Dali Ancient City: A Romantic Rendezvous with Nature's Beauty

Step into Dali Ancient City, and time seems to slow down. Here, bluestone-paved streets wind through the city, carrying traces of history, with every step feeling like a dialogue with the past. The Bai-style architecture lines the streets with their distinctive features - flying eaves, bracket sets, and carved windows and doors - all exuding an ancient charm. As you stroll, the snowy silhouette of Cangshan Mountain appears and disappears on the horizon, adding a touch of sanctity to the ancient city, while gentle breezes carry the essence of Erhai Lake, creating a soothing and comfortable atmosphere. During the day, explore the small shops in the ancient city, searching for exquisite handicrafts, or relax in a street-side café, savoring aromatic coffee and enjoying lazy moments. At night, as the city's lights begin to twinkle, the bustling night market fills with fragrant food and the rhythmic sounds of hand drums, immersing visitors in an atmosphere where daily life meets artistic charm. Dali Ancient City is a dreamlike escape from the hustle and bustle, a sanctuary for the soul where every moment brings healing and touching experiences. Detailed Guide • How to Get There: ◦ By Air: After arriving at Dali Fengyi Airport, purchase tickets at the "Airport Bus Service Counter" on the right side of the exit for direct transport to Dali Ancient City, or take a ride-hailing service (approximately 30 minutes). ◦ By Train: From Dali Railway Station, take Bus No. 8 to the final stop near the Sixty Hospital (Erhai Gate), or take the Three Pagodas Special Line to the Three Pagodas Cultural Park. Alternatively, purchase direct bus tickets at the Dali Tourism Direct Bus Service Store on the left side of the exit for transport to Dali Ancient City South Gate Tourist Center. ◦ By Bus: From Xiaguan to Dali Ancient City, take Bus No. 4 from the transit company to the final stop near Dali Ancient City North Gate, or take the "Dali-Xiaguan" minibus from the Express Bus Station, passing through Xiaguan Jianshe Road and Guanping Road to Dali Ancient City (approximately 40 minutes). • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, though individual shops have their own business hours. • Admission Information: Dali Ancient City is free to enter. The Dali Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum (Jiang Gong Ci) costs CNY 10 per person, with free admission on Saturdays, 20% discount (CNY 8) during Spring Festival, May Day, and National Day holidays. Local residents can enter free with ID during Prefecture Anniversary celebrations. Additionally, since 2015, tour groups must pay a CNY 30 per person maintenance fee, while individual travelers are exempt. • Recommended Routes: ◦ One-Day Route: South Gate (climb city wall for views of Dali and Erhai) → Fuxing Road (browse specialty shops and taste local food) → Wuhua Tower (experience historical atmosphere and city views) → Foreigners' Street (experience international culture, food, and coffee) → Honglong Well (enjoy flowing water and night views). ◦ Two-Day Route: ◦ Day One: Bedsheet Factory Art District (visit artistic shops, experience art atmosphere, weekend markets) → Dali Museum (learn about local history and culture) → Renmin Road (daytime leisure walks, nighttime street vendor culture). ◦ Day Two: Yuer Garden (enjoy peaceful nature) → Dali Intangible Heritage Museum (appreciate intangible cultural heritage) → North Gate Market (experience local life, buy fresh produce and flowers) → Cangshan Gate (photo opportunities). • Must-See Attractions: ◦ South Gate: The city's symbol and oldest structure, over 600 years old. The characters "Dali" were written by Guo Moruo. Climb the gate tower for panoramic views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. ◦ Wuhua Tower: Former official reception venue in the city center. Repeatedly rebuilt throughout history, now houses the city's calligraphy and painting market. Beautiful when lit at night, with free tower access. ◦ Renmin Road: A 3km east-west street ending at Erhai Gate. Features numerous cafés, craft shops, and bars. Relaxed during day, vibrant at night with street vendor culture. ◦ Foreigners' Street: Originally named Huguo Road, known for its foreign residents. Features traditional Bai architecture, famous bars, restaurants, and strong artistic atmosphere. ◦ Dali Catholic Church: China's only Catholic church in Bai architectural style, combining Chinese and Western elements with unique structure and exquisite carvings. ◦ Bedsheet Factory Art District: Converted from abandoned factory buildings, preserving 1990s industrial architecture with artistic design elements. Features creative shops and art exhibitions. • Food Recommendations: ◦ Local Specialties: ◦ Xizhou Baba: Available in sweet and savory versions. Sweet filled with rose sugar or red bean paste, savory with minced meat and green onions. Crispy outside, soft inside. ◦ Grilled Rushan: Slightly charred dairy product served with rose jam. Perfect for dairy lovers. ◦ Ersi and E'kuai: Ersi has a smooth texture, can be boiled or stir-fried; E'kuai can be grilled or pan-fried, served with meat sauce and crushed peanuts. ◦ Restaurant Recommendations: ◦ Huotang Impression Wild Mushroom Courtyard Hotpot (Dali Ancient City Branch): Features premium mushroom soup base and wild mushrooms like Jianshouqing. ◦ Dali Ark Fatty Waiting for You Branch: Media-favored Yunnan restaurant with excellent traditional cuisine and authentic Bai dishes. ◦ Master Duan's Return of the Condor Heroes Branch: Martial arts themed restaurant with wuxia elements and distinctive dishes celebrating ancient culture. • Accommodation Suggestions: ◦ Inside Ancient City: Convenient location, better atmosphere, but higher prices and some guesthouses may have poor soundproofing. Recommend Dali Ancient City Luchuhua Garden Hotel with tatami family rooms. Consider courtyard guesthouses for tea and scenery appreciation. ◦ Around Ancient City: More affordable, quieter environment, some hotels offer shuttle service. Guesthouses several hundred meters from the ancient city offer good value and peaceful surroundings. • Important Notes: ◦ Sun and Cold Protection: Dali has strong sunlight and UV radiation. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. Large temperature differences between day and night, bring warm clothing. ◦ Shopping: Compare prices at different shops to avoid overcharging. Confirm hair braiding prices and quantities in advance. Clarify prices and services for photos and car rentals to prevent hidden charges. ◦ Bar Entertainment: Be aware of drink prices and avoid drink scams. Some areas have curfew after 11 PM. Some singers may request tips when performing at tables, tip at your discretion. ◦ Respect Customs: Dali is home to multiple ethnic groups. Respect local minority customs, especially Bai cultural traditions and taboos.