historicalDali
Dali Old Town
Built during the Ming Dynasty, Dali's ancient town retains its traditional grid layout with the Four Gates and Five Streets. White-walled Bai minority architecture with grey tile roofs lines the cobblestone streets. Huguo Road offers touristy shops and cafes, while the backstreets reveal local Bai life. The relaxed atmosphere has attracted travelers and artists for decades.
Opening Hours
24 hours
Ticket Price
Free
Location
Dali Old Town, Dali, Yunnan
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
- 1Walk the full length of Renmin Road for the local market scene
- 2Climb the South Gate for old town views
- 3Foreigner Street (Huguo Road) is touristy but lively at night
- 4Bad Monkey and other bars have live music
Share This Attraction
Found this helpful? Share it with fellow travelers!
More in Dali
Explore Dali
Discover more attractions, food, and travel tips for Dali.
View destination
More Attractions to Explore
Dali·historical
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
Dali's most iconic landmark, these three Buddhist pagodas date back to the 9th century Tang Dynasty. The central pagoda stands 69.6 meters tall with 16 tiers, flanked by two smaller 10-tier pagodas. Built by the Nanzhao Kingdom, they survived multiple earthquakes that destroyed the original temple. The reflection in the pool at their base creates a famous photo opportunity.
Dali·historical
Xizhou Ancient City
Xizhou Ancient City is a charming heritage town near Dali, celebrated for its well-preserved Bai architecture, traditional courtyards, and relaxed local atmosphere. Strolling through its old streets, visitors can discover historic residences, lively markets, regional cuisine, and a deeper look into Bai culture and everyday life in western Yunnan.
Dali·historical
Shaxi Ancient Town
A remarkably preserved tea horse road trading post, Shaxi feels like stepping back in time. The Friday market still draws Bai and Yi villagers from surrounding mountains, much as it has for centuries. Cobblestone streets, a 1000-year-old theater stage, and the ancient Xingjiao Temple create an authentic atmosphere largely untouched by mass tourism. A UNESCO restoration project has carefully preserved its heritage.