you might want to consider places like Canghai Cloud Grassland, Flomis Garden or Dali Luge Theme Park.

These suggestions are more recreational in nature and are perfect for mixing up historical visits with some outdoor activities. Be sure to check opening times and access conditions before you head out.

You can also check out the list of all the attractions in Dali.

☀️ Best Time to Visit Dali

Dali can be visited all year round, although conditions change depending on the season. Spring and autumn are usually particularly suitable for combining cultural visits with outdoor activities.

The temperature difference between day and night can be significant. Furthermore, solar radiation is intense due to the altitude, so it's a good idea to wear sun protection at any time of year.

🥟 What to Eat in Dali

Dali's gastronomy is closely linked to Bai culture. Its specialities include rushan, a cow's milk cheese that can be served toasted; rice noodles; fish prepared with local ingredients; and various dishes featuring Yunnan mushrooms.

In the Old Town, you'll find traditional restaurants, street food stalls, and cafés. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, carry the information written in Chinese so you can communicate it clearly.

🚕 How to Get to and Around Dali

Dali has both an airport and a train station. Many travellers arrive by train from Kunming and then continue on to other destinations in Yunnan. The station is located in the modern area, not inside the Old Town, so you will need additional transport.

The airport is also separate from the historic centre. The transfer time will depend on traffic, your accommodation and the mode of transport you choose.

You can explore the historic centre on foot. However, to reach Cangshan, Shuanglang or the villages around Erhai, you will need a bus, taxi, a vehicle with a driver, or tourist transport.

Bicycles and electric vehicles are available around the lake, but not all roads are suitable for inexperienced users. Wear a helmet, check where riding is permitted, and check the battery range before setting off on a long route.

📱 Things to Know Before Travelling to Dali

• Distinguish between the Ancient Town, Xiaguan, and the Dali prefecture when booking accommodation or transport.
• Check the opening times and access conditions for each attraction before you set off.
• Set aside a full day if you want to visit several villages around Erhai Lake.
• Bring sun protection, sunglasses, and layers.
• Check the weather forecast before heading up Cangshan.
• Avoid trying to cycle all the way around the lake if you don't have enough experience.
• Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals or traditional activities.
• Carry your passport while travelling and when accessing places that require identification.
• Download map, translation, and payment apps before you arrive.
• Avoid major national holidays if you're looking to dodge the crowds.
• You can extend your planning with the Dali Prefecture guide.
• Check out our China travel guide too.

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