Dali Prefecture

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

About Dali Prefecture

Recommended trip: 2–5 day(s)

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Trip.Best: Dali Prefecture

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Popular Destinations

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Dali City

Dali City

Eryuan

Eryuan

Weishan

Weishan

Xiangyun

Xiangyun

Heqing

Heqing

Binchuan

Binchuan

Yongping

Yongping

Midu

Midu

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Plan Your Dali Prefecture Trip

What to do

Looking for things to do in Dali Prefecture? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

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Where to stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Dali Prefecture, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

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What to eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Dali Prefecture dishes and foodie spots.

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Dali Prefecture Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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Henan's "Little Erhai" – no need to travel all the way to Dali! The lake views in the Central Plains are absolutely stunning

Henan's "Little Erhai" – no need to travel all the way to Dali! The lake views in the Central Plains are absolutely stunning

_1991_Kelly_30

_1991_Kelly_30

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Weishan Ancient City really isn't heavily commercialized, but is this necessary?

Weishan Ancient City really isn't heavily commercialized, but is this necessary?

_TI***kt

_TI***kt

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The rooftop of this homestay in Wenbi Village, Dali, is absolutely stunning.

The rooftop of this homestay in Wenbi Village, Dali, is absolutely stunning.

William Mitchell$61

William Mitchell$61

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I dreamed of visiting Dali when I was a child, and now that I'm grown up, I finally had the chance to come~
The Cangshan Mountains are like dark green ink, and the Erhai Lake sparkles—it's as beautiful as an oil painting!
Flocks of seagulls, cruise ships, the endless Erhai Lake, and rice paddies—these are views you just can't find in a big city!
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📸Photo spots👇🏻
p1 Longkan Pier
p2 Fuguangli Coffee, Wenbi Village, Haidong
p3 Xizhou Ancient Town rice paddies
p4 Banshan Yue Travel Photography Garden
p5 Qizhi Coffee, Yuhu Village
p6–7 Lixiang Garden
p8 Qianxun Pagoda, Chongsheng Temple
p9 Gate of Erhai Lake, Xiajiyi
p10–11 Yunxiang Mountain
p12 Xiajiyi Village
p13 Lakeside behind Xiajia Village
p14 Erhai Lake
p15 Xindi Coffee, Sansheng Island
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🗺️Itinerary:
✅ West Erhai Route: Longkan Pier ➡️ Qianxun Pagoda, Chongsheng Temple ➡️ Gate of Erhai Lake, Xiajiyi ➡️ Xiajiyi Village ➡️ Lakeside behind Xiajia Village ➡️ Xindi Coffee, Sansheng Island ➡️ Xizhou Ancient Town rice paddies ➡️ Banshan Yue Travel Photography Garden
✅ North Cangshan Route: Qizhi Coffee, Yuhu Village
✅ East Erhai Route: Fuguangli Coffee, Wenbi Village, Haidong ➡️ Lixiang Garden ➡️ Erhai Lake (East Route scenery) ➡️ Yunxiang Mountain (sunset)
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【My food recommendations】
P16 Shannanji: Come to Dali for Yunnan-style stir-fry cooked in small pots. The signature "Red Three-Chopped" (minced pork with tomatoes and chilies) is tangy, spicy, and rich. The minced meat paired with fresh chilies is so fragrant—I ate a whole bowl mixed with rice. The environment, service, and food quality were all incredibly pleasant.
P18 Jiuniang Chickpea Porridge: The porridge has a smooth, soft texture without being too thick. It's topped with plenty of crushed peanuts, giving it a great crunch—so delicious! You can ask for a little less chili; I recommend dipping fried dough sticks in it.
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💡Dali tips
▪️Choose Longkan for sunrise, and save Haidong for sunset
▪️Cars cannot enter the West Erhai corridor; if driving, park on the outskirts
▪️The UV rays on the plateau are intense, so don't be lazy with sunscreen
▪️There's a large temperature difference between day and night, so carry a light jacket with you
▪️I don't recommend riding an e-scooter for the entire loop around the lake; know your limits

I dreamed of visiting Dali when I was a child, and now that I'm grown up, I finally had the chance to come~ The Cangshan Mountains are like dark green ink, and the Erhai Lake sparkles—it's as beautiful as an oil painting! Flocks of seagulls, cruise ships, the endless Erhai Lake, and rice paddies—these are views you just can't find in a big city! · 📸Photo spots👇🏻 p1 Longkan Pier p2 Fuguangli Coffee, Wenbi Village, Haidong p3 Xizhou Ancient Town rice paddies p4 Banshan Yue Travel Photography Garden p5 Qizhi Coffee, Yuhu Village p6–7 Lixiang Garden p8 Qianxun Pagoda, Chongsheng Temple p9 Gate of Erhai Lake, Xiajiyi p10–11 Yunxiang Mountain p12 Xiajiyi Village p13 Lakeside behind Xiajia Village p14 Erhai Lake p15 Xindi Coffee, Sansheng Island · 🗺️Itinerary: ✅ West Erhai Route: Longkan Pier ➡️ Qianxun Pagoda, Chongsheng Temple ➡️ Gate of Erhai Lake, Xiajiyi ➡️ Xiajiyi Village ➡️ Lakeside behind Xiajia Village ➡️ Xindi Coffee, Sansheng Island ➡️ Xizhou Ancient Town rice paddies ➡️ Banshan Yue Travel Photography Garden ✅ North Cangshan Route: Qizhi Coffee, Yuhu Village ✅ East Erhai Route: Fuguangli Coffee, Wenbi Village, Haidong ➡️ Lixiang Garden ➡️ Erhai Lake (East Route scenery) ➡️ Yunxiang Mountain (sunset) · 【My food recommendations】 P16 Shannanji: Come to Dali for Yunnan-style stir-fry cooked in small pots. The signature "Red Three-Chopped" (minced pork with tomatoes and chilies) is tangy, spicy, and rich. The minced meat paired with fresh chilies is so fragrant—I ate a whole bowl mixed with rice. The environment, service, and food quality were all incredibly pleasant. P18 Jiuniang Chickpea Porridge: The porridge has a smooth, soft texture without being too thick. It's topped with plenty of crushed peanuts, giving it a great crunch—so delicious! You can ask for a little less chili; I recommend dipping fried dough sticks in it. · 💡Dali tips ▪️Choose Longkan for sunrise, and save Haidong for sunset ▪️Cars cannot enter the West Erhai corridor; if driving, park on the outskirts ▪️The UV rays on the plateau are intense, so don't be lazy with sunscreen ▪️There's a large temperature difference between day and night, so carry a light jacket with you ▪️I don't recommend riding an e-scooter for the entire loop around the lake; know your limits

_TI***cg

_TI***cg

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📍 15 Must-Visit Destinations in Yunnan, China
✈️ Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La: 6 Days 5 Nights
📍 If you have travel plans, save this post! 🗺️
1️⃣ Kunming Waterfall Park: The most spectacular man-made waterfall in Asia.
2️⃣ Guanyin Transformation Temple: A famous sacred temple steeped in local folklore.
3️⃣ Dali Ancient City: A moody town situated along a clear stream, a hub of shops, food, and local Bai ethnic group products.
4️⃣ Prayer Flags: The five-colored prayer flags of Tibetan Buddhism have become a cultural landmark, perfect for taking beautiful photos.
5️⃣ Shangri-La Ancient City: Experience Tibetan culture, the atmosphere of a paradise on earth, and spin the golden prayer wheel. 🙏
6️⃣ Songzhanlin Monastery 7. The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, nicknamed the "Little Potala Palace."
8. Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most turbulent gorges in the world, with escalators to take you down without having to walk.
9. Lijiang Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that everyone falls in love with. Beautifully decorated with flowers and streams, with plenty of street food and souvenirs. 🍢
10. Black Dragon Pool, with a view of the crystal-clear pool reflecting the backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
11. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take a cable car up to check in and enjoy the spectacular view of the highest mountain range at an altitude of over 4,506 meters. ❄️
12. Watch the spectacular cultural show, Impression Lijiang, directed by world-class director Zhang Yimou, against the backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It's truly impressive.
13. Bai Shui River, a turquoise blue stream flowing down layers of white rock. Contrasting with the snow-capped mountain backdrop, it's as beautiful as a painting.
13. ☕ Yun Di'an Café with its popular rooftop view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, incredibly romantic.
14. 🛕 Guandu Ancient Town, stroll around, find food, shop for souvenirs, and check in at the important landmark "Jingang Pagoda".
15. 🛍️ Nanpingjie Pedestrian Street, a commercial area in the heart of Kunming that perfectly blends modernity and history, and cross the street to check in at the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Gate 🐓🐎

ยูนนาน

📍 15 Must-Visit Destinations in Yunnan, China ✈️ Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La: 6 Days 5 Nights 📍 If you have travel plans, save this post! 🗺️ 1️⃣ Kunming Waterfall Park: The most spectacular man-made waterfall in Asia. 2️⃣ Guanyin Transformation Temple: A famous sacred temple steeped in local folklore. 3️⃣ Dali Ancient City: A moody town situated along a clear stream, a hub of shops, food, and local Bai ethnic group products. 4️⃣ Prayer Flags: The five-colored prayer flags of Tibetan Buddhism have become a cultural landmark, perfect for taking beautiful photos. 5️⃣ Shangri-La Ancient City: Experience Tibetan culture, the atmosphere of a paradise on earth, and spin the golden prayer wheel. 🙏 6️⃣ Songzhanlin Monastery 7. The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, nicknamed the "Little Potala Palace." 8. Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most turbulent gorges in the world, with escalators to take you down without having to walk. 9. Lijiang Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that everyone falls in love with. Beautifully decorated with flowers and streams, with plenty of street food and souvenirs. 🍢 10. Black Dragon Pool, with a view of the crystal-clear pool reflecting the backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. 11. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take a cable car up to check in and enjoy the spectacular view of the highest mountain range at an altitude of over 4,506 meters. ❄️ 12. Watch the spectacular cultural show, Impression Lijiang, directed by world-class director Zhang Yimou, against the backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It's truly impressive. 13. Bai Shui River, a turquoise blue stream flowing down layers of white rock. Contrasting with the snow-capped mountain backdrop, it's as beautiful as a painting. 13. ☕ Yun Di'an Café with its popular rooftop view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, incredibly romantic. 14. 🛕 Guandu Ancient Town, stroll around, find food, shop for souvenirs, and check in at the important landmark "Jingang Pagoda". 15. 🛍️ Nanpingjie Pedestrian Street, a commercial area in the heart of Kunming that perfectly blends modernity and history, and cross the street to check in at the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Gate 🐓🐎

ลั้ลลาพาเที่ยว

ลั้ลลาพาเที่ยว

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My Unplanned Adventure in Dali

planitorwingit

My Unplanned Adventure in Dali

halothere

halothere

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Dali Yueyinting | A hillside rendezvous with the Erhai fishing lights

Dali Yueyinting | A hillside rendezvous with the Erhai fishing lights

SparkNova2

SparkNova2

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Dali was made for lovers ☁️✨| Wenbi Village

yunnan

Dali was made for lovers ☁️✨| Wenbi Village

CorianderLover

CorianderLover

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Popular Types of Attractions in Dali Prefecture

Popular Ranked Lists

Popular Luxury Hotels in Tegernsee Lake | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Restaurants in Dunhuang | Popular Premium Hotels in Durango | Popular Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Chaozhou | Top 50 Global Traveller-Picked Hotels in Chongqing | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Hotels in Dalian | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Restaurants in Shangrao | Top 50 Global Traveller-Picked Hotels in Shanghai | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Hotels in Nanjing | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Restaurants in Zhangjiakou | Popular Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Enshi City | Top 50 Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Sanya | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Restaurants in Wenzhou | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Foshan | Top 50 Global Traveller-Picked Restaurants in Fenghuang County | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Restaurants in Yichang | Top 10 Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Yulong | Top 50 Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Nanjing | Popular Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Pingyao County | Top 10 Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Jingdezhen | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Restaurants in Wanning | Top 10 Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Xuzhou | Top 10 Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Zhongshan | Top 10 Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Wuyuan | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Restaurants in Zhangzhou | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Restaurants in Liuzhou | Top 50 Global Traveller-Picked Hotels in Zhangjiajie | Top 50 Global Traveller-Picked Hotels in Guangzhou | Top 50 Global Traveller-Picked Hotels in Chengdu | Top 20 Global Traveller-Picked Restaurants in Weihai

Popular Restaurants in Dali Prefecture

Jinshan GuYuan Restaurant | Cuilu Wild · Bai‑Style Courtyard Private Cuisine | 大理松云悬崖酒店·松云悬崖海景餐厅 | HAI DONG QIE ZI | 大理云里小坐·花音南洋海景酒店(双廊店)·云里小坐·花音南洋海景餐厅 | chunsheng | ANJOY | ZAI HUI SHOU | DREAM ISLAND | THE ONE | 大理澜庭海景度假酒店·世内桃源·落日海景餐厅(双廊店) | YUNHEYI MANOR | Yunnan · Braised Free‑Range Chicken Rice‑Noodles (Dali Main Store) | 六阅·海东方悬崖海景酒店(大理洱海旗舰店)·海东方悬崖海景餐厅 | 留白LIUBAI·菡萏驿海景度假酒店·留白Villa·菡萏驿海景餐厅(双廊店) | DIANSHIFU | Wase Caixiangyuan (Dali Branch) | ARCADIA SEAVIEW DESIGN HOTEL·Seaview Restaurant | Linden Centre | YUXI – CHINESE RESTAURANT | Yunnan Specialty wild mushroom hot pot fire pond bbq and Bar | Fly Me To The Moon | 青寂日光海景餐厅·滇味法餐 | Ark fat kitchen | FORTEN | JUN SHAN FU | HAN LIN CAN TING | Master Duan's Restaurant | 傣家姑娘·西双版纳碳烤手抓饭 | CHUN TANG

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Popular Trip Moments

เที่ยว Dali พักไหนดี เรามีแนะนำ วิว 10/10 Vibe ดีมาก @Xiamolan Bay Sea View | Location to refuel while waiting for the train at Lijiang Station. | 🌊 It's low season in Dali: a hotel with views of Erhai Lake and sunsets awaits guests 🥹 | Dali, China: Wake up to a view of Erhai Lake and take your time 🛁✨ | I Had No Itinerary, Just a Bike Ride Around Erhai | I Didn't Expect to Find My Favourite Moment in Erhai | My Unplanned Adventure Around Erhai Lake | Hikers, heads up! Several popular domestic hiking trails are closed 🔥 | Escape Beijing | 2-hour direct high-speed train to the "Little Erhai of the North" – the perfect weekend getaway | Dali vs Kunming: I Visited Two Cities in China… And One Stole My Heart | 8D7N Yunnan Trip: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La | A Day Trip with Gantong Ropeway: Scenic Views and Helpful Tips | National Day Yunnan trip recap (personal perspective) | Yunnan, let me see the blue sky and white clouds you captured🌴 | Dali was so worth the trip! Stayed by Erhai Lake for CNY 190! What a steal! | Yunnan 6-day 5-night ultimate planner's travel guide | Cangshan cable car + hiking day trip ~ suitable for seniors and children | 🏮✨ Xi'an 3 Days 2 Nights: A historical city in China you must experience at least once! 🇨🇳 | Are Dali attractions worth visiting (purely personal opinion) | Dali–Lijiang trip (Part 1) | August 2026 Dali–Lijiang trip summary: great recommendations (part 2) | A Stunning 21 Hours: Sharing the Ultimate Experience of a Suite by Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake 🌄 | Yunnan 5-day 4-night streamlined itinerary | No backtracking✨ | My solo travel musings | Follow Trip.com's recommendations for a one-day chartered tour around Erhai Lake in Dali and enjoy exclusive travel services. | Dali: The Romantic Soul of Yunnan. | DALI IN THE RAIN ☔ — WHERE MISTY MOUNTAINS MEET ANCIENT TOWNS AND DREAMY LAKE VIEWS 🌧️ | Don't just book anywhere in Dali! This place by the Ancient City South Gate is truly amazing | Weekend Getaway to Shuanglang, Dali: 2 Days, 1 Night | Exploring the Ancient Town and Two Islands | The Beauty of Jianchuan Jingfeng Pavilion | Pavilions and towers surrounded by lush trees

More Things To Do in Dali Prefecture

Dali Cangshan Mountain cable car ► Erhai Lake cruise ► Xizhou Shuanglang Ancient Town | Optional small group | Song and dance performance with three-course tea | Dali 360° Erhai Lake private charter | Attraction optional + door-to-door pickup + 1-on-1 exclusive service | Private chartered tour · Dali · Erhai Lake · ancient town · private driver · door-to-door pickup · admission ticket not included | Dali Lisong Banquet · Imperial Dining Show in Dali, Yunnan|Panoramic ancient-style immersive palace banquet [Lunch/Dinner + Complimentary Tianxiyuan Garden admission ticket + Optional costume experience] | Intangible cultural heritage experience at Bai Family Traditional Tie-Dye Workshop in Xizhou, Dali, Yunnan [Professional guidance + Finished product can be taken home] | Dali 360° Erhai Lake Private Charter 1-day Tour [Pure Fun Private Charter + One Booking per Group + Optional Attractions] | Lijiang + Dali + Erhai Lake 1-day tour [Option to disband in Dali (free transfer to Lijiang Airport) Pure play] | Lijiang to Dali ancient city + 7-9 seater private charter rideshare + departure from Lijiang/Dali + choose your starting point | Dali (private charter) 360° lakeside 1-day tour [licensed vehicle + attraction options + pure play] | Dali private charter + 360° Erhai Lake 1-day tour [5-seater/7-seater/9-seater + 1 booking 1 group] | Shaxi Ancient Town 1-day tour (Business pure play 6–8 person small group + light hiking + Double 11 special offer) | Lijiang departure Dali [0 promotion + Erhai Lake + Shuanglang Ancient Town + Santorini + Internet-famous S Bay] 1-day tour | Yunnan Dali Ancient Courtyard Clay Pottery and Tile Cat Handicraft Experience | [Dali] lisongyan royal banquet (Immersive Court Banquet Experience + Tianxiyuan Garden Royal Attraction + Tang & Song Dynasty Imperial Cuisine + Bai Ethnic Culture + Optional Ancient Costume Experience) | Dali 1-day tour [360° Erhai Lake + Shuanglang Ancient Town + Xizhou + The Dream Land + small group of 2-8 people] | Guide service in Dali, Yunnan [Chinese/English guide + certified professional guide + 8 hours] | Guide for All of Yunnan|Guide] Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna, Nujiang travel guide service [Chinese/English requires 3-day advance booking/certified professional guide | Dali One-Day Tour to Jizu Mountain: Ticket+Private Car[Buddhist Holy Land/Late Departure] | Self-guided tour around Erhai Lake: Choose any attraction, stop as you go, and discover the scenery of Dali | Departure from Dali: Weishan Ancient City + Nanzhao Museum + Weibao Mountain private charter 1-day tour | Dali, Yunnan (All Areas)|guide|Translate|Local guide|Business translation/Exhibition interpretation/Attractions & activities/Live guide for attractions | Yongping Trip Moments[Yongping Waterfall/Yongle Park/Photographer Services (Following/Appointment/Street Photography)/Translation/Customization] | Lijiang ancient town to Dali ancient city + 5/7/9-seater business rideshare + optional departure or return route | In-depth One-Day Tour in Dali: Shuanglang + Chongsheng Temple [Ticket Booking+Private Car] | Departure from Dali: Dali West Lake + Eryuan Hot Springs private charter 1-day tour | One-Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town by Private Car: Enjoy Original Pristine Pastoral Scenery in Dali | Xiangyun Trip Moments[Xiangyun Camel Hump Stone Scenic Spot/Xiangyun Auditorium/Wedding Photography with Photographer/Candid Documentary] | [Premium service] Day trip from Dali to Ancient Town Shaxi + Yujin Bridge + Sideng Street | Dali 360° Erhai Lake private charter [from 1-person booking + attraction options + reliable pure play fleet] | Chinese ten-year multiple L tourist visa application in the United States