Name: Dali

Chinese name: 大理

Province: Yunnan

Status: City District

Population: 652,000 inhabitants

Area: 1,468 km²

Dali is an ancient city situated between Kunming and Lijiang in northwest Yunnan. Its perfect geographical location makes Dali one of the major destinations for relaxation and exploration of the numerous tourist sites in the surrounding area.

History

During the five centuries of Yunnan's independence, Dali stood at the centre of operations, and its old town has preserved an atmosphere of former glory. Dali was the ancient capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom (738–937) and the Kingdom of Dali (937–1253). The latter fell to Mongol attacks from Qinghai in the mid-13th century. During the Wenxiu Rebellion against the Qing dynasty, which lasted from 1856 to 1873, Dali was at the epicentre and became the rebels' base of operations.

Today

Dali is often regarded as an essential base for exploring northern Yunnan. With its location between the Cangshan mountains and Erhai Lake, Dali captivates travellers with its tranquility and proximity to breathtaking sites.

Dali is a city of two faces. On one hand, the ancient fortified old town with its period architecture stands as a cultural and historical testament to Dali's past. Its pedestrian streets lined with diverse shops and restaurants offer the perfect opportunity to discover local craftsmanship—particularly marble work—and savour delicious regional cuisine. This authentic city is the true heartland of Bai culture, reflecting their rich folklore.

The Foreign Street located in the heart of the old town is much beloved by Western travellers for its numerous cafés and restaurants. This street is also the meeting point for shopping enthusiasts seeking clothing, fabrics, and souvenirs.

On the other hand, the New District (widely known as Xiaguan) reveals a more modern city that has developed considerably in recent years, offering amenities suited to travellers. Despite modernization, the city remains peaceful and pleasant with its temples and shaded gardens.

Venturing slightly beyond the city, you can escape to Erhai Lake, China's seventh-largest freshwater lake, or embark on a trek to conquer Mount Cang.

To delve deeper into Bai culture, the ancient township of Xizhou is well worth a visit, particularly for its distinctive Bai architectural heritage. Of course, don't miss the Three Pagodas during your stay in Dali. A symbol of the city, these pagodas are beautifully reflected in the water and blend seamlessly into the mountainous natural landscape.

Dali is undoubtedly a premier tourist destination for discovering northern Yunnan and unwinding peacefully before continuing onward.

Climate

Dali's weather is influenced by a warm and humid monsoon climate. Its geographical location allows it to enjoy a temperate climate with relatively comfortable temperatures year-round. The Dali region is frequently sunny, though temperatures remain cool. The average annual temperature ranges between 12°C and 19°C. The coldest days occur in January with an average of 8°C. However, pack warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly after nightfall.

Air

Xiaguan Airport connects Dali to Kunming in under an hour. Currently, flights from this airport link the city with numerous destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, Xishuangbanna, Tianjin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guiyang, and Guangzhou. Many routes, such as those from Guangzhou and Kunming, operate daily.

Train

Train travel is a convenient option to reach Dali. Connected to Kunming, four trains depart daily for journeys of seven to nine hours. The best option is to take a night train from Kunming departing between 21:00 and 23:00. Various seating options are available at very reasonable prices.

Long-Distance Bus

Xiaguan, Dali's largest bus station, is connected to Kunming and Lijiang, as well as cities in other provinces, such as Panzhihua in Sichuan and Putian in Fujian. Most comfortable express buses depart from this station. Other stations are served by various bus routes from regional cities.

The old town can easily be explored on foot. Nevertheless, to travel between points, taxis are readily available at very reasonable fares. In Dali, it's possible to rent bicycles to leisurely explore and fully savour the city's charm.

What to Do in Dali?

• Wander through the alleys of Dali's old town and walk the fortified ramparts.
• Stop at the Three Pagodas, Dali's iconic symbol.
• Immerse yourself in Bai culture at the Dali Museum or in Xizhou village.
• Seek out a change of scenery at Erhai Lake, one of the country's largest freshwater lakes.
• Trek to the summit of Mount Cang.

Discover all Dali attractions.