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Things to Do in Dali (2026)
Begin your visit in Dali Old Town, a maze of cobbled lanes and Bai architecture around the iconic Five Pagodas. Enter through the South Gate (Chenghuang Tower) for the claβ¦ π― Start at the Old Town
Begin your visit in Dali Old Town, a maze of cobbled lanes and Bai architecture around the iconic Five Pagodas. Enter through the South Gate (Chenghuang Tower) for the classic view, then wander Renmin Road for shops and cafes. The old town is free to enter, but some towers like the South Gate require a small fee of about 35 yuan.
ποΈ Ride the Cangshan Cableway
Take the Cangshan Mountain cableway from the western edge of town for sweeping views of Erhai Lake and the old town below. The Zhonghe cable car costs 110 yuan one-way or 160 round-trip, and it drops you near the Jade Belt Road, a scenic cliffside path. Go early on clear mornings to avoid clouds and crowds, and bring a light jacket as it is cooler at altitude.
π² Cycle Erhai Lake
Rent a bicycle or e-bike in the old town and follow the Erhai Lake cycling path, which stretches over 100 kilometers along the eastern shore. A popular half-day ride is from Caicun Village to Xizhou, passing through rice paddies and small fishing villages. Bike rentals cost about 30 to 60 yuan per day, and you can stop at the Xizhou market for a local breakfast of xidou fen.
ποΈ Explore Xizhou Old Town
Xizhou, about 18 kilometers north of Dali, is a quieter town famous for its preserved Bai courtyard homes and the weekly market. Visit the Yan Family Compound (open 8:30 to 17:30, entrance 60 yuan) to see traditional architecture and marble carvings. The market happens every five days, so check local calendars to catch the lively stalls selling local snacks and handicrafts.
ποΈ Visit the Three Pagodas
The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are Dali's most iconic landmark, set against Cangshan Mountain just northwest of the old town. The site includes the ancient pagodas, a temple complex, and a reflection pond that offers perfect photo opportunities. Admission is 75 yuan, and the site is open from 7:10 to 19:00, so arrive early to beat the tour groups.
π Taste Bai Cuisine
Dali's food scene is a highlight, with Bai specialties like chenggan (sour fish soup), rushan (grilled cheese skewers), and the famous Dali sausage. Head to the night market on Renmin Road for street food stalls that open around 18:00, where you can sample these dishes for 10 to 30 yuan. For a sit-down meal, try the restaurant Duan's Kitchen on Fuxing Road, known for its authentic local recipes.
π Catch a Bai Performance
In the evenings, look for traditional Bai music and dance performances in the old town, often held at the Dali Ancient City Theater or smaller venues near the South Gate. Tickets range from 80 to 150 yuan and usually include a show of the 'Three Courses of Tea' ceremony, a cultural ritual unique to the Bai people. Check with your hotel or local ticket booths for current schedules, as performances vary by season.
π Watch Sunset at Caicun
End your day at Caicun Village, a small fishing village on the western shore of Erhai Lake, about 3 kilometers from the old town. The village is famous for its pier and the best sunset views over the lake, with the Cangshan peaks glowing in the background. You can walk or cycle there in 20 minutes, or take a local bus for 2 yuan, and many visitors stay for dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants.
another thing worth doing is the early morning walk along the old city wall, especially the stretch near the west gate. most people skip it cause it's not marked well, but you can climb up near the erhai gate and follow it north for like twenty minutes. the view over the grey tiled roofs with cangshan behind is way better than the crowded south gate tower, and it's free.
for the three pagodas, if you do pay, go right at opening time and head straight to the reflection pond before the tour buses roll in. by 8am you'll have the place almost to yourself, and the water is still calm so you get that perfect mirror shot. also the marble museum inside the temple complex is randomly fascinating, they've got these huge slabs that look like landscape paintings, worth a quick look if you're already there.
honestly the guide nails it on Xizhou but i'd skip the Yan Family Compound if you're short on time. the real gem is just wandering the back alleys behind the main street, those courtyards are still lived in and you'll see grandpas playing chess under grapevines. grab a bowl of xidou fen from the stall near the old theater instead, it's like 5 yuan and way more filling than the tourist version.
for the cableway, don't bother with the round trip ticket. take the Zhonghe car up, walk the Jade Belt Road for an hour or two, then hike down the stone steps near Gantong Temple. it's a solid 90 minutes downhill but you pass these tiny Bai shrines tucked into the forest that no one talks about. saves you 50 yuan and the views on the way down are better than the ride up anyway. just wear proper shoes, those steps get slick after rain.
and if you're there on a clear evening, skip Caicun for the pier at Wase village on the east shore. it's a bit further but the sunset hits the water differently there, less crowds and you can watch the fishermen pull their nets in. take the number 2 bus from the old town, it's about 40 minutes and costs 3 yuan. the lakeside noodle shack near the bus stop does a killer fried rice with Erhai shrimp, ask for it spicy.
these suggestions are all solid, but nobody mentioned the morning market at the old town's east gate. it runs from like 6am to 9am and it's where the Bai farmers bring in fresh produce, flowers, and those little rice cakes with bean paste. grab a stool at the makeshift noodle stand and watch the city wake up. costs nothing to wander and you'll see more real life than any of the paid sights.
also, if you're in dali for more than two days, take a day trip up to Shaxi. it's about two hours by bus, but the old tea horse road town there is way less restored than Xizhou. the Friday market is the real deal, pigs being walked through the stalls and all. just check the bus schedule back, last one leaves around 4pm and you don't want to get stuck.
3 Days in Dali: Itinerary 2026
Start your first day in Dali Ancient Town, which is compact and walkable. Begin at the South Gate (Chenghai Gate) around 9:00 AM, then stroll north along Fuxing Road, browsing thβ¦ πΊοΈ Day 1 Old Town
Start your first day in Dali Ancient Town, which is compact and walkable. Begin at the South Gate (Chenghai Gate) around 9:00 AM, then stroll north along Fuxing Road, browsing the shops and cafes. Stop for lunch at a local bistro near the Wuhua Tower, where you can try the famous Dali 'rushi' (milk fan) and grilled fish. In the afternoon, visit the Dali Museum of Bai Ethnic Culture (open until 5 PM) to understand the region's history.
ποΈ Day 1 Afternoon Erhai
After the museum, take a taxi or bus (about 20 minutes) to the Erhai Lake west shore, near Caicun Village. Rent a bicycle and ride along the lakeside path, enjoying views of Cangshan Mountain and the lake. Stop at the Xizhou Ancient Town for a quick visit to the Bai courtyard houses, but save a deeper exploration for Day 2. Return to the old town by 6 PM and have dinner at a restaurant on Renmin Road, known for its lively atmosphere.
π― Day 2 Cangshan Mountain
Devote the second day to Cangshan Mountain, which towers west of Dali. Take the cable car from the base station near the old town (about 15 minutes by taxi) up to the Jade Belt Road, a scenic cliffside path. Walk along the road for a few hours, taking in the views of Erhai Lake and the peaks. Bring a light jacket, as temperatures drop at altitude, and pack water and snacks. Descend by cable car in the early afternoon and have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant near the base.
ποΈ Day 2 Xizhou and Zhoucheng
In the afternoon, take a bus or taxi (about 30 minutes) to Xizhou Ancient Town, famous for its well-preserved Bai architecture. Visit the Yan Family Compound (admission around 30 yuan) to see traditional courtyards and local crafts. Then continue to Zhoucheng, a village known for its tie-dye workshops, where you can try making your own piece. Return to Dali old town by evening and enjoy a quiet dinner at a courtyard restaurant.
πΆ Day 3 Erhai Lake Cruise
On your final day, take a morning cruise on Erhai Lake from the Caicun or Xiaguan pier. Cruises typically last 2 to 3 hours and stop at small islands like Jinsuo and Nanzhao, where you can explore temples and villages. Book your ticket the day before, as boats fill up in peak season. After the cruise, have a lakeside lunch at a restaurant in Caicun, sampling fresh fish and local vegetables.
ποΈ Day 3 Afternoon Relaxation
Spend the afternoon at leisure in the old town, perhaps visiting the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (about 20 minutes' walk from the north gate). The pagodas are iconic, and the temple grounds offer a peaceful stroll with views of Cangshan. Alternatively, relax in a tea house on Yangren Street, watching the world go by. In the evening, catch a performance of Bai folk songs or simply enjoy a final dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the old town.
π Getting Around Dali
Dali's main sights are spread out, so plan your transport wisely. Within the old town, walking is best, but for longer distances, use the local buses (2 yuan) or taxis (starting at 8 yuan). To reach Xizhou or Zhoucheng, take a bus from the old town's north gate or hire a private driver for the day, which costs around 300 yuan. For Erhai Lake, bicycles are available for rent at many guesthouses, and electric scooters are also popular.
π° Budget and Tips
A three-day trip in Dali can be done on a budget of about 1,000 yuan per person, excluding accommodation and transport to Dali. Meals at local restaurants cost 30 to 60 yuan per person, while admission to major sights like the Three Pagodas is 75 yuan. Carry cash for small vendors, as not all accept mobile payments. Book accommodation in advance, especially during holidays, and consider staying in a traditional Bai courtyard guesthouse for an authentic experience.
honestly the budget numbers are a bit optimistic, i'd bump it to 1200-1300 if you want any decent coffee or a couple beers at night. also, the battery on those electric scooters around erhai dies faster than you think, especially if you're going past xizhou, so stick to pedal bikes unless you're just doing the caicun stretch.
one thing nobody mentions: the three pagodas are way better at golden hour, like 5:30-6pm, when the light hits the brick and the crowds have thinned out. the ticket includes a small reflection pond on the left side that most people walk right past, and that's where you get the classic shot with cangshan behind it. also, if you're there on a sunday, the bai folk performance at the old town's west gate square is free and way more authentic than the ticketed ones, just locals dancing and singing, no stage.
for food, don't sleep on the night market that sets up along yuxiu road after 8pm, the grilled mushrooms and the sticky rice cakes are the move, and it's where the locals actually eat, not the tourist strips. carry some small bills though, those vendors won't break a 100.
that itinerary is pretty thorough, good job. one thing i'd add is the morning market at the south gate, around 7 to 9am, before the tour groups show up. farmers bring in fresh fruit and flowers, and you can grab a cheap bowl of rice noodles from a stall that's been there for ages. way better than any restaurant breakfast in the old town.
also, dont bother with the museum if the weathers nice. instead, walk up to the city wall near the south gate at sunset, you get a killer view of cangshan turning pink and the whole old
this is a solid itinerary, honestly. one thing i'd add: skip the museum on day 1 and do it on a rainy afternoon, cause you'll be walking past way more interesting stuff on fuxing road. also, the cable car up cangshan can have a long queue by 10am, so go earlier if you can, like 8:30, and grab a window seat on the left side going up, the view of erhai is better from there.
for the xizhou stop, the yan family compound is worth it but the real gem is the old market street just behind it, grab a bowl of xizhou baba there, the savory one with scallions, way better than the sweet tourist version. and when you're in zhoucheng for tie-dye, ask for aunty yang's workshop, it's the third lane on the left past the main square, she's been doing it for 40 years and charges half of what the front shops do.
last tip, for the cruise, book the 9am one from caicun pier, not xiaguan. xiaguan's boats are bigger but they pack you in like sardines, and the small caicun boats let you actually stand at the bow. also, skip the nanzhao island stop if you're short on time, jinsuo island is the one with the tiny fishing village and the best grilled fish stall on the dock