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Dali packs a walled old town, a 250 square kilometre lake and a 4,000-metre mountain range into one valley, so most sights sit within 30 minutes of each other. Budget three full days to cover the old town, Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain at a relaxed pace. The best neighborhoods in Dali guide maps where each sight sits, and the best time to visit Dali tells you which months keep the trails dry.
Things to Do in Dali: The Old Town and Pagodas
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
The three brick pagodas west of the old town are Dali’s signature sight, built in the 9th century with the main Qianxun Pagoda standing 69.6 metres tall. Entry costs 75 yuan (about US$11) and the site opens 8:00 to 19:00 from May to October and 7:30 to 18:30 the rest of the year. Start at the reflection pond in front of the pagodas for the classic photo, then walk up through the temple halls. Allow two to three hours.
Dali Old Town and Its Gates
The old town is free to enter and best explored on foot over half a day. Walk from the South Gate, the restored gate with the ‘Dali’ sign, up Fuxing Road to the North Gate, then cut east to Renmin Road for cafes and west to Huguo Road, once known as Foreigner Street, for budget food stalls. The town wall is open in places for views over the rooftops toward Cangshan. For the wider city context, see the full Dali travel guide.
Things to Do in Dali: Erhai Lake
Cycle the Erhai Lake Shore
The paved path along Erhai Lake’s western shore runs roughly 40 kilometres from the old town north toward Xizhou and is the most popular cycling route in Yunnan. Bikes rent for about 20 to 40 yuan a day in the old town, and the flat grade suits casual riders. Start early to finish before the afternoon sun, and check Dali weather by month for clear-sky days before you set out.
Erhai Lake Cruise to Nanzhao Folk Island
The Erhai Grand Cruise departs from Xiaguan, Longkan and Taoyuan piers and costs 140 to 180 yuan, including the Bai Three Tea Ceremony performance and entry to Nanzhao Folk Island. There is also a 30 yuan Erhai Lake maintenance fee on many tickets. The cruise is the easiest way to see the lake if you do not want to cycle, though on clear days the shore path gives better views for free.
Things to Do in Dali: Cangshan Mountain
Cangshan Cable Cars and Hiking
Cangshan’s 19 peaks rise behind the town to a high point of 4,122 metres at Malong Peak, and three cableways open different sections. The Gantong cableway costs 80 yuan round trip (plus a 40 yuan scenic-area fee) and drops you at Qingbixi and the Cangshan Grand Canyon. The Ximatan cableway runs higher, 160 yuan round trip to the mid station or 300 yuan to the top near 3,900 metres. Bring layers because the summit is 10°C colder than the old town, and see Dali travel tips and FAQ for altitude advice.
Things to Do in Dali: Bai Villages
Xizhou Village
Xizhou, 17 kilometres north of the old town, is a Bai minority town known for its white-washed courtyard houses with grey-blue trim. Reach it by bike on the Erhai path or by a local minibus from the old town for about 10 yuan. Try Xizhou baba, a flaky pastry sold near the town square, and walk the morning market before the tour groups arrive. The restored courtyard inns here are covered in where to stay in Dali.
Zhoucheng Village and Tie-Dye
Zhoucheng, about 25 kilometres north of Dali, is where Bai families still make indigo tie-dye the traditional way, using stitched patterns and plant dyes. You can watch a demonstration and buy scarves and tablecloths directly from workshops. It pairs well with Xizhou on the same day trip, and local minibuses link both villages to the old town for under 20 yuan.
Things to Do in Dali: Day Trips
Shaxi Ancient Town
Shaxi, two and a half hours from Dali by car, was a staging post on the old Tea Horse Road and keeps a quieter, less restored old town than Dali itself. The Friday market and the 600-year-old Xingjiao Temple are the draws. There is no train, so book a private car or shared van through your hotel for around 100 to 150 yuan each way. If you time a visit for the market, check events and festivals in Dali for dates.
