The Top Things to Do in Dali
Dali, located in Yunnan, China, famous for a rich history, unique cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes. What are the top activities for travelers in Dali? Here, we’ve summarized a selection of delightful experiences for travelers to fully enjoy the beauty of Dali.
Explore Local Life-style in Dali Ancient City
Dali Ancient City is located between the Changshan and Hengduan Mountains, on the shore of Erhai Lake. It is not only a very famous historical city, but also a national cultural symbol. To this day it is considered one of the most important and visited tourist attractions in Dali. It is a place that allows us to delve into the past and customs of Dali, a perfect area to take a walk while we try traditional food and observe native products. Foreign tourists can visit an exotic area where there are many Western restaurants and bars. There you will enjoy pleasant time.
Cycle Around Erhai Lake
Erhai Lake is an alpine lake located in Yunnan Province, located between the Cangshan Mountains to the west and Dali City. Being the mother lake for the Bai people, it is one of the most representative symbols of Dali. So that tourists can see the picturesque landscapes of the lake, the Erhai Lake Park was built. On a sunny day, the crystal clear waters of Erhai Lake and the soft snow of Cangshan Mountain radiate each other. In short, it is an approving attraction. Being the "Pearl of the Plateau", taking a boat and cycling around the lake are fantastic options to explore the landscape of Erhai Lake. Therefore, it is worth taking a trip to Erhai Lake, it will be a very unforgettable experience.
Appreciate the Charm of Cangshan Mountain
Cangshan, also known as Diancangshan, is a mountain range just west of the city of Dali in the Yunnan province of southwestern China. And it is another representative symbol of Dali. Cangshan Mountain is located west of Dali Ancient City and Erhai Lake and includes 19 peaks and 18 streams. The 19 peaks of Cangshan Mountain stretch 50 km from north to south, forming columns like a screen. Cangshan Mountain is covered in snow all year round. Except for the white snow on the top, the changing clouds over the mountain and the numerous natural streams coming down the mountain add more attractive features to the entire beautiful image of Cangshan Mountain. You can take the cable car or go hiking to enjoy the splendid view of Cangshan Mountain.
Visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
The Three Pagodas are a set of three independent pagodas arranged at the vertices of an equilateral triangle near Dali Ancient City, forming a symmetrical triangle. This is unique in China. The Three Pagodas date back to the times of the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Dali Kingdom (9th and 10th centuries) and are located approximately 1.5 kilometers north of Dali Ancient City. They are located on the eastern slope of the tenth summit of the towering Cangshan Mountains, facing the west coast of Erhai Lake. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are a symbol of Dali history and a record of the development of Buddhism in the area. Once you climb to the top of the temple, you have a chance to see a panoramic view of Dali City and Erhai Lake. Therefore, domestic and international visitors should not miss visiting the pagodas. The best way to admire the Three Pagodas is to take a panoramic view from a distance. Of course, you can appreciate the reflection of the Three Pagodas in the lake as well.
Learn Historical Cultures of Xizhou Ancient Town
The Bai Houses of Xizhou Ancient Town have a long history of more than a thousand years, which can date back to the Ming Dynasty. It is a good opportunity for tourists to appreciate specific architectures and experience Bai ethnic culture when they take a trip to Xizhou. Regardless of the traditional Bai houses and the beautiful scenery along Erhai Lake, the food will be another reason for you to visit. Don't forget to taste Xizhou bread there, it is a crispy snack made from flour. They can also experience three kinds of tea, which is the Bai people's most impressive way to welcome guests.
Experience Ancient Trading Culture in Shaxi Ancient Town
Shaxi Ancient Town is located in the southwest of Jianchuan County, Dali Autonomous Prefecture. It was an important trading center on the Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Route. The townspeople sold a variety of homemade items to passing caravans and opened their homes and offered them food. Already in 2001, Shaxi Ancient City was included in the protection list of 101 endangered places of the World Monuments Fund. Like Lijiang Ancient Town and Shuhe Ancient Town, Shaxi Ancient Town also has its central street. Shaxi's central street is a square with two-century-old Chinese scholar trees in its center. This street is a fully functioning ancient bazaar, with a collection of temples, an ancient stage, shops, a caravanserai, a wide street paved with red sandstone slabs, old alleys and old town gates.
Enjoy A Slow Life in Shuanglang Ancient Village
Shuanglang Ancient Village is located on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake, 36 kilometers north of Dali City. It is surrounded by green mountains and facing Erhai. For more than a thousand years, the Bai minority has made a living by fishing in the lake. However, in the last 10 years their lives have changed. The small, quiet village is now popular with visitors looking to relax and enjoy a slower pace.
