Guest User: The hotel is very clean and the front desk staff has great service.
Huacheng Road Middle Section
From TRY 1,170
Dali Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com
Dali
About Dali
14℃
14°Hazy
14° / 1°
- 11/13Tomorrow
Cloudy16° / 3° - 11/14Sat
Clear17° / 4° - 11/15Sun
Light rain12° / 6° - 11/16Mon
Moderate rain11° / 3° - 11/17TueLight rain13° / -1°
- 11/18WedClear10° / -2°
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Recommended stays in Dali
Discover the most popular places to stay in Dali, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Johanna Coenen: When we arrived in the evening, we were very warmly welcomed at the reception. It must be rare that foreigners come by in this town but the staff was very welcoming, friendly and made all the effort to communicate with us through our phones translation App. We got free water multiple times during our one night stay and the bed was the softest and comfiest we have had since travelling China. The room looked super clean and modern too with bright headlights and more warm evening lights. and we felt very comfortable there. We would have loved to stay longer and highly recommend this hotel! :)
No. 51 West Ring Road
From TRY 604
Guest User: The facilities are complete, and the environment is exceptionally good. The front desk lady is very thoughtful. I come here every time I'm in Dali, highly recommended!
No. 32 West Ring Road
From TRY 1,170
Guest User: This was a great stay, five-star highly recommended! The hotel's location is convenient, making it easy to get around and find places to eat. The room was spotlessly clean, no strange odors, and the bedding was comfortable with a mattress that was just the right firmness. The soundproofing was also good, so I slept very soundly at night. The front desk staff were efficient in handling check-in and check-out, and their attitude was pleasant. Overall, it offers great value for money, making it the perfect choice for business trips or vacations.
North of Xinrui Furniture City, Shangmao Avenue
From TRY 1,185
Guest User: Overall, a five-star experience! The room was clean and tidy, and the bedding was so soft I slept incredibly well. The front desk staff were warm and attentive, and the location was convenient for getting around. Excellent value for money, I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time! My stay was perfect. The hygiene was impeccable, and the facilities were complete and brand new. The staff were gentle and thoughtful, and the environment was quiet and peaceful. Highly recommended! A truly great hotel, living up to its name. The location is superb, the room has good natural light, and the toiletries are comprehensive. Service was prompt, and both check-in and check-out were very smooth. Five stars!
About 50 meters northeast of Longfa Garden Bus Stop, Beixin Street
From TRY 914
Guest User: The room is nice and clean. I have stayed here many times. The boss is enthusiastic. Good environment, comfortable living, comfortable bed. Quiet! The environment and facilities are also OK. Quiet, clean bed, good hygiene.
Beside Shicao Health Center, Guanchi Town
From TRY 536
Daidajiaqulvxing: Facilities: General facilities, TV cannot be watched for other reasons Hygienic: The bedding is clean, the bathroom smells bad, and then the situation improves after covering the sewer floor drain with toilet paper. Environment: The surrounding area is downtown Service: Thoughtful service, like 👍👍👍👍👍👍
No. 66 West Street
From TRY 378
Guest User: good ...
200 meters west of Fanjia Village Health Center, Fanjia Subdistrict, Fanjia Town
From TRY 853
Guest User: The environment is good, the sound insulation is also very good, it is worth staying.
20 meters north of East Gate of Chengshizhiguang, Luobin Avenue
From TRY 566
Neil: The hotel is located on the edge of the county seat, very quiet, there are not many people in the hotel, there is a parking space in the yard, there are only two or three cars, the stay experience will be better, there is no noisy. The hotel does not sell water, there is a self-service machine downstairs, and the room rate invoice cannot be issued. Breakfast is OK, quite satisfactory.
Dongfu Plaza West Extension Section, Xixin Street, Chengguan Town
From TRY 778
Must-try food in Dali
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Traveller photos and experiences
5 Hidden Gems in China You Haven't Visited Yet
🇨🇳 If you're looking for destinations in China beyond the usual tourist traps, add these 5 cities to your bucket list! ✨ Dali — A charming old town by the lake with stunning mountain views and a totally laid-back vibe. 🌴 Xishuangbanna — China with a tropical twist, featuring beautiful temples, lush nature, and vibrant Tai Lue culture. 🌈 Zhangye — Breathtaking multicolored mountains that look like a natural masterpiece. 🏜️ Turpan — An oasis city in the desert that offers a unique Western China experience unlike anywhere else. ⛰️ Enshi — Majestic mountains and canyons perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Exploring China doesn't always have to start with Beijing, Shanghai, or Chongqing. 😊 Save this post for later and pick your favorite spot for your next big adventure! 🇨🇳✈️
🇨🇳 Dali: 2-, 3-, and 5-Day Itineraries – How to See More Than Just the Old Town ⛰️
Dali / Dali / 大理 is that rare Chinese city where you want to build your itinerary not around a list of attractions, but around the rhythm. On one side is the Cangshan Mountains / 苍山. On the other is Lake Erhai / 洱海. Between them is the Old Town, Bai villages, temples, embankments, and roads that make you want to drive more slowly than usual. If you have 2 days Day 1 – Old Town + Three Pagodas. I would start the morning in Dali Ancient City / 大理古城, before the streets are crowded. It's best not to try to "see everything" here. Just stroll through the old quarters, peer into the courtyards, look up at the traditional facades, reach the city gates, and gradually soak up the atmosphere. After lunch, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple / 崇圣寺三塔. This is one of the main symbols of Dali. The three pagodas stand against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains, and it's here that you can really feel the scale of the landscape: the architecture below, the mountains almost like a wall behind it. In the evening, the Old Town again. After sunset, it becomes completely different: lanterns, cafes, music, and more life. Day 2 - Erhai Lake. I wouldn't try to drive around the entire lake in one day just for the sake of it. It's better to choose one side and make a proper route with stops. For example: Dali → Xizhou / 喜洲 → Zhoucheng / 周城 → several points by the water. Xizhou boasts traditional Bai architecture and a more relaxed atmosphere. Zhoucheng is known for its handicraft traditions, especially textile dyeing. And between the villages are those views of Erhai that make you want to rent a car, an electric scooter, or even hire a driver. If you have 3 days I would leave the first two days the same. And devote the third to the Cangshan Mountains. Cangshan / 苍山 is not just one viewpoint, but a huge mountain range. You can take the cable car, walk part of the trail, look down on the valley and lake from above, and finally see Dali in its entirety: the city below; Erhai beyond; the mountains all around. But I would definitely check the weather before the climb. Because the clouds here can very quickly turn a magnificent panorama into a beautiful view of a white wall 😄 If you have 5 days Then you can really live in Dali for several days, rather than just "visiting." Day 1 - Old Town + Three Pagodas. Day 2 - Western or Northern Erhai + Xizhou + Zhoucheng. Day 3 — Cangshan. Day 4 — Erhai's East Shore. Day 5 — Shaxi, or a slow day around Dali. On the fourth day, you can head to the lake's east shore. The scenery here is different: more open views of the water and the mountains opposite. Small villages, embankments, and spots where you don't need to "see" anything—just stop and enjoy. The fifth day depends on the pace of your trip. If you're looking for another full-scale excursion, you can consider Shaxi Ancient Town / Shaxi Ancient Town. But this is longer than a typical stroll around the area, so it's best to leave early. If the previous four days were busy, I'd leave the fifth day completely free. Coffee. Walk. Bike along Erhai. A small village. Another sunset. Because sometimes it's a day like this that's more memorable than ten must-see sights. When should you choose how many days? 2 days – if Dali is part of a larger Yunnan itinerary. 3 days is the optimal minimum to include the mountains and avoid spending all your time in the city. 5 days – if you want to see the lake, Cangshan, and the villages without constantly rushing around. And one more tip. Don't build Dali solely around Dali Ancient City. The Old City is beautiful, but the true scale of the place only becomes clear when you leave its walls. On one side, Erhai appears. On the other, Cangshan rises. And between them, it suddenly becomes clear why people come here for two days... and start wondering if they could stay for three more. 🇨🇳✨ #china #tripcom #travelasia #tripbest #china #chinatravel #discoveringtheworld #sightseeing #chinatravelcircle #budgettravel圈 #travelessentials
Exploring Dali: My Stay at Dali Man Yue · M Seaview Hotel
Staying at the Dali Man Yue · M Seaview Hotel was a pleasant experience if you plan to explore areas of Dali beyond the ancient city. The hotel offers a luxurious 4-star environment with comprehensive facilities and quality service, living up to its reputation on Trip.com's Top 20 4-Star Select Hotels in Dali Prefecture. I rated its suitability for the list at 3, reflecting a neutral but positive assessment. The guest staff were lovely and made the stay enjoyable 🌟. However, a small tip: be prepared for several flights of stairs leading to the lobby. Having hotel staff available to assist with luggage would make arrivals smoother, so if you’re carrying heavy bags, plan accordingly. It’s a good spot for those seeking a hub outside the ancient city, though getting to the historic area does require a bit of travel. Overall, I’d recommend this hotel mostly to travelers focused on exploring modern Dali. My confidence in the Trip.com list improved significantly thanks to this experience. For anyone booking here, remember to pack light or inquire ahead about luggage assistance, and enjoy the friendly service throughout your stay!
Dali - Shaxi.
📅 Travel Itinerary Day 1: Dali - Dali Old Town Day 2: Exploring Dali: Fengyangyi Village and the S-Curve Road Day 3+4: Shaxi Ancient Town Day 5: Dali 🏨 Recommended Hotels: Stay near the old town at Dali Yunyin Villa Collection Holiday Courtyard (Gucheng South Gate Branch), or inside the town at Shaxi Ancient Town Yingju Inn 🍴 "Top-tier" Eats: The cured ham hotpot in Shaxi and the assorted mushroom fried rice at the Shaxi local market are absolute must-tries 📌 Essential Tips
Three Pagodas in Dali: More Than Meets the Eye 😮🏯
The Three Pagodas in Dali totally had me feeling wiped out at first. If you just catch them from the outside, they look like, well... literally three pagodas and not much else. But trust me, don’t judge a book by its cover! 😏 Once you actually step inside the complex, things get next-level. The architecture is stunning, with ancient vibes and epic views in every direction. You’ll find peaceful gardens, dramatic temple halls, and cool little spots to chill with a mountain backdrop. The whole place gives off that zen, historic energy—kind of mindblowing tbh! 🤯 Basic info: The Three Pagodas are located at 1 Pagoda Road, Dali Ancient Town, Dali, China. It's open daily from 8:00am to 7:00pm. Grab your ticket through trip.com for easy entry—it's def worth adding this spot to your Dali bucket list!
CHINESE SWITZERLAND: A HIDDEN GEM YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT
Not everyone knows that China is home to turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and landscapes that mirror the European Alps. If you're looking for a completely different side of China, look no further than Dali and Erhai Lake in Yunnan Province. What to do here: 🌊 Walk along the shores of the vast Erhai Lake 🏔️ Admire the mountains on the horizon ☕ Enjoy breakfast in a cafe with a stunning view 🚲 Explore small villages and waterfronts 📸 Take photos against the backdrop of mountains and water This is a totally different China—peaceful, natural, and incredibly beautiful. Save this spot for your future travels! 📍 Dali, Yunnan, China
A Fairytale Garden in Dali You Won’t Believe Is Real 🌿✨
Looking for a place in Dali that feels like stepping into another world? Add Mushi Succulent Cloud Garden to your Yunnan itinerary! This place looks like something straight out of a fantasy movie. Enchanted-looking towers covered in greenery, unusual sculptures, lush gardens, and beautiful little corners make it feel magical from the moment you arrive. We couldn’t stop taking photos! Every turn revealed another picture-perfect view, and the whole garden felt wonderfully surreal. If you love discovering unusual places and capturing beautiful travel memories, you’ll absolutely love it here. What makes it even more special is that it’s not just a place for photos. You can wander around, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take your time exploring all the little details. We visited with our two-year-old, and it was a lovely family outing. There’s something exciting to discover around every corner! 📍 Mushi Succulent Cloud Garden, Dali, Yunnan, China Save this hidden gem for your next trip to Dali! 🌱📸 #Dali #DaliTravel #Yunnan #YunnanTravel #ChinaTravel #HiddenGems #FairytaleGarden #UniquePlaces #TravelPhotography #FamilyTravel #大理旅游 #云南旅游
Year-round domestic travel calendar ✨ September–October autumn destination list
After living in 🇸🇬 for 5 years and getting used to the perpetual tropical summer, I settled in Chongqing and became obsessed with the distinct four seasons of the scenery here in China 🍂 I've compiled a calendar of the best months to travel all year round, highlighting autumn destinations for September–October. You can just copy my plan for your autumn trip! 🍁 September–October autumn destination categories ▫️ Autumn hotspots Beijing Fragrant Hills | Hebei Bashang | Nanjing Qixia Mountain | Daocheng Yading Jiuzhaigou/Huanglong | Anhui Tachuan ▫️ Plateau secret realms | Snow-capped mountains and lakes Lhasa | Nyingchi | Daocheng Yading | Kanas ▫️ Rural terraced fields Guangxi Longji Rice Terraces | Yunnan Yuanyang Rice Terraces ▫️ Karst landscapes Wulong | Guilin | Zhangjiajie ▫️ Artistic ancient towns Lijiang | Dali | Dunhuang ▫️ Urban leisure Chongqing | Changsha 📝 Quick travel tips ✅ Beijing Fragrant Hills: Red leaves are at their peak in mid-to-late October. Travel on weekdays to avoid crowds. ✅ Jiuzhaigou: Colorful forests and clear waters in September–October. We recommend traveling off-peak after the National Day holiday. ✅ Kanas: Golden forests in September. You might encounter the first snow in October. The morning mist at Fairy Bay is a must-see. ✅ Ejina Poplar Forest: The golden viewing period is only 20 days. Lock in mid-to-late October. ✅ Longji Rice Terraces: Rice ripens at the end of September. The layers of golden rice waves are perfect for photos. ✅ Chongqing (the mountain city where I settled): The night view of the mountain city is stunning, and the surrounding colorful forests are full of autumn vibes. Having traveled in Southeast Asia for years, I've discovered that autumn in China is truly a treasure. You don't need to travel far abroad to see red leaves, snow-capped mountains, and golden rice terraces; the scenery is incredibly diverse. Save this year-round destination list, plan your trips by season, and you'll never have to struggle with when or where to travel again 🌿
เที่ยว Dali พักไหนดี เรามีแนะนำ วิว 10/10 Vibe ดีมาก @Xiamolan Bay Sea View
🏨 : Xiamolan Bay Sea View Beautiful Stay 📝 : ที่พักที่เราตั้งใจหา ที่พักวิวทะเลสาบเอีอไห่ ใกล้ S Curb Erhai Lake มาเจอที่นี่ วิวดีมาก โดยเฉพาะห้องที่เห็นวิว ทะเลสาบ แต่แพงไปหน่อยสำหรับเราเที่ยวคนเดียว เลือกห้องที่ราคาไม่แพงมาก คืนละ 14xx บาท มันคุ้มค่ามากๆ ห้องพักนอนสบาย กว้างพอควร เหมาะสมราคา มีอาหารเช้า สไตล์จีน อร่อยดี ขึ้นไปดาดฟ้า ชมวิว ทะเลสาบ ทั้งตอนเย็น ตอนพระอาทิตย์ขึ้น สวยมากๆ โรแมนติกมาก แนะนำเลยครับ ใครมากะแฟน น่าจะฟินมาก.
A Must-Visit Museum with a Perfect Blend of Fun and Education
The building and its surrounding area are absolutely stunning. The best way to access the museum is through the rear entrance from the main road, where you're immediately greeted by the beautiful and spacious main floor. Like most museums in Glasgow, entrance is free, but by the end of your visit, you'll feel compelled to donate via the wee box in the museum. I've visited many times, and since the exhibits are updated regularly, there's always something new to explore. The museum offers something for everyone, striking a wonderful balance between fun and education. As you move through the exhibits, you'll undoubtedly be impressed by the craftsmanship of furniture designers, architects, builders, engineers, and artists who brought these creations to life. Two highlights for me are the works of Salvador Dali ("Christ the Redeemer") and the designs of Rennie McIntosh, though the Dali painting was unfortunately on loan during my recent visit. Writing a proper review to do this museum justice would require thousands of words—it's truly a place you need to experience for yourself. It’s an absolute must-see. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. The café and gift shop are well-stocked and reasonably priced, and the toilet facilities are plentiful and spotless. The accessibility features for disabled visitors are excellent. Though open times are convenient, it’s always wise to double-check them before your visit.
What people are saying about Dali
Mount Hua
It's very convenient: entrance ticket + 2 cable car rides + bus to and from the mountain. However, the morning shuttle bus wasn't very smooth; you had to wait and transfer, so even though it picked me up at 7:00 AM, I didn't arrive at the mountain until 12:30 PM. There were also a lot of tourists that day, and everyone was rushing to complete the five peaks of Huashan in one day.
Anonymous userGuanque Tower
I hadn't originally planned to visit the Stork Tower, as it's a reconstruction completed in 2002. However, I came across a travelogue about climbing it, and perhaps the focus for modern people isn't so much on whether it's an ancient building, but rather on Wang Zhihuan's famous line, "To see a thousand miles further, climb one more story." When you reach the top and gaze into the distance—the Yellow River, the Zhongtiao Mountains, the blue sky and white clouds overhead, the wind blowing from Fengling Ferry—don't we feel the same sentiment as Wang Zhihuan back then? Sometimes, even a simple visit can lead to unexpected experiences. The scenic area has set up signature boards for each province, autonomous region, municipality, and region. Surprisingly, this tourist experience made the friendship between Qin and Jin (Shaanxi and Shaanxi) more tangible. The board for Shaanxi Province has already been replaced twice, as it's become too densely packed with signatures from friends from neighboring Shaanxi. The scenic area simply put up a sign at the very front of the signature corridor that reads "Qin People Gather!" It looks like it'll be full soon too.
M52***90Fengtu Charitable Granary
Fengtu Charity Granary is located in Nanzhaizi Village, Chaoyi Town, east of Dali County, Shaanxi Province. It was built in the eighth year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty. The architectural layout is a city within a city, divided into inner city and outer city. The outer city faces east and west and is built of rammed earth. It is the first line of defense of the charity granary. The inner city is constructed in the form of a warehouse wall integrated with the warehouse, and has both defense and storage functions.
宝树堂Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
Thank you, Director Li, for the explanation. The small team of four made our tour very comfortable, and they took great care of each of us. There weren't many people in the afternoon, so the pace was just right. They explained each point very thoroughly, paying attention to detail. They patiently answered all the children's questions. Very professional! Thumbs up! 👍
Anonymous userHuashan West Peak Cableway
The hotel was super nice! Ladies, if you're coming to Huashan, go for it! The room was really clean, spacious, and comfortable. My best friend and I were both very satisfied. We even had a small drink before bed. Our Huashan trip the next day was fantastic! Let's go!
M34***52Pujiu Temple·Romance of the Western Chamber
The scenic area isn't large; it takes a little over an hour to tour the whole thing. Many parts of the area are thoughtfully designed, and the paintings and text on the walls are quite interesting. Although there were many people during the National Day holiday, it didn't feel crowded.
Anonymous userShaanxi History Museum
Having seen so many historical artifacts, I must give the guide, Jiu Si, a perfect score of 120! She explained dry historical knowledge in a humorous and engaging way, which the children especially enjoyed.
M28***81Xiyue Temple
It's quite a large complex, and inside there's a stele erected by Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Yong, for his father—worth seeing. Ancient trees stand tall, many over 900 years old. Climb to the innermost Wanshou Tower for a panoramic view of the tower nestled among the trees, and gaze at Mount Hua in the distance, enjoying the beautiful scenery.
yukeyHuaqing Palace
What I love about Hua Qing palace is that there is something for everyone. There is performance about what happened on 12/12/1936, military coup. This show is in Chinese and there is no English subtitles. If you are not interested, you can also spend your time soaking in the hot spring. In the evening there is an outdoor performance the song of everlasting sorrow. The staff would prepare poncho for spectators.
ImadetravelogsHuashan North Peak Cableway
The hotel is right next to the Xiyue Temple, about a 20-minute walk from Huashan North Railway Station, and a taxi to the Huashan Visitor Center costs around 10 yuan. Shopping and dining are also very convenient. The first floor is a bathhouse, and the second floor is for accommodation. Guests can enjoy free showers; a hot bath after climbing Huashan is incredibly relaxing. The only downside is that the hotel facilities are a bit old, but overall it offers excellent value for money.
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