Overview
Dali Ancient City, located in Dali, Yunnan Province, is an ancient city founded in the Ming Dynasty. Nestled against Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake, it is famous for its bluestone streets and typical Bai ethnic architecture (blue tiles and white walls, the "three courtyards and one screen wall").
It is recommended to allow 3-4 hours for your visit. The best time to visit Dali Ancient City is in spring (March-April), when the weather is pleasant and you can also experience the Bai people's grand "March Street" festival.
How to Get There
If you arrive in Dali by plane, you can take the airport shuttle bus (approximately 25 RMB) directly to the Old Town. Alternatively, you can take bus routes 8 or 4 from Dali Railway Station. Once inside the Old Town, you can easily explore the surrounding area using shared electric bikes by scanning a QR code with Alipay or WeChat Pay.
If you have more time, you can also extend your journey from the Old Town by renting a bicycle or electric bike to cycle around Erhai Lake and experience the stunning natural scenery.
What to Expect
The streets of Dali Old Town are mainly paved with bluestone slabs, so comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. The streets are lined with shops selling Bai ethnic souvenirs, tie-dyed fabrics, and silver jewelry, as well as numerous cafes, Western restaurants, and bars. You can choose to explore according to your preferences.
Practical Tips
- Walk the full length of Renmin Road for the local market scene
- Climb the South Gate for old town views
- Foreigner Street (Huguo Road) is touristy but lively at night
- Bad Monkey and other bars have live music
