Dali Old Town (Dali Ancient City)

Overview

Dali Old Town is a charming ancient city known for its well-preserved Bai minority architecture and rich cultural heritage. It offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Yunnan.

Dali Old Town is a significant cultural and historical site that showcases the unique Bai minority culture and architecture. It was once a strategic outpost on the ancient Tea Horse Road.

Cultural Heritage Architectural Landmark

Location

Address

Dali, Yunnan

Neighborhood: Erhai Lake District

Coordinates

25.701300, 100.127900

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Admission

Adults

¥0 (free entry to the town, some attractions may charge fees)

Children

¥0 (free entry to the town, some attractions may charge fees)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds and pleasant weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

Overnight stay

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild and pleasant

• Blooming flowers
• Lush greenery

summer

Warm and humid with frequent rain

• Rainy season lushness
• Cooler evenings

autumn

Cool and comfortable

• Harvest season
• Clear blue skies

winter

Cold and dry

• Festive decorations
• Cozy indoor settings

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check weather forecast
Bring comfortable shoes
Carry cash for local shops

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Sunscreen Water bottle

seasonal

Warm jacket (winter) Umbrella (summer)

not allowed

Drones (without permit) Large luggage

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (some walking and stairs)

• Altitude (Dali is at 1,960m/6,430ft)
• Sun exposure

Medical facilities: Local clinics and hospitals available

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash (Chinese Yuan), Credit cards (major brands)

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Typical Costs

entry fees ¥0 (free entry)

food ¥20-100 per meal

souvenirs ¥10-200

tours ¥50-500

Dress Code

Casual and comfortable, Light and breathable clothing (summer), layers (winter), Comfortable walking shoes, Inappropriate or revealing clothing for temples

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks for peak season
• Official tourism websites or trusted travel agencies
• Varies by service provider
• Available for some attractions

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Dali Old Town Guide

Size: 30 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guides, Ticket booking, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor centers, Major cafes and restaurants

Charging Stations: Some cafes and restaurants

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Dali Airport (DIG)

Distance: 10 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes

taxi

¥50-80 20 min

public_transport

¥15 30 min

From City Center

Distance: 1-2 km (depending on starting point)

bus

¥1-2 10-15 min

taxi

¥10-20 5-10 min

bicycle_rental

¥20-30 per hour 15-20 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Rich cultural heritage, vibrant local life, and historical significance

Historical Significance: Once a key outpost on the ancient Tea Horse Road, blending diverse cultures

Insider Tips

Visit the local markets early in the morning for the best experience
Try the famous Er Kuai (local pancakes) and local tea
Explore the nearby villages for traditional crafts and workshops

Local Recommendations

• Try local Bai minority cuisine at family-run restaurants
• Visit the morning market for authentic local experiences
• Explore the nearby villages for traditional crafts

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)

thank_you 谢谢 (Xièxie)

where_is 哪里是…？ (Nǎlǐ shì…?)

how_much 多少钱？ (Duōshǎo qián?)

beautiful 漂亮 (Piàoliang)

ticket 票 (Piào)

Guide Languages: Chinese, English, Bai (in some areas)

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Foreigners' Street

Best Time: Late afternoon

Tips: Capture the mix of traditional and modern architecture

Result: Vibrant street life with historical charm

#DaliOldTown #YunnanTravel #HistoricalCharm

Chengxi Gate

Best Time: Sunrise

Tips: Frame the gate with the morning light

Result: Stunning historical gate with soft morning light

#DaliAncientCity #SunrisePhotography #HistoricalGate

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas, Public spaces

prohibited areas Inside private homes, Some temple interiors

flash photography Allowed in most outdoor areas, restricted in some cultural sites

commercial photography Permit required for professional shoots

drone policy Restricted, permit required

tripod policy Allowed in most public areas, restricted in some cultural sites

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Dali Museum

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Museum

Erhai Lake

Distance: 2km

Walking: 30 min

Type: Natural Landscape

Cangshan Mountain

Distance: 5km

Walking: Not walkable, requires transport

Type: Hiking and Nature

Reviews

4.6

Based on 850 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early to avoid crowds"
"Try local Bai cuisine"
"Explore the backstreets for authentic experiences"

Contact Information

+86 872 222 3333

info@dalitourism.gov.cn

www.daliguide.com

Social Media

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