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Dali is easy to reach by high-speed rail and small enough to navigate by bike and taxi, but a few details such as the airport location and the altitude catch first-timers out. These Dali travel tips and FAQ answers cover arrival, getting around, money, safety and food, with the Dali weather by month guide for packing by season.
Dali Travel Tips: Getting There
Dali Airport (DLU)
Dali Airport (DLU) sits on the east shore of Erhai Lake, 12 km from the old town, with direct flights to Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing on Chinese carriers. A taxi from the airport to the old town takes about 30 minutes and costs roughly 100 to 150 yuan. There is also an airport shuttle bus into Xiaguan for about 25 yuan.
Train from Kunming
The high-speed D-train from Kunming South to Dali takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and runs more than 20 times a day, with second-class seats around 145 yuan. Dali Railway Station is in Xiaguan, the modern district, and bus No. 8 links it to the old town in about 90 minutes for 2 yuan, or a taxi costs 50 to 80 yuan. Book seats early around the holidays in the best time to visit Dali.
Dali Travel Tips: Getting Around
The old town is best on foot, and the Erhai west shore is best by rental bike at 20 to 40 yuan a day. For longer hops to Xizhou, Zhoucheng or Shuanglang, local minibuses run from the old town bus station for 10 to 20 yuan, and taxis within the old town start at 8 yuan. DiDi, the Chinese ride-hailing app, works in Dali and is cheaper than flagging a taxi, but drivers may not speak English, so show the address in Chinese characters. For which area to base in, see the best neighborhoods in Dali guide, and things to do in Dali for where the bike paths lead.
Dali Travel Tips: Money, Visas and Safety
Most visitors need a Chinese visa before arrival, though 144-hour transit visa-free entry applies to some nationalities passing through Kunming on the way to a third country. Mobile payments dominate, but international cards are not accepted everywhere, so carry cash and set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you land. Dali is safe for tourists with low violent crime, but watch for pickpockets in crowded market lanes, and keep small bills handy for the stalls at the events and festivals in Dali.
Dali Travel Tips and FAQ
Do I need to acclimatise to the altitude?
Most people feel the 1,976 metres (6,480 ft) of Dali as mild breathlessness on stairs for the first day, not as full altitude sickness. Drink extra water, skip heavy alcohol on day one, and build in a rest day before hiking Cangshan’s higher trails, where paths top 3,900 metres.
Is tipping expected in Dali?
No. Tipping is not part of Chinese custom, and restaurants, taxis and hotels do not expect it. The one exception is a private guide or driver, where a tip of 50 to 100 yuan per day is appreciated but optional.
Can I drink the tap water?
No. Boil tap water or buy bottled water, which costs about 2 to 3 yuan for 500 ml in corner shops. Many hotels provide a kettle, and some supply bottled water in the room.
To pick a base, see where to stay in Dali, and start from the full Dali travel guide for the climate overview and quick facts.
Suggested Hotels in Dali
The Mountain The Sea Dali, Curio Collection by Hilton
A lakeside resort on the Erhai shore east of the old town with lake-view rooms and a fitness centre. Best for travellers who want a full-service base. Check rates and availability
The Linden Centre Dali
A restored Bai courtyard boutique hotel in Xizhou, 17 km north of the old town, with cultural programmes and guided walks. Best for couples who want heritage and quiet. Check rates and availability
Dali Four Seasons Hostel
A central budget hostel at 428 Renmin Road in the old town with dorms and private rooms. Best for solo travellers and backpackers. Check rates and availability
