Written by Ivy Dong |
Dali is a popular travel destination in western Yunnan Province, China. Surrounded by water and mountains, it has beautiful natural landscapes, rich historic heritages, and local Bai minority culture. Many people travel to Dali to get away from the busy city life. This article will present you with the top 9 things to do in Dali, Yunnan to help you plan the most memorable trip.
Enjoy the Stunning Natural Scenery
1. Create Your Own Memory with Erhai Lake
Erhai Lake is the most famous landmark of Dali. It is the second largest lake in Yunnan with an area of 250 square kilometers (96.5 square miles), only after Dianchi Lake. It is shaped like an ear sitting in the center of Dali city. On its shores, there are traditional fishing villages, Bai villages, and the rich culture of Dali. Together with Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake has become the symbol of Dali.
There’re many ways to explore this iconic landmark and create your own memories in Dali. One of the best things to do in Dali is to rent a bike and cycle around the lake. Dali weather is often clear and sunny. Feel the breeze and stop along the way for coffees. The laidback lifestyle is a signature of Dali. To get even closer to Erhai Lake, you can board a cruise and visit the islands.
2. Take a Hike in Cangshan Mountain
Cangshan Mountain is another postcard landmark of Dali with 19 majestic peaks. The highest one, Malong Peak, has an altitude of 4,122 meters (13,523 feet). The magnificent mountain range is home to unique geology, landscapes, and abundant flora and fauna. Cangshan Mountain was listed as a UNESCO World Geopark in 2014, becoming the second World Geopark in Yunnan, after Kunming Stone Forest.
One of the best things to do in Dali, China is to hike up Cangshan Mountain to see waterfalls, wildflowers, forests, many rare plants and animals, and ancient temples. The hike will certainly be rewarding, but you can also get around easily by taking a cable car. There are three cableways that can take you up and down Cangshan Mountain to different scenic spots.
Recommended Tour: One Day Cangshan Mountain Hiking Tour to Xiaocen Peak
3. Find the Best Viewpoint at Shuanglang Village
Shuanglang Village, located on the northeastern bank of Erhai Lake, is known to be the best place to see the two gems of Dali, Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain. The small village is surrounded by mountains on three sides and water on one. It’s the best place to enjoy the leisurely local lifestyle on your Dali tour. Many artists and famous figures have residences here where they occasionally spend their holidays.
There’s no need to worry about what to do in Dali, because it’s all about living a care-free life. You can stay at a lakeside hotel. Have tea or coffee under the sun while watching the calm waters of the lake. Shuanglang Village is close to some islets with many cultural sites. You can also experience ancient fishing culture at the Bai markets with freshwater cuisines and products.
Discover Cultural and Historic Heritages
4. Explore Local Heritage in Dali Ancient Town
Dali Ancient Town is one of the top ancient towns of Yunnan and even China. On the shore of Erhai Lake, it embodies the culture of Bai ethnic minority and the rich history of Dali. The town was once the capital of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms and can be dated back to over 1,300 years ago. Visiting Dali Ancient Town is one of the top things to do in Yunnan.
Walking down the streets of the old town, you’ll see traditional Bai architecture with rich historic significance, including gates, towers, and former residences. Other streets are full of the daily scenes of life, lined with handicraft shops, restaurants, food stalls, bars, elegant gardens, and cafes. Many visitors like to stay in the area when traveling to Dali, as it is busy and has convenient city transportation.
5. Marvel at the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
One of the top things to do in Dali for history and architecture enthusiasts is visiting the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. These pagodas were once one of the five great treasures of Chongsheng Temple and the only surviving one today. They have stood in an isosceles triangle arrangement between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake for over 1,200 years.
Today, the three pagodas are the most significant Dali tourist attraction that reflects the rich religious history of the city. Buddhism flourished in the region during Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. At its peak, there were over 3,800 temples of different sizes.
The 10th king of the Nanzhao Kingdom (824–859 AD) ordered the construction of the expansive Chongsheng Temple complex. Besides these three pagodas, the massive complex had seven towers, nine halls, over 890 rooms, and 11,400 Buddha statues. The temple then served as the spiritual center of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms.
Due to various reasons, many treasures of Chongsheng Temple have been lost. The temple itself was destroyed in an earthquake in Qing Dynasty. The Three Pagodas are the only treasure that still stand after over 30 earthquakes over the past thousand years. To restore the temple to its former glory, reconstruction work has been done on several ancient structures alongside sculptures and murals.
6. Discover Buddhism Heritage at Shibao Mountain
Visiting Shibao Mountain is a top thing to do in Dali recommended by locals. It is most famous for two things, its ancient Buddhist sites and natural wonders. Ancient temple clusters and grottoes house hundreds of Buddhist carvings. You’ll be amazed at the Danxia landforms, a geological sight unique to China. You’ll find Shibao Mountain a hidden gem not yet discovered by many tourists on your Yunnan tour.
The Shizhong Mountain Grottoes of Shibao Mountain are known as the “Southwest Dunhuang” and the “Gem of South Yunnan.” Built by ancient Bai People in Tang and Song dynasties, the grottoes contain 16 caves and 139 sculptures (as we know of so far). The sculptures depict a wide range of subjects, including Buddhist figures, political life of Dali Kingdom at the time, and people from other Asian countries.
Also located in Shibao Mountain, is Baoxiang Temple, the “Hanging Temple of Yunnan.” Built in late Yuan and early Ming Dynasty, it sits on a steep cliff next to a waterfall. A set of stone steps will lead you up to the temple where you can admire traditional Buddhist architecture and the ancient wisdom of the locals. You’ll also see many wild monkeys who have found a home on the temple grounds.
Experience Life of the Local Bai Ethnic Group
7. Witness Bai Architecture in Xizhou Town
Xizhou Town is a thousand-year-old village in Dali. Because of its well-preserved traditional architecture of the Bai ethnic minority group, it is known as the “Museum of Bai Residence Architecture.” The town still retains the ancient Bai dwellings of from Ming, Qing dynasties and the Republic of China.
There are 88 Bai residential buildings in Xizhou Town. They are beautifully decorated with set ink painting, color painting, wood carving, brick and clay sculptures. Carved beams, overlapping arches, and flying eaves, as well as the colorful decorative arts reflect the architectural talent and artistic creativity of the Bai people.
Xizhou Town is also famous for its vibrant traditional markets, where you can find various kinds of local food materials, sample local delicacies, browse handmade crafts, and talk with the friendly locals dressed in beautiful traditional Bai costumes. Immerse yourself in the traditional Bai lifestyle when you travel to Yunnan.
8. Experience Bai Tie-Dye Art at Zhoucheng Village
Zhoucheng Village is home to more than 1,500 Bai residents, making it the largest Bai village in Dali and China. It is most famously known as the “living fossil of Bai folk culture.” Ethnic customs such as weaving, embroidery, tie-dyeing, and the three-course tea have been handed down from generation to generation in this small village.
Zhoucheng Village has had a thriving textile industry since Tang Dynasty. They use vegetations as natural dye to make different patterns. As you walk down the narrow lanes of the village, you’ll see cloths flying in the wind on the sides. One of the best things to do in Dali is to join a tie-dye workshop at Zhoucheng Village and learn the traditional craft from locals.
9. Observe the Authentic Life of Bai People in Shaxi Ancient Town
Shaxi Ancient Town was once an important commercial hub on the Tea Horse Road connecting Yunnan with Tibet. In Shaxi Ancient Town, streets and alleys are still in the traditional Bai ethnic layout. Ancient temples, ancestral halls, village gates, and traditional opera stages are still standing. You can witness traditional artisanal skills like wood carving and embroidery.
The Friday Market, originating from the trading activities along the Tea Horse Road, is still held here every Friday. You can follow local villagers carrying baskets and see villagers from different ethnic groups in the surrounding areas gather here. Browse local products like fresh fruits and vegetables, dry goods, clothing, and household items.
Related reading: How to Plan a Trip to Dali?
