Dali Travel Tips: Everything to Know Before you Go

Dali was the political, economical and cultural center for 500 years dated back to the Tang and Song Dynasties. The picturesque scenery, varied traditions and the culture of minority nationalities make Dali one of the best tourist destinations in Yunnan and China. There are fascinating way for exploring Dali - walk around the town walls; go hiking or bike riding in Cangshan Mountain above Erhai Lake; taste authentic local cuisine. On this post, here are top Dali travel tips for you to enjoy a worry-free and pleasant experience.

Dali Weather & Best time to Visit Dali

The Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture has a low-latitude plateau monsoon climate with distinct three-dimensional climatic characteristics. The dry and wet seasons are clearly defined. Most areas do not experience extreme heat in summer or severe cold in winter, with small annual temperature differences and large daily temperature differences. 

The best time to visit Dali is from March to June when spring is in full swing with its sunshine and fresh air. Besides, many festivals and celebrations are held by the Bai people in spring time. Tourists can take this opportunity to touch the strong ethnic culture of Dali.

Without freezing winter and hot summer, Dali is actually a good destination that can be visited in all seasons. However, please note that for the big difference in temperature between day and night, you should pack some warm clothes for cooler evenings even in summer.

What to See & Do in Dali: Attractions

Please Note: 

• Ticket prices are for reference only. Prices for some items (e.g., cable cars, cruises) may vary by season, holidays, or vendor. Check official channels for the latest prices before your visit. 
• Some scenic areas offer combo tickets covering multiple attractions/activities, which can be more cost-effective. Inquire your Easy Tour China travel consultant when purchasing. 
• "Free" entry for ancient towns refers to the main streets; individual internal attractions, museums, or private residences may require separate tickets. 

>> Recommended Dali tours:

Dali Transportation Tips

How to get to Dali?

Dali offers convenient transportation. Most visitors arrive by plane or high-speed rail to Dali City (Xiaguan), then take a bus or taxi to Dali Ancient Town. Traveling from Kunming or Lijiang, direct high-speed rail and tourist coaches provide easy access.

By Air

The airport is located 13 kilometers east of Dali City (Xiaguan). Officially opened on November 28, 1995, it serves as an important regional and tourist airport in Yunnan Province. Dali Airport offers flights to and from multiple destinations including Kunming, Xishuangbanna (Jinghong), Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.

Airport Bus to Dali Old Town:

1. From Xiaguan City Center to the Airport: Airport buses depart daily at 07:30, 08:00, and 15:30. The departure point is Cangshan Hotel. The fare is 15 yuan.
2. From the Airport to Xiaguan City Center and Dali Old Town: Airport buses depart daily after the first arriving flight and run until after the last arriving flight. Departure point: Front right of the Dali Airport Departures/Arrivals Hall. Fares: Airport to downtown: 15 RMB; Airport to Dali Old Town: 25 RMB.

Taxi from Aiport to Dali Old Town

1. Taxis are available at the airport for travel to Dali downtown (Xiaguan), Dali Old Town, and other destinations.
2. Distance: Airport to Dali downtown (railway station) approx. 16 km; Airport to Dali Old Town approx. 30 km; Airport to Shuanglang approx. 46 km. Taxi fares from the airport to Xiaguan or Dali Old Town are approximately 50-60 RMB to Xiaguan city center and 100-110 RMB to Dali Old Town.

By Train (High-Speed Rail)

Dali Railway Station (High-Speed Rail Station) is located at 261 Weishan Road, Dali City. It provides convenient access eastward to Kunming and northward to Lijiang.  

By Long-Distance Bus

Dali has multiple bus stations, with the most significant ones being: Dali Bus Terminal (Express Bus Station), Dali North Bus Station, Dali East Bus Station, Dali New Bus Terminal, and Dali Xingsheng Road Bus Station. Frequent long-distance buses operate between Dali and Kunming. Additionally, numerous routes connect Dali to provincial destinations including Lijiang, Shangri-La, Liuku, and Tengchong. 

How to Travel around Dali

By Bus

Dali currently has over ten bus routes. Please have exact change ready, as the fare is 1 yuan. Routes 4 (Bus Company → Dali South Gate → Dali North Gate) and 8 (Train Station → Dali East Gate → Dali West Gate) provide direct access to Dali Ancient Town. The fare is 2 yuan, with a journey time of 30 minutes.

By Cruise/Boat 

Large luxury cruise ships on Erhai Lake can be boarded at Dali Port (Erhai Park). It is not recommended to take private boats operated by residents for Erhai Lake tours.

By Taxi

Standard taxis in Dali City have a base fare of 6 yuan for the first 3 kilometers (7 yuan at night), with an additional 2 yuan per kilometer thereafter. Estimated taxi fares from Xiaguan to Dali Airport, Dali Old Town, and some scenic areas:
Dali Railway Station to Dali Old Town: Approximately 60-80 yuan. Taxis from Xiaguan to Dali Airport, Dali Old Town, and some scenic areas often do not use meters and require bargaining.

Other Transportation Options

If you plan to leisurely explore Dali Old Town, cycling or using a scutter are good choices. You can ride along the cobblestone streets and enjoy the charm of the ancient town. A deposit is required to rent a bicycle in Dali Old Town, and the rental fee is generally 10-30 yuan per day.

There are generally two ways to do a Erhai Lake loop trip: private car or bicycle. Since cycling requires a longer time and more physical exertion, hiring a private car is usually the preferred option.

Health & Safety Tips in Dali

1. Dali is located in the area of Yunnan - Guizhou Plateau with extensive ultraviolet rays outsides. Please pay much attention to protect your skin.
2. More than half of China’s ethnic minority groups reside in Dali. Please conform to folk customs of national minority here.
3. If you are planning a Dali trip to hike up the Cangshan Mountain, travel in a group or with a local guide both to protect yourself from robbery and as back up in case of accident.
4. Watch your belongings carefully to protect from pickpockets and theft, though perhaps the major risk you take if staying in cheap accommodation is theft by other foreign travelers.
5. A major annoyance is touts offering "something to smoke". Just say no, so be warned.

Dali Cuisine: Must-eat Food

Dali cuisine is an important part of Yunnan cuisine (a regional cuisine in China with the most prominent ethnic characteristics), and it is centered on the traditional food culture of the local Bai ethnic group. Authentic Dali food incorporates aquatic products from Erhai Lake, dairy products, wild mushrooms, and other various distinctive ingredients. In terms of flavor, Dali cuisine is characterized by its sour, spicy, and savory tastes.

Must-try Dali dishes include Dali Claypot Fish, Dali Sour-Spicy Fish, Jianchuan Earthenware Eight Bowls, Yongping Braised Chicken in Soy Sauce, Weishan Braised Pork with Rice Noodles, and Yunlong Nuodeng Ham.
Must-try street snacks in Dali include roasted rice cakes, glazed tofu, grilled milk curd, cold noodles, papaya chicken, Xizhou pancakes, and Dali raw pork skin.

Where to Stay in Dali: Hotels to Choose

Dali Ancient Town

Dali Ancient Town boasts numerous hotels, boutique inns, and guesthouses, offering convenient living and a vibrant nightlife with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Choosing the right hotel allows you to slow down your travel in Dali and enjoy the scenery, tranquility, and sunshine. Hotel Indigo Dali Ancient Town, Dali Ancient Town International Hotel, Z.GardenOpens in new window, and Landscape Hotel, Dali are good four- and five-star hotel choices.

Erhai Lake Area

The hotels around Erhai Lake offer breathtaking views, usually featuring stunning lakefront panoramas, and are quiet and romantic. The InterContinental Dali, Pullman Oceanfront Dali, and Boju Seaview Resort are ideal for couples, newlyweds on their China honeymoon tours, and family travel in Yunnan with children.

Xizhou Ancient Town

Xizhou Ancient Town is quieter than Dali Ancient City, allowing you to avoid crowds and immerse yourself in the pastoral scenery and Bai culture, admiring the traditional Bai architecture. The Linden Centre, Jianshan Vacation Hotel, and Light Courtyard are highly recommended.

Shaxi Ancient Town

Although it lacks international chain hotels, Shaxi offers high-quality boutique guesthouses and inns, perfect for travelers who appreciate traditional architecture and natural scenery. Tuo Yuan Ju Retreat, Qinglu Inn, and Creekside Yun Boutique are among the best hotels in Shaxi, Dali.

Dali Shopping Tips

1. Dali has its local specialties that cannot be found elsewhere, like Dali snow pear, Tu Cha, tie-dyed cloth, Bai brocade, marble products, wood carving, and gold/ silver/copper Ornaments, etc.
2. Foreigner Street in Old Dali Town is an ideal place to pick up souvenirs, with many local specialties and handicrafts.
3. Dali is famous for its marble blue-and-white batik printed on cotton and silk. Most shopkeepers along Huguo Lu make clothes tailored to your size for a bargain.
4. Most of the so called "silver" jewelry sold in Dali is actually brass. The same goes for jade - though sold in abundance, it's generally low quality, so buyers beware.
5. For those roving sales ladies badgering you incessantly, don’t feel bad to pay one-fifth of their asking price – that’s what locals advise; for marble from street sellers, 40% to 50% is fair; in shops, two-thirds of the price is average.

Dali Travel Tips for Nightlife

After dark, stroll along the bustling streets and night markets of the brightly-lit Dali Ancient City, experiencing the laid-back local life, buying handicrafts and sampling various snacks. There are many live music bars on People Road, Renshui Road and Foreigner Street, suitable for chatting with friends (with an average cost of 100-200 yuan per person).

If you live by the Erhai Lake (such as Cai Village or Longcan Wharf), you can avoid the light pollution and gaze at the stars, experiencing the romantic tranquility.

>> Recommended Yunnan Tours with Dali