One of the most renowned ancient towns in Yunnan and China, Dali Ancient Town (also known as Dali Old Town or Dali Ancient City) is a top highlight for anyone traveling to Yunnan. Situated in western Yunnan, the town lies about 320 kilometers from Kunming City and 28 kilometers from the modern Dali city center (Xiaguan). Framed by Erhai Lake to the east and the Cangshan Mountains to the west, it offers a picturesque backdrop for cultural exploration.
Stepping into Dali Ancient Town reveals a 1,200-year history built during the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. The ancient city walls, historic gate towers, and grid-like street layouts remain testaments to its vibrant past. Today, the town is predominantly inhabited by the Bai ethnic group, offering visitors rich cultural experiences—from the traditional Bai “Three-Course Tea” ceremony to vibrant folk music and local craftsmanship.
📍 Fast Facts: Dali Ancient Town (大理古城)
- Location: No. 42, Yita Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan
- Altitude / Elevation: ~2,000 to 2,100 meters above sea level
- Area Size: 3 square kilometers
- Opening Hours: Open all day (24 Hours)
- Entrance Fee: Free (Individual indoor attractions or museums may charge small fees)
- Recommended Visiting Length: Half a day to 1 full day
🎨 Bai Ethnic Culture
🏮 Nightlife & Bars
🍜 Authentic Local Food
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Unique Layout of Dali Ancient Town
Dali Ancient City features an orderly grid layout historically described as “Nine Streets and Eighteen Alleys.” All ancient shops, residences, and historic monuments line five main east-west roads and eight north-south streets, making the town exceptionally pedestrian-friendly and easy to navigate.
Square ancient city walls once enclosed the town, guarded by four grand gate towers at each cardinal direction. Measuring over 1,000 meters from east to west and 2,000 meters from north to south, its central thoroughfares are Fuxing Road (north-south axis) and Renmin Road (east-west axis).
What to See and Do in Dali Ancient City?
Because motor vehicles are prohibited inside the historic core, strolling on foot is the best way to admire the traditional Bai architectural styles, intricate wood carvings, and historical landmarks.
- South Gate (Chengen Tower): Built during the Ming Dynasty, this iconic southern entrance offers photo opportunities and panoramic views of Cangshan Mountain.
- Wuhua Tower: Originally built in 856 AD by the Nanzhao King to receive state guests, the present 20-meter tower offers sweeping views over the old town rooftops.
- Dali Catholic Church: Constructed in the late Ming/early Qing era, this rare structure blends Western Catholic architecture with traditional Bai “Three Drops of Water” eaves.
- Grand Marshal Residence (Dali Museum): Former Qing Dynasty military residence mimicking imperial layout, now housing cultural artifacts from Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms.
- Wumiao Temple (Guandi Temple): Dating to the Ming Dynasty, featuring China’s largest ancient screen wall dedicated to Guan Yu and local Bai Benzhu culture.
- Dali Rural Film History Museum: China’s first museum dedicated to rural cinematic history, displaying vintage reels, cameras, and costumes.
Explore Vibrant Streets & Nightlife
Dali Old Town comes alive in the evening when red lanterns light up street stalls, craft shops, cafes, and acoustic music bars.
Street Name |
Orientation |
Highlights & Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
Fuxing Road |
North-South Axis |
Main commercial street lined with Bai handicraft shops, local snacks, and historical gate towers. |
Renmin Road |
East-West Core |
Artistic atmosphere with boutique cafes, craft studios, bookshops, and lively street buskers. |
Foreigner’s Street (Huguo Rd) |
Near South Gate |
Popular nightlife hub featuring western-style cafes, English-friendly bars, and international cuisine. |
Yu’er Road |
East-West Corridor |
A 2.2km street connecting Erhai and Cangshan Gates; offers boutique inns with rooftop lake views. |
If you would like a custom itinerary covering these vibrant streets, feel free to contact us to design your tailor-made Dali tour.
Popular Bai Minority Festivals
March Street Festival (Guanyin Fair)
Date: 15th to 21st day of the 3rd Lunar Month (Late April / Early May)
Tracing back to temple fairs during the Tang Dynasty, the March Street Festival is the most celebrated Bai ethnic gathering in Dali. Taking place right outside the West Gate (Sanyue Street), the festival features horse racing, dragon boat contests, traditional singing, and a massive open-air trade market.
How to Get to Dali Ancient Town?
1. From Dali Fengyi Airport (DLU): (~29 km away)
- Taxi / Didi: ~50–60 minutes; costs CNY 90 – 120.
- Airport Shuttle Bus: Direct express buses run to Dali Old Town South Gate (~1 hour; CNY 25).
2. From Dali Railway Station (High-Speed Train): (~17 km away)
- Taxi / Didi: ~25–40 minutes; costs CNY 40 – 50.
- Public Bus No. 8: Public bus from the train station to Dali Old Town (~1 hour; CNY 3).
- 5-kilometer direct shuttle bus: Official shuttle bus from the train station to Dali Old Town (~40 minutes; CNY 5).
Best Time to Visit
With an average annual temperature around 15°C, Dali Ancient Town is pleasant to visit year-round. However, March to May and September to November offer clear skies and mild temperatures ideal for sightseeing. Visiting in spring lets you experience ethnic celebrations like the March Street Festival.
Where to Stay in Dali Old Town
- South Gate Area: Best for first-timers; provides easy transport access and proximity to main attractions.
- Renmin Road & Foreigner’s Street: Best for nightlife, boutique guesthouses, and dining variety.
- East Gate Area: Closer to Erhai Lake with peaceful boutique stays and local food stalls.
- North Gate Area: Quieter, residential vibe with authentic local market experiences.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Dali Old Town
- Luggage & Footwear: The ancient streets are paved with stone slabs where wheeling heavy suitcases is difficult. Stay near the town gates or ask your guesthouse for luggage assistance. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Sun Protection: Sitting at roughly 2,000m altitude, UV rays are intense even on overcast days. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Cash & Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere, but keeping CNY 100–200 in small cash notes is helpful for small street food vendors.
- Quiet Hours: While bars on Foreigner’s Street and Renmin Road stay vibrant until late, local authorities enforce noise control after 23:00 (11:00 PM) to protect residents’ rest.
Nearby Attractions Around Dali Old Town
- Cangshan Mountains (5 km): 19 snow-capped peaks offering hiking trails and cableway rides.
- Erhai Lake (3 km): Highland lake ideal for cycling, boat cruises, and lakeside photography.
- Three Pagodas of Dali (3 km): Tang Dynasty architectural marvels reflecting over Juying Pool.
- Xizhou Ancient Town (21 km): Historic Bai town famous for traditional residential architecture and Xizhou Baba pancakes.
- Zhoucheng Village (25 km): Famous center for traditional Bai ethnic tie-dye craftsmanship.
Recommended Yunnan Tours Including Dali Ancient Town
- 3-Day Dali Tour with Memorable Experience
- 5 Days Dali & Lijiang Family Tour with Boutique Hotels
- 6 Days Yunnan Dali and Lijiang Tour with Shaxi Ancient Town
- 8 Days Classic Yunnan Minority Tour (Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dali Ancient Town
No, entering Dali Ancient Town is completely free. Most landmarks, including the iconic Wuhua Tower, are now free to access. However, the Grand Marshal Residence (Dali City Museum) requires an ID check for free entry and is closed on Mondays. Some niche exhibition halls inside may charge a small fee.
Yes. “Dali Ancient Town”, “Dali Old Town”, and “Dali Ancient City” all refer to the same historic area (大理古城) located between Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain.
It is approximately 16-18 kilometers away. A taxi takes 25-40 minutes and costs around CNY 40-50 (please confirm the price before boarding or use a ride-hailing app). For public transport, Bus No. 8 takes about 1 hour (CNY 3), while the official 5-kilometer direct shuttle bus takes 40 minutes and drops you off near the South Gate (CNY 5)
No, private motor vehicles are prohibited inside the historic core area. The core zone is strictly pedestrian‑only. Only official emergency, sanitation and pre‑approved service vehicles may enter.
