Dali Old Town (Dali Ancient City)
Dali, Yunnan, 671003
Tucked between Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, Dali Old Town (Dali Ancient City) was once a gateway to the Silk Road and, later, a haven for backpackers. Today, the scenic town is a popular domestic tourist destination, with historic sites, temples, and traditional Bai architecture, along with plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels.
The basics
Relatively compact and laid out in a grid, Dali Old Town is easy to explore on foot. Fuxing Road, Renmin Road, and “Foreigner Street” are especially lively with shopping, dining, and nightlife. Climb the restored South Gate or Wuhua Tower for sweeping views over the town, lake, and mountains. Explore culture and spirituality at the Dali Museum, Rural Film History Museum, Wumiao Temple, and the Catholic Church.
Many sightseeing tours of Dali include a stop at Dali Old Town, in addition to an Erhai Lake cruise or visit to the Bai village of Xizhou. Day tours from Kunming by bullet train are available, while tours from other cities tend to be multi-day excursions that include other area highlights.
Things to know before you go
Dali Old Town is a must for first-time visitors to Dali.
It’s free to enter the town, though some sites may charge an entrance fee.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the area is best explored on foot.
How to get there
Dali Old Town is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of Dali New City (Xiguan). Most visitors arrive in Dali New City by high-speed rail, long-distance bus, or plane. To reach Dali Old Town, take a taxi or bus number 4 or 8. Many sightseeing tours to Dali Old Town include transfers, especially from distant locations.
When to get there
Dali Old Town can be visited at any time, with mild year-round weather. Many Bai ethnic minority festivals are held in March and April, making it a festive time to visit. Summer is the rainy season and can bring unpredictable weather. Expect large crowds during week-long May and October national holidays, the height of the local tourist season.
Three Pagodas
North of Dali Old Town, the Three Pagodas are a symbol of Dali. The central Qianxun Pagoda has 16 tiers and was built in the 9th century, while the other two pagodas have 10 tiers and were built in the 10th century. Despite an entry fee, you can’t actually enter the pagodas, though you can explore the large Chongsheng Temple complex behind it.
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