Private Customized Tour: Dali City Highlights in One Day
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Private Customized Tour: Dali City Highlights in One Day

Active
6h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Have only a limited amount of time in Dali? Enhance your sightseeing experience of Dali by designing your own itinerary on this private, full-day tour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle, customize your day according to your interests. Choose to visit some of the city’s historical highlights such as Chongsheng Three Pagodas, Experience the convenient cable car to Cangshan Mountain; Take the boat cruise from Er Lake to Golden Shuttle Island, get to know Bai Minority's culture and lifestyle; Finish in the lively neighborhood of Xizhou Ancient Town. This private tour including English speaking tour guide, entrance fee, cable car round trip, lunch, and door to door transfer.

Available options

Xima Pool Cablecar to Cangshan

Tianlong Babu Studio City to Xima Pool, it takes 40 minutes, from the cable car you can see Dali Ancient City, Cang mountain<br/>Pickup included

Tour without Cangshan Mountain

This tour including city highlights, without visit to Cangshan Mountain, no Cable car included <br/>Pickup included

Gantong/ Zhonghe Cable Car

Gantong Cableway takes you to Gantong Temple/Zhonghe Cableway takes you to Zhonghe Temple <br/>Pickup included

What's included

English speaking guide
Lunch
Bottled water
Private Tour
Cable Car round trip
Entrance fee
Transport by private vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off (for hotels in Dali City)

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Dali hotel, hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle, embark upon your customized tour of the city's sights. Discuss the historical highlights and attractions you wish to see with your knowledgeable guide who will help you plan an itinerary according to your interests. Then, set off and explore. Typically, you will start with the Cangshan Mountain.

2
Stop 2

Cangshan Mountain includes 19 peaks and 18 streams. The highest peak is Malong Peak with the height of 4,122 meters (13,524 feet). To make good use of your valuable time, you will take the convenient cable car to reach one of the peak. Choose the peak you wan to go.

Xima Pool Cableway takes you from Tianlong Babu Studio City to Xima Pool on Cangshan Mountain. The route is about 5,580 meters (6,100 yards) long. From the cable car you can see Dali Ancient City and enjoy the natural scenery on Cangshan Mountain. The whole journey takes about 40 minutes.

Gantong Cableway is about 2,630m (2,876 yards) long and takes you to Gantong Temple.

Zhonghe Cableway is about 1,668m (1,824 yards) long, and ends at Zhonghe Temple.

3

Then, heading directly to Dali Chongsheng Three Pagodas. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple is a 1,800 years old national treasure under preservation. It is also a record of the development of Buddhism in the area. They are standing at the east foot of the tenth peak of the massive Mt. Cangshan and facing the west shore of the Erhai Lake.

Upon arrival, stroll around the temple and courtyards with your tour guide, admire over 1000 years old pagoda, get to know its history, culture, religion and art.

4

Continue to Dali Ancient Town. Spend some leisure time to stroll around the ancient town, enjoy its grand city wall, traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses and marvelous scenery. You will enjoy lunch in one of the restaurant here.

Dali ancient town was a gateway to the Silk Road in Southwest China, and also served as a seat of government and a major military barracks for Yunnan Province in ancient times.

5
Stop 5

Then, continue to Erhai Lake. Erhai Lake is the largest highland lake and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China. It means, 'sea shaped like an ear', in Chinese.

6

Take the boat cruise Erhai Lake, then visit Golden Shuttle Island (Jinsuo Dao), and the nearby fishing community of Bai Minority, get to know Bai Minority's culture and lifestyle.

7
Stop 7

Depending on your time, you can visit Xizhou Town. Xizhou Town is a main residential district for Bai Nationality, as a birthplace of Dali culture; it is also a famous historic cultural town of Bai Nationality. You will spend some leisure time to explore the town, your tour guide will explain the detailed stories about Bai Nationality. Feel free to ask questions if you have.

After the tour finished, you will be transferred to your hotel in Dali.

8

If you have already visit some of those places above before, and want to do something different. Please feel free to discuss with your tour guide on where to go, you can choose these attractions or activities base on your interests: Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Museum/ Dali Municipal Museum/Butterfly Spring

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Dali

Dali is a picturesque city in Yunnan Province, renowned for its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and the famous Erhai Lake. Nestled between the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali offers a blend of ethnic Bai culture, historic sites, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination in Southwest China.

Top Attractions

Cangshan Mountain

A stunning mountain range offering hiking trails, scenic views, and hot springs. The 19 peaks of Cangshan provide a breathtaking backdrop to Dali.

Nature Half day to full day Free to ¥100 for cable car

Erhai Lake

A large, picturesque lake offering water activities, cycling paths, and stunning sunsets. The lake is a major attraction and a hub for outdoor activities.

Nature Half day to full day Free to ¥150 for boat tours

Dali Ancient Town

A well-preserved ancient town with traditional architecture, bustling markets, and a rich cultural heritage. The town is a great place to experience the local Bai culture.

Historical Half day Free to explore, shopping and dining costs vary

Three Courses of Tea

A traditional tea ceremony performed by local Bai women. The ceremony involves serving tea in a specific ritual, offering insights into the local culture.

Cultural 1-2 hours ¥50-100

Xizhou Town

A charming town known for its well-preserved Bai architecture, museums, and cultural sites. Xizhou is a great place to learn about the Bai ethnic group.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, museum entry fees vary

Must-Try Local Dishes

Crossing the Bridge Noodles

A traditional Bai dish consisting of a hearty broth with various ingredients, served with rice noodles. The dish is named for the story of a scholar who prepared it to sustain himself while studying for exams.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Erkuai (Yunnan Rice Cakes)

Thick, chewy rice cakes that can be fried, boiled, or steamed and served with various toppings. They are a popular street food in Dali.

Snack Vegetarian

Yunnan Ham

A type of cured ham that is a delicacy in Yunnan. It is often served as a snack or used in various dishes.

Snack Contains pork

Mushroom and Potato Hotpot

A hearty hotpot dish featuring a variety of mushrooms and potatoes, cooked in a flavorful broth. It's a popular dish in the colder months.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cangshan Mountain Cycling around Erhai Lake Boating on Erhai Lake Tea ceremonies Hot springs Lakeside picnics Visiting museums Exploring ancient towns

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

The weather is most pleasant during these seasons, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. It's the best time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Widely spoken: Yunnan dialect, Bai language
  • English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Dali is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming local population. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
  • • Use reputable tour operators and guides
  • • Avoid unlicensed taxis

Getting there

By air
  • Dali Airport • 10 km from city center
By train

Dali Station

By bus

Dali Bus Station, Xiaguan Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Foreigners Street Xiaguan Erhai Lake Area

Day trips

Shaxi Ancient Town
90 km from Dali • Full day

A well-preserved ancient town on the old Tea Horse Road, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

Lijiang
150 km from Dali • Full day or overnight

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved ancient town, stunning natural scenery, and rich Naxi culture.

Shuhe Ancient Town
150 km from Dali • Full day or overnight

A sister town to Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe offers a more relaxed and less touristy experience, with a rich history and cultural heritage.

Festivals

Dali March Fair • March Bai Ethnic New Year • Late February to early March (lunar calendar) Dali International Photography Festival • October

Pro tips

  • Visit the local markets early in the morning for the freshest produce and best selection
  • Learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin or the local Yunnan dialect to enhance your interactions with locals
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes, as Dali is best explored on foot
  • Try the local Bai cuisine, which is known for its unique flavors and ingredients
  • Visit the Three Courses of Tea ceremony for a unique cultural experience and insights into the local Bai culture
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 10-90
1
Childs
Age 4-9
0
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook