Top 20 Best Things to Do in Dali Prefecture

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Anonymous user

This combined ticket is a great deal, much cheaper than buying individual tickets. Since it was my first time in Dali, these two places were a must-see, and they're not far from each other. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating when I went up Cangshan Mountain, but it cleared up when I came down to see the Three Pagodas. The Three Pagodas have a very long history and are definitely worth visiting.

Anonymous user

It's definitely worth a visit. For individual travelers, I recommend buying a package ticket that includes the entrance fee and a round-trip tram ticket, just like I did. Enter from the main gate and tell the staff on your right that you bought a round-trip ticket. They'll let you rest for a bit while the guide, Jin Hua, arrives, and you can follow her directions. Of course, you can explore on your own if you don't want a guided tour; the whole place is lovely! However, I still recommend listening to the guided tour, and I hope everyone will respect local beliefs and customs.

芥子拾须弥

Erhai Lake boasts breathtaking scenery that is truly captivating. It is the second largest freshwater lake on the Yunnan plateau, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the Cangshan Mountains to the west, creating a stunningly beautiful landscape where "Cangshan and Erhai are intertwined." In the mornings, a light mist hangs in the air; in the evenings, the setting sun paints the water golden; and on moonlit nights, the moon's reflection shines exceptionally brightly. The lake is rich in natural landscapes, including islands and karst caves, and every year, red-billed gulls come to roost here. Scattered around Erhai Lake are Bai ethnic villages, where traditional architecture blends harmoniously with the pastoral scenery, adding a unique charm to this landscape with its rich ethnic customs. It's suitable for all types of travelers: families, parents, children, couples, and individuals alike. It's suitable year-round: each season offers a different kind of beauty, such as the return of seagulls in winter.

不一样的风采778

In early winter, the ginkgo trees in Dali Ancient City are quietly putting on a "gradient color feast." Golden yellow and emerald green intertwine on the branches, concealing the lingering charm of late autumn while revealing the brightness of winter, making the ginkgo viewing period seem even longer.

M83***34

Shuanglang Ancient Town is located in the northeastern part of Dali City, on the northeastern shore of Erhai Lake, bordering Jizu Mountain to the east. Named for its "two islands and two bends," it was an important military stronghold of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. It gathers the essence of the Cangshan and Erhai scenery, featuring attractions such as Nanzhao Folk Island and Yuji Island. Yang Liping's Sun Palace and Moon Palace are also located here. The ancient town preserves historical and cultural blocks from the Ming and Qing dynasties and traditional Bai ethnic residences, exuding rich ethnic customs and earning it the reputation of "the No. 1 town for Cangshan and Erhai scenery."

Horsescape

You need to plan ahead whatever place would you like to visit. When you get the voucher, please play with the app , there’s an English version in WeChat , please see on my profile on how to do it. Or you can directly go to Dali Train Station, they will be the one to teach you, just an FYI download translate for you to be able to communicate with them. The young men in the photo was the one who explained to me everything. If you’ll visit Dali for 24hrs only please be reminded that there’s a timetable (time to get on the bus) You can book ahead before the actual date and you can cancel it also or reschedule if you think you can’t make it. Download WECHAT of else you won’t be able to use the voucher. I hope this help. Enjoy your trip 😊 As a solo traveller, this is highly recommended:) Just be patience on how to manuever the app 😊

206***66

Shaxi Ancient Town is located in the southern part of Jianchuan County, Dali, Yunnan Province, between Dali and Lijiang. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. It is the only surviving ancient market town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, with a history dating back to the Yin and Shang Dynasties. It was once one of the birthplaces of Yunnan's Bronze Age culture. The ancient town features attractions such as Sideng Street, Xingjiao Temple, and an ancient stage. It boasts a rich ethnic culture, with the Bai people making up over 90% of the population, and still preserves folk festivals such as the Prince's Festival.

M25***22

Zhangjia Garden in Dali is truly a hidden gem! Upon entering, I was immediately awestruck by the exquisite Bai architecture and carvings, feeling the rich historical and cultural heritage. The garden's layout is ingenious, with beautifully maintained plants and trees, making it perfect for taking photos. The staff were also very welcoming and provided detailed explanations, from which I learned a great deal about Bai culture. Spending half a day here was incredibly relaxing, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves culture and nature! Especially our guide, Ms. Jinhua, was beautiful and kind, patiently explaining Dali's history and culture with her sweet voice.

Anonymous user

Jizu Mountain is a famous Buddhist holy site with beautiful scenery and many pilgrims. The entrance fee is reasonable, but the cable car and shuttle bus within the scenic area are expensive, and have even increased in price since then, making it not very cost-effective.

痴胶花花

I'd previously tried Sentosa Island in Singapore, and since I was in Dali this time and there was a go-kart racing event, I decided to check it out. They're two different experiences; Singapore focuses on thrills and excitement, while Dali's appeal lies in its beautiful scenery. Therefore, they can't be compared directly. However, Yunxiang Mountain truly offers unparalleled views. The entrance overlooking Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, shrouded in mist, is like a fairyland. It seems like the best spot to watch the sunset, but unfortunately, the timing wasn't right, and I missed it. In summary, Yunxiang Mountain is a scenic spot that Dali has developed in the last two years, suitable for camping, watching the sunset, and go-karting. I hope it won't be overly commercialized and ruin this beautiful place.