Dali

大理

An ancient town on the shores of Erhai Lake, famous for its white marble, traditional Bai architecture, and vibrant backpacker scene. The laid-back atmosphere and surrounding hiking trails make it a popular rest stop on the Yunnan circuit.

Things to do

• Erhai Lake Boat Tour — Cruise across Yunnan's second-largest freshwater lake to visit fishing villages and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and Bai settlements.
• Ancient Town Walking — Stroll through Dali's UNESCO-listed old town with its marble-paved streets, traditional whitewashed buildings with grey tile roofs, and local shops selling silver jewelry and tie-dye textiles.
• Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple — Visit the iconic 10th-century Buddhist monuments featuring a main 16-tier marble pagoda surrounded by two smaller ones, beautifully reflected in the lake.
• Cangshan Mountain Hiking — Trek the slopes of this dramatic mountain range towering above Dali, passing through alpine meadows and encountering 19 clear streams fed by snowmelt.
• Xizhou Bai Village Visit — Cycle to this traditional village 18 kilometers north to experience authentic Bai family compounds, indigo dyeing workshops, and local hospitality.
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Day Trip — Take a scenic drive to Lijiang's famous snow-capped peak for mountain views, though most hikes begin from Lijiang itself.
• Local Markets and Silver Shops — Browse Dali's night market for street food and crafts, or visit family-run silver workshops where artisans create traditional Bai jewelry using centuries-old techniques.

Food to try

• Dali Bai Congee with Pickles — A savory rice porridge served with fermented vegetables, preserved eggs, and fresh herbs that is a beloved local breakfast staple throughout the region.
• Xizhou Bai Baked Goods — Crispy sesame-crusted flatbreads stuffed with spiced meat, potatoes, or cheese—a specialty of Xizhou village often sold warm from communal ovens.
• Fresh Erhai Lake Fish — Local whitefish and carp caught daily from the lake, typically steamed or braised with ginger, scallions, and preserved plums for a delicate, aromatic dish.
• Bai Three-Course Meal Experience — A traditional multi-dish spread including roasted chicken, stir-fried local greens, preserved vegetables, and sour fish soup served in family-run restaurants.
• Dali Cheese and Yogurt — Creamy local dairy products made using traditional methods, often served as a light dessert with honey or sold fresh at morning markets.
• Herbal Hot Pot — A warming communal dish simmered with local herbs, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables reflecting Yunnan's medicinal cooking traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Temple Etiquette — When visiting Buddhist temples like Chongsheng, remove shoes before entering, avoid pointing at statues, and dress modestly out of respect for sacred spaces.
• Learn Basic Bai Greetings — The Bai people appreciate visitors who attempt their language; 'hello' is 'Xiangni' and 'thank you' is 'Xiangni kua,' and these efforts open doors to warmer interactions.
• Shop and Bargain Respectfully — Haggling is expected in markets but should be done lightheartedly and without aggression; many vendors are family artisans proud of their craftsmanship, not just merchants.
• Observe Festival Timing — Dali's Third Moon Fair (typically March) brings massive crowds and higher prices; visiting shoulder seasons offers more authentic experiences with local communities.