1-Day Dali Tie Dye Experience Private Tour

Dali , China

1-Day Dali Tie Dye Experience Private Tour

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About this experience

Our tour starts in Dali Old Town and takes you to the non-touristic Xizhou and Zhoucheng. First, we will visit Xizhou, a famous historical and cultural Bai minority town with well-preserved architecture and then continue to Zhoucheng, the hometown of Chinese tie-dyeing. This Dali traditional dyeing process is unique in China and even in the world. During our tour, you can experience minority’s folk customs and daily local life and even better and make tie-dye handcrafted art with your family. Afterwards we will go on a cruise on Erhai lake and visit a local fishing village.
• Xizhou: Experience morning market and Three course tea. Bai-style traditional architecture along the old tea-horse road.
• Tie Dye:traditional Bai ethnic tie-dye workshop in Zhoucheng, learn how to tie-dye yourself
• Erhai lake: cruise on Erhai Lake to a local fishing village

Available options

1-Day Dali Tie Dye Experience Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Experienced private English-speaking tour guides

Supplement for driver and tour guide (meals)

Transportation: Gas, tolls, parking fee and any additional pick-ups and drop-offs

2 bottles of local drinking water per person per day

Entrance tickets to the attractions listed

24/7 English-speaking customer services

Government taxes

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Our guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel around Dali Ancient Town, the heartland of the prosperous Bai people, with their colourful costumes and traditional lifestyle. When we picture ancient China, Dali is the image that appears in our imagination, wooden houses with ornate eaves and stone streets, well-worn over centuries of use. Dali has long been a melting pot for different cultures, and you will see the Bai people as well as the Yi and the Hui going about their daily business in their traditional garb.
Dali is known for her relaxed atmosphere, and is a great town to stroll around. Have a drink in one of the many cosy little bars or warmly decorated coffee shops, or walk around its lively main streets where local artists sell all kinds of beautiful handicrafts.

Stop 2

Transfer to Xizhou, just 19 kilometres north of Dali Old Town. Here we will visit the morning market, where locals dressed in traditional minority clothing sell and buy local fruits, freshly cut meat, piles of fragrant spices, livestock and anything else you can think of. You can visit a traditional Three Course Tea ceremony and an exquisite example of traditional Bai-style courtyard homes.

Then visit Zhoucheng Village, the largest Bai village in the region, famous for its tie-dyeing traditions. Stroll through the village streets and witness local artisans crafting batik fabrics and mastering intricate tie-dye techniques. You’ll have the chance to visit a workshop where you can observe the entire tie-dye process, from dyeing to drying.

Stop 4

Enjoy a short boat trip on Lake Erhai to Tianjingge Island and enjoy the majestic views of the green and clouded Cangshan Mountain Range looming over Dali’s lands from far while swarms of birds fly peacefully around you over the tranquil lake.

What's not included

Meals are not included

Chinese visa

Personal expenses;

Domestic and international flights/trains

Tourist bus / minibus transportation between airport / train station

Personal Travel Accident Insurance.

Tips for drivers and guides, highly appreciated but not requested

Things not mentioned in this itinerary

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

Full payment will be collected in advance, including all admission fees, fuel, and equipment rental.

Important notes

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

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