Dali Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

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5 Hidden Gems in China You Haven't Visited Yet — traveler post in Dali

5 Hidden Gems in China You Haven't Visited Yet

🇨🇳 If you're looking for destinations in China beyond the usual tourist traps, add these 5 cities to your bucket list! ✨ Dali — A charming old town by the lake with stunning mountain views and a totally laid-back vibe. 🌴 Xishuangbanna — China with a tropical twist, featuring beautiful temples, lush nature, and vibrant Tai Lue culture. 🌈 Zhangye — Breathtaking multicolored mountains that look like a natural masterpiece. 🏜️ Turpan — An oasis city in the desert that offers a unique Western China experience unlike anywhere else. ⛰️ Enshi — Majestic mountains and canyons perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Exploring China doesn't always have to start with Beijing, Shanghai, or Chongqing. 😊 Save this post for later and pick your favorite spot for your next big adventure! 🇨🇳✈️

Dali - Shaxi. — traveler post in Dali

Dali - Shaxi.

📅 Travel Itinerary Day 1: Dali - Dali Old Town Day 2: Exploring Dali: Fengyangyi Village and the S-Curve Road Day 3+4: Shaxi Ancient Town Day 5: Dali 🏨 Recommended Hotels: Stay near the old town at Dali Yunyin Villa Collection Holiday Courtyard (Gucheng South Gate Branch), or inside the town at Shaxi Ancient Town Yingju Inn 🍴 "Top-tier" Eats: The cured ham hotpot in Shaxi and the assorted mushroom fried rice at the Shaxi local market are absolute must-tries 📌 Essential Tips

Three Pagodas in Dali: More Than Meets the Eye 😮🏯 — traveler post in Dali

Three Pagodas in Dali: More Than Meets the Eye 😮🏯

The Three Pagodas in Dali totally had me feeling wiped out at first. If you just catch them from the outside, they look like, well... literally three pagodas and not much else. But trust me, don’t judge a book by its cover! 😏 Once you actually step inside the complex, things get next-level. The architecture is stunning, with ancient vibes and epic views in every direction. You’ll find peaceful gardens, dramatic temple halls, and cool little spots to chill with a mountain backdrop. The whole place gives off that zen, historic energy—kind of mindblowing tbh! 🤯 Basic info: The Three Pagodas are located at 1 Pagoda Road, Dali Ancient Town, Dali, China. It's open daily from 8:00am to 7:00pm. Grab your ticket through trip.com for easy entry—it's def worth adding this spot to your Dali bucket list!

CHINESE SWITZERLAND: A HIDDEN GEM YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT — traveler post in Dali

CHINESE SWITZERLAND: A HIDDEN GEM YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT

Not everyone knows that China is home to turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and landscapes that mirror the European Alps. If you're looking for a completely different side of China, look no further than Dali and Erhai Lake in Yunnan Province. What to do here: 🌊 Walk along the shores of the vast Erhai Lake 🏔️ Admire the mountains on the horizon ☕ Enjoy breakfast in a cafe with a stunning view 🚲 Explore small villages and waterfronts 📸 Take photos against the backdrop of mountains and water This is a totally different China—peaceful, natural, and incredibly beautiful. Save this spot for your future travels! 📍 Dali, Yunnan, China

A Fairytale Garden in Dali You Won’t Believe Is Real 🌿✨ — traveler post in Dali

A Fairytale Garden in Dali You Won’t Believe Is Real 🌿✨

Looking for a place in Dali that feels like stepping into another world? Add Mushi Succulent Cloud Garden to your Yunnan itinerary! This place looks like something straight out of a fantasy movie. Enchanted-looking towers covered in greenery, unusual sculptures, lush gardens, and beautiful little corners make it feel magical from the moment you arrive. We couldn’t stop taking photos! Every turn revealed another picture-perfect view, and the whole garden felt wonderfully surreal. If you love discovering unusual places and capturing beautiful travel memories, you’ll absolutely love it here. What makes it even more special is that it’s not just a place for photos. You can wander around, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take your time exploring all the little details. We visited with our two-year-old, and it was a lovely family outing. There’s something exciting to discover around every corner! 📍 Mushi Succulent Cloud Garden, Dali, Yunnan, China Save this hidden gem for your next trip to Dali! 🌱📸 #Dali #DaliTravel #Yunnan #YunnanTravel #ChinaTravel #HiddenGems #FairytaleGarden #UniquePlaces #TravelPhotography #FamilyTravel #大理旅游 #云南旅游

Year-round domestic travel calendar ✨ September–October autumn destination list — traveler post in Dali

Year-round domestic travel calendar ✨ September–October autumn destination list

After living in 🇸🇬 for 5 years and getting used to the perpetual tropical summer, I settled in Chongqing and became obsessed with the distinct four seasons of the scenery here in China 🍂 I've compiled a calendar of the best months to travel all year round, highlighting autumn destinations for September–October. You can just copy my plan for your autumn trip! 🍁 September–October autumn destination categories ▫️ Autumn hotspots Beijing Fragrant Hills | Hebei Bashang | Nanjing Qixia Mountain | Daocheng Yading Jiuzhaigou/Huanglong | Anhui Tachuan ▫️ Plateau secret realms | Snow-capped mountains and lakes Lhasa | Nyingchi | Daocheng Yading | Kanas ▫️ Rural terraced fields Guangxi Longji Rice Terraces | Yunnan Yuanyang Rice Terraces ▫️ Karst landscapes Wulong | Guilin | Zhangjiajie ▫️ Artistic ancient towns Lijiang | Dali | Dunhuang ▫️ Urban leisure Chongqing | Changsha 📝 Quick travel tips ✅ Beijing Fragrant Hills: Red leaves are at their peak in mid-to-late October. Travel on weekdays to avoid crowds. ✅ Jiuzhaigou: Colorful forests and clear waters in September–October. We recommend traveling off-peak after the National Day holiday. ✅ Kanas: Golden forests in September. You might encounter the first snow in October. The morning mist at Fairy Bay is a must-see. ✅ Ejina Poplar Forest: The golden viewing period is only 20 days. Lock in mid-to-late October. ✅ Longji Rice Terraces: Rice ripens at the end of September. The layers of golden rice waves are perfect for photos. ✅ Chongqing (the mountain city where I settled): The night view of the mountain city is stunning, and the surrounding colorful forests are full of autumn vibes. Having traveled in Southeast Asia for years, I've discovered that autumn in China is truly a treasure. You don't need to travel far abroad to see red leaves, snow-capped mountains, and golden rice terraces; the scenery is incredibly diverse. Save this year-round destination list, plan your trips by season, and you'll never have to struggle with when or where to travel again 🌿

เที่ยว Dali พักไหนดี เรามีแนะนำ วิว 10/10 Vibe ดีมาก @Xiamolan Bay Sea View — traveler post in Dali

เที่ยว Dali พักไหนดี เรามีแนะนำ วิว 10/10 Vibe ดีมาก @Xiamolan Bay Sea View

🏨 : Xiamolan Bay Sea View Beautiful Stay 📝 : ที่พักที่เราตั้งใจหา ที่พักวิวทะเลสาบเอีอไห่ ใกล้ S Curb Erhai Lake มาเจอที่นี่ วิวดีมาก โดยเฉพาะห้องที่เห็นวิว ทะเลสาบ แต่แพงไปหน่อยสำหรับเราเที่ยวคนเดียว เลือกห้องที่ราคาไม่แพงมาก คืนละ 14xx บาท มันคุ้มค่ามากๆ ห้องพักนอนสบาย กว้างพอควร เหมาะสมราคา มีอาหารเช้า สไตล์จีน อร่อยดี ขึ้นไปดาดฟ้า ชมวิว ทะเลสาบ ทั้งตอนเย็น ตอนพระอาทิตย์ขึ้น สวยมากๆ โรแมนติกมาก แนะนำเลยครับ ใครมากะแฟน น่าจะฟินมาก.

A Must-Visit Museum with a Perfect Blend of Fun and Education — traveler post in Dali

A Must-Visit Museum with a Perfect Blend of Fun and Education

The building and its surrounding area are absolutely stunning. The best way to access the museum is through the rear entrance from the main road, where you're immediately greeted by the beautiful and spacious main floor. Like most museums in Glasgow, entrance is free, but by the end of your visit, you'll feel compelled to donate via the wee box in the museum. I've visited many times, and since the exhibits are updated regularly, there's always something new to explore. The museum offers something for everyone, striking a wonderful balance between fun and education. As you move through the exhibits, you'll undoubtedly be impressed by the craftsmanship of furniture designers, architects, builders, engineers, and artists who brought these creations to life. Two highlights for me are the works of Salvador Dali ("Christ the Redeemer") and the designs of Rennie McIntosh, though the Dali painting was unfortunately on loan during my recent visit. Writing a proper review to do this museum justice would require thousands of words—it's truly a place you need to experience for yourself. It’s an absolute must-see. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. The café and gift shop are well-stocked and reasonably priced, and the toilet facilities are plentiful and spotless. The accessibility features for disabled visitors are excellent. Though open times are convenient, it’s always wise to double-check them before your visit.

A Day Trip with Gantong Ropeway: Scenic Views and Helpful Tips — traveler post in Dali

A Day Trip with Gantong Ropeway: Scenic Views and Helpful Tips

Bought Gantong Ropeway tickets on Trip.com for a quick escape in Dali. If you have an extra day in the city and the weather’s on your side, this spot is a nice way to soak in some beautiful scenery🌄. This time, I was short on time, so I did a round trip with the Gan Tong cable car to QingBiXi and then to the DaXiangGu view deck. The ride up in the cable car offered fantastic views—it’s definitely a highlight if you enjoy panoramic landscapes. If you’re planning to climb up to the observatory deck, the path isn’t too tough—but here’s a tip: there are quite a lot of steps to manage, even before you get to the cable car itself. I wouldn’t recommend this attraction for those with weak knees or difficulty navigating stairs. Be prepared for a bit of a workout as you explore the area! Overall, if you’re in Dali and looking for a scenic outing, Gantong Ropeway is a solid choice—just remember sturdy shoes and be ready for the stairs. #realreview

Dali was so worth the trip! Stayed by Erhai Lake for CNY 190! What a steal! — traveler post in Dali

Dali was so worth the trip! Stayed by Erhai Lake for CNY 190! What a steal!

Dali dream-come-true sea-view room—you know what I mean? 🌊 Just a 1-minute walk to the edge of Erhai Lake. Open the window and you've got the entire lake view—I was instantly obsessed. A must-stay series for your Dali trip! · 🌿 Tucked away in a hillside villa area by Erhai Lake, this dreamy sea-view villa is everything 🌊 It's nestled on a small hill, far from the hustle and bustle, making it super quiet and private. It's just a 1-minute walk to the edge of Erhai Lake—you can touch the water as soon as you head downstairs~ Open the floor-to-ceiling windows and Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake are framed like a natural landscape painting. The tranquil atmosphere instantly heals all the fatigue from your journey. The top floor comes with a large viewing terrace + an Instagrammable sea-view swing. In the afternoon, you can sit there, feeling the gentle sea breeze, zoning out, and taking your time. Every snapshot you take looks like a cinematic masterpiece—no filters needed, super photogenic! · 🌿 The decor is very tasteful, incorporating local Dali design elements—they really nailed the vibe ✨ The room is bright, spacious, and has great natural light. The bathroom has dry/wet separation and was spotless, making for a very comfortable stay. The bedding is soft and skin-friendly, the soundproofing is solid, and the large soaking tub is a huge plus. It's a perfect fit for couples or family trips 💯

What people are saying about Dali

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Mount Hua

Highly recommend hiking up and coming down via cable car. The scenery on the way up was amazing and you also get to experience how people used to hike up the most dangerous mountain in China. It was raining at the top, wind was strong and temperature dropped. Be sure to check weather forecast and be ready for any kind of weather.

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Guanque Tower

I hadn't originally planned to visit the Stork Tower, as it's a reconstruction completed in 2002. However, I came across a travelogue about climbing it, and perhaps the focus for modern people isn't so much on whether it's an ancient building, but rather on Wang Zhihuan's famous line, "To see a thousand miles further, climb one more story." When you reach the top and gaze into the distance—the Yellow River, the Zhongtiao Mountains, the blue sky and white clouds overhead, the wind blowing from Fengling Ferry—don't we feel the same sentiment as Wang Zhihuan back then? Sometimes, even a simple visit can lead to unexpected experiences. The scenic area has set up signature boards for each province, autonomous region, municipality, and region. Surprisingly, this tourist experience made the friendship between Qin and Jin (Shaanxi and Shaanxi) more tangible. The board for Shaanxi Province has already been replaced twice, as it's become too densely packed with signatures from friends from neighboring Shaanxi. The scenic area simply put up a sign at the very front of the signature corridor that reads "Qin People Gather!" It looks like it'll be full soon too.

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Fengtu Charitable Granary

Fengtu Charity Granary is located in Nanzhaizi Village, Chaoyi Town, east of Dali County, Shaanxi Province. It was built in the eighth year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty. The architectural layout is a city within a city, divided into inner city and outer city. The outer city faces east and west and is built of rammed earth. It is the first line of defense of the charity granary. The inner city is constructed in the form of a warehouse wall integrated with the warehouse, and has both defense and storage functions.

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Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

This is such a legendary place to visit, awesome and if you are somewhat near 100% recommend it! I went pretty late around 17:00 on a sunday and there were less than 50 people there. Otherwise it might be a bit too crowded to enjoy it fully.

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Huashan West Peak Cableway

The West Peak Taihua Cableway is truly a highlight of Mount Hua, and calling it an aerial roller coaster is no exaggeration 🚡 The entire ride takes about 20 minutes, traversing over 4,000 meters diagonally, hugging the granite cliffs with a sheer drop below. On a clear day, the views are breathtaking, and when you encounter a sea of ​​clouds, the atmosphere is simply ethereal. The upper station is carved directly into the West Peak, and the exit is right at Lotus Peak, saving you hours of arduous climbing and allowing you to save your energy for the South Peak and the Plank Road in the Sky. Passing over the support structure, you'll experience a slight swaying and a feeling of weightlessness—thrilling yet safe, and perfect for taking amazing photos. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Mount Hua!

Anonymous userAnonymous user

Pujiu Temple·Romance of the Western Chamber

The scenic area isn't large; it takes a little over an hour to tour the whole thing. Many parts of the area are thoughtfully designed, and the paintings and text on the walls are quite interesting. Although there were many people during the National Day holiday, it didn't feel crowded.

Anonymous userAnonymous user

Shaanxi History Museum

Teacher Dapeng's explanations were vivid, engaging, and interesting. He also took good care of the children, giving us a 10-minute break in the middle to make us feel tired. The explanations of the museum's treasures were very vivid, and the children's historical knowledge was greatly enhanced. Five stars!

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Xiyue Temple

It's quite a large complex, and inside there's a stele erected by Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Yong, for his father—worth seeing. Ancient trees stand tall, many over 900 years old. Climb to the innermost Wanshou Tower for a panoramic view of the tower nestled among the trees, and gaze at Mount Hua in the distance, enjoying the beautiful scenery.

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Huaqing Palace

Is Huaqing Palace really worth visiting? My answer is: Absolutely! It holds half of Chinese history. > **Amidst red walls and gray tiles, the smooth hot spring water washes away the grease.** > I've stepped onto the lotus-patterned bricks of the Imperial Concubine, and touched the bullet holes in the Five-Room Hall. > The wind of Lishan has blown for five thousand years, finally reaching my ear.** --- 💡 Three Must-Visit Reasons—Revolutionizing Your Imagination of Ancient Sites 1. A "Living History" of Emperors and Imperial Concubines - Yang Yuhuan's Begonia Bath: Stepping barefoot onto the white marble lotus base, the sensual scene described by Bai Juyi, "the smooth hot spring water washes away the grease," instantly becomes a reality. The thousand-year-old watermarks on the hot spring walls are more authentic than any textbook. - The Seven-Day Vow at the Hall of Longevity: Standing before the Flying Frost Hall, the background music of "The Song of Everlasting Regret" automatically plays in your mind—Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei swore an oath to the heavens, "On earth, we wish to be intertwined branches," a love epic that has come to life from poetry. 2. The "Bullet Holes" That Rewrote the Nation's Fate - Touching the bullet marks on the glass of the Five-Room Hall evokes the gunfire of the Xi'an Incident in 1936, a sound that transcends time. Chiang Kai-shek's desperate escape through the window, the Bingjian Pavilion where he hid in a crevice—modern history takes a sharp turn here. 3. Lishan's "Divine Perspective" - Climb to the top of the beacon tower and overlook the Guanzhong Plain; the absurd stage of King You of Zhou's "lighting the beacon fires to amuse the feudal lords" lies beneath your feet. Encounter the "Lishan Sunset Glow" at dusk, where golden light spills across the Wei River; the imperial-level viewing platform is open to the public free of charge.

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Huashan North Peak Cableway

The hotel is right next to the Xiyue Temple, about a 20-minute walk from Huashan North Railway Station, and a taxi to the Huashan Visitor Center costs around 10 yuan. Shopping and dining are also very convenient. The first floor is a bathhouse, and the second floor is for accommodation. Guests can enjoy free showers; a hot bath after climbing Huashan is incredibly relaxing. The only downside is that the hotel facilities are a bit old, but overall it offers excellent value for money.

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Dali FAQ

What currency is used in Dali?

The standard currency in Dali is CNY

How do I exchange currency in Dali?

Current exchange rate approx.: KRW ≈0.005CNY (actual exchange rates depend on the bank). Currency exchange tips:
1. Exchange currency at your local bank before departure, as rates are usually better than at the destination.
2. You can also withdraw cash from local ATMs.
3. Avoid exchanging currency at airports or hotels, as they offer the worst rates.

Destinations near Dali

Zhengzhou travel destination

Zhengzhou

2 hrs 30 mins

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

Yan'an travel destination

Yan'an

2 hrs 30 mins

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

Taiyuan travel destination

Taiyuan

2 hrs 24 mins

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

Xi'an travel destination

Xi'an

36 mins

Recommended trip: 2–5 day(s)

Tianshui travel destination

Tianshui

2 hrs 24 mins

Recommended trip: 1–3 day(s)

Hanzhong travel destination

Hanzhong

2 hrs 12 mins

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

Luoyang travel destination

Luoyang

1 hr 48 mins

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

Mount Hua travel destination

Mount Hua

1 hr 6 mins

Recommended trip: 1–2 day(s)