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Top 5 Attractions

China Panorama Tour

1

Dali Ancient City

Dali Ancient City, a UNESCO-listed gem, is a 1,400-year-old Bai ethnic town in Yunnan. Built in 1382 during the Ming Dynasty, it was once the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. Today, its cobblestone streets, white-walled Bai houses, and tranquil vibes make it a must-visit cultural hub.
China Panorama Tour

2

Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake, a shimmering highland gem in Yunnan’s Dali Prefecture, is China’s seventh-largest freshwater lake. Nicknamed "Yunnan’s Emerald," this crescent-shaped lake (136 km circumference, 1,972m elevation) has nourished Bai ethnic communities for millennia. Designated a National Scenic Area in 1994, it’s famed for its azure waters, seabird colonies, and Cangshan Mountain views.
China Panorama Tour

3

Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain, a 4,000-meter-high range south of Dali, Yunnan, is a UNESCO Global Geopark. With 19 peaks and 18 creeks, it forms a dramatic backdrop to Erhai Lake. Famed for marble peaks, alpine meadows, and rare flora (like the azure Cangshan gentian), it’s sacred to the Bai people and a hiker’s paradise.
China Panorama Tour

4

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a UNESCO-listed Buddhist complex in Dali, Yunnan, stands as one of China’s most iconic historical and architectural treasures. Built during the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms (8th–13th centuries), the pagodas symbolize the region’s rich Buddhist heritage and enduring cultural legacy. The site spans 25,000 square meters and features three pagodas, a grand temple hall, and serene gardens, attracting millions of visitors annually.
China Panorama Tour

5

Shuanglang Ancient Town

Shuanglang Ancient Town, nestled along the shores of Erhai Lake in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, is a picturesque destination renowned for its serene beauty, Bai ethnic culture, and traditional architecture. Established during the Tang Dynasty (618–907) and later thriving as a maritime trading hub, the town retains its charm with cobblestone streets, whitewashed dwellings, and breathtaking lake views. Spanning 3.6 square kilometers, it offers a harmonious blend of natural landscapes and cultural heritage, attracting travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity.

Natural Scenery

Natural Scenery
Dali's natural beauty thrives in its alpine-lake landscapes and Bai minority culture. Highlights include Erhai Lake, a crescent-shaped freshwater expanse framed by Yunnan's "Four Seasons" cycads and fishing villages, and the Cangshan Mountains, a 19-peak range offering alpine meadows and cloud-piercing cable car rides. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple mirror perfectly in Erhai's waters, while Butterfly Spring (Hudie Quan) hosts annual migrations of thousands of butterflies.

Historical Sites

Historical Sites
Dali's historical legacy thrives in its ancient cityscapes and Bai imperial heritage. Highlights include Dali Old Town, a Tang-dynasty Tea Horse Road hub with Ming-era fortified walls and three-course tea rituals, and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a 10th-century Nanzhao-era Buddhist ensemble guarding Erhai Lake. The Taihe City Ruins bear the Nanzhao Dezhao Stele (766 CE), chronicling Sino-Tibetan alliances, while Xizhou Old Town preserves Bai merchant courtyards with intricate woodcarvings.

FAQ

Which is the best route for cycling around Erhai Lake?

The best route is usually from Yangnanxi of the Erhai Ecological Corridor, heading north along the ecological corridor, passing through Sansheng Island, Longkan Ancient Ferry, Bixi, Gusheng Village and other places to Xizhou. You can enjoy the beautiful lake view and the style of the small villages along the way.

What are the routes for traveling in Dali following the movies?

There are routes such as "Ancient Village Slow - travel · Tea - Horse Road Two - day Roaming". This route follows the footprint of the TV series A Bite of Love, leading you to the Bai ethnic ancient villages, feeling the legacy of the Tea - Horse Road, and experiencing the quiet humanities. The route includes Xiaguan, Fengyangyi, Dali West Lake and Shaxi Ancient Town.

What is the moral of the three - course tea of the Bai nationality?

The three - course tea of the Bai nationality consists of bitter tea, sweet tea and aftertaste tea. It implies the philosophy of life, that is, "first bitter, then sweet, and finally aftertaste", symbolizing that life should experience hardships first, then enjoy sweetness, and finally reflect on the past.

How to get from Dali Railway Station to Xizhou Ancient Town by bus?

You can first take bus No. 8 from Dali Railway Station to Dali Ancient City, and then transfer to the bus to Xizhou Ancient Town at the north gate of Dali Ancient City. Or you can choose to take a taxi, and the fare is about 60 - 80 yuan.

What outdoor sports can be experienced in Dali?

In Dali, you can experience outdoor sports such as cycling around Erhai Lake, hiking on Cangshan Mountain, and helicopter sightseeing. Cycling around Erhai Lake allows you to enjoy the lake view at close range, hiking on Cangshan Mountain can make you feel the beauty of nature, and helicopter sightseeing can give you a bird's - eye view of the whole picture of Cang'er.

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