8 Things to Do in Dali: Discovering the Soul of Dalifornia

Dali isn’t just a spot on the map to tick off. It’s a place that calls you back, whispering stories and memories with every corner you wander. I’ve been lucky to visit this charming city in Yunnan, southwest China three times now (2013, 2014, and 2025), and each visit feels like a conversation with an old friend (that has been going through many, mostly positive, changes).

With its mix of ancient culture, ethereal mountains, and a relaxed vibe that has earned it the nickname “Dalifornia,” Dali holds a special place in my heart. Having explored it most recently with Fabio and our friend Adrian (who I knew from when I was living in Shanghai and who we also met up with in Guangzhou later this year), I want to share what we've found... the things to do in Dali that will make you feel alive and connected to one of China's most beautiful cities.

8 Things to Do in Dali, China

1. Walk the Old Streets and Get Lost in Time

Dali Old Town (also called Dali Ancient City) is enchanting but also brimming with tourists, especially on weekends or holidays (we were there during Tomb Sweeping Festival). The main streets are loud with the buzz of nightlife, restaurants, tea shops, and souvenir stalls.

Yet, you will find magic in the smaller alleyways just off the main drag. Narrow, quaint paths where you might get unexpectedly stopped by a dead end (a little playful frustration, really), only to discover calm cafés and quiet spots to soak in the vibe.

If you want to experience Dali’s charm away from the crowds, these alleys are your sanctuary. The architecture tells stories of the Bai people, one of Yunnan's many ethnic minorities, with their white walls and black-tiled roofs, and the intricate wood carvings and paintings speak of a culture both rich and alive.

2. Climb or Ride Up Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain is a must-do, and the easiest way up is the 25-minute chairlift for views over Erhai Lake and the city. I first climbed it alone years ago, embarking on my first solo trip, and it’s been a special place in my heart since. This time, with Fabio, we opted to cheat a little and took the cable car up, not just because we had already hiked a few kilometers to the start, but also to preserve energy for the full day ahead.

From the top, mist often blankets the landscape, adding a mysterious layer to the expansive views over Erhai Lake and the city below. There’s a cozy café atop where we enjoyed milk tea infused with Pu'er tea, a local delight.

Walking down the mountain, you’ll stumble on pagodas and temples, and if the timing aligns, you might witness families honoring their ancestors during Qingming Festival, which felt haunting yet profoundly beautiful.

3. Explore the Bai Culture in Xizhou and Zhoucheng Villages

One of the best ways to get away from the tourist buzz of Dali Old Town is to visit its surrounding Bai villages. Xizhou is lively and showcases the famous indigo tie-dye paintings while still holding onto its historical charm. Sampling delicious nougats and coffee at a historic wooden café became one of my favorite afternoon distractions here.

Then there’s Zhoucheng, a deeper dive into Bai traditions. Known as a “living fossil” of Bai culture, it’s peaceful with preserved wooden houses, temples, and people still practicing age-old customs. Here, cultural immersion felt genuine and I even got to wear traditional Bai clothing, though we quickly learned about the local boundaries of fashion and gender roles!

4. Visit the Iconic Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Temple

No visit to Dali would be complete without seeing the Three Pagodas. Standing for over a thousand years, they are symbols of peace and strength, and they survived a huge earthquake nearly a century ago. What I loved is how they sit beautifully against the backdrop of the mountains and Erhai Lake, creating one of Yunnan’s most famous views.

Within the complex, the Chongsheng Temple offers a peaceful moment to reflect and understand the Buddhist traditions that flow through the region, connecting the past with the present.

5. Taste the Flavors of Bai Cuisine

The must-try Bai dishes are mushroom hot pot, Bai barbecue cooked with walnut oil and tofu, and fried cheese sticks (乳扇). Bai food is hard to forget. From mushroom hot pot (yes, they love mushrooms here!) to fish flavored dishes and the intriguingly named “slutty flowers” vegetable (水性杨花), every bite tells a story. We shared meals with our friend Adrian, whose keen eye helped us navigate menus filled with exciting, rustic dishes.

One evening’s highlight was the Bai barbecue, distinguished by its use of walnut oil and tofu, creating a subtle, earthy flavor that stays with you. And not to miss are the fried cheese sticks (乳扇), a local favorite; the salty ones filled with peanuts were surprisingly delightful, although locals tend to like it sweeter.

6. Bike Around Erhai Lake

Cycling is the best way to see Erhai Lake, and bikes are rented by the hour or day from vendors along the shore. Erhai Lake is a serene giant, a vast body of water embraced by mountains and dotted with cafés and restaurants along its shores. Renting a bike and cycling its trails became a perfect way to experience the laid-back lifestyle that defines Dalifornia. We couldn’t do the full 116 kilometers, but the stretch we rode offered quiet moments among vibrant blooming flowers and stunning landscapes.

Tip: To rent a bike, just go to the shores of Erhai Lake from the old town and there will be numerous vendors renting out bikes by the hour or day.

If you have more time on your Dali adventure, the far side of the lake is meant to be stunning and very off-the-beaten-path.

7. Discover Dalifornia’s Hip and Laid-Back Spots

Dali is more than history and nature; it’s grown into a refuge for young people seeking freedom from China’s high-pressure cities. Places like the Retiree’s Society bar and Chai Mi Duo Ranch offer local hangouts that mix the old with the new... bonfires, coffee bars tucked in old construction sites, and beer gardens run by kind locals.

This new vibe is a contrast to the bustling old town. It reflects a town finding its own rhythm, a gentler pace, a place where creativity and chill coexist. I felt it deeply, like the city invited me to pause, breathe, and choose a lighter load.

8. Explore the Old Meets New at Dragon’s Tail Village

For a taste of something different, head to Longwei Guan (Dragon’s Tail Village). It’s a bit off the typical tourist track but well worth it. Here, mud-brick walls, some dating back over 100 years, sit juxtaposed with new developments. The quiet streets, historical buildings, and friendly cafés make it a perfect spot for reflective strolling and capture a side of Dali few get to see.

This had to have been one of my favorite spots of Dali despite being skeptical at first about its proximity to the new city.

Best Tours and Tickets in Dali

Here are the tours and tickets worth booking ahead for the things on this list, from a single chairlift ticket to a full Yunnan circuit.

Booking on GetYourGuide? Download the GetYourGuide app and use code THEFABRYK5 for 5% off your first tour or experience.

FAQs About Visiting Dali

Where to Stay in Dali

If it's your first time in Dali and you don't have much time, the ancient city (Old Town) is the place to be. You can walk to the restaurants, cafés, and alleys from your door. But Erhai Lake is fabulous too, with water views and a lot more quiet. Below are four places to stay, from the luxury splurge to the guesthouse we booked ourselves.

Dali has a wide range of places to stay, from boutique guesthouses tucked into the old town’s alleys to lakeside villas with sweeping views of Erhai.

Dali Palace Hotel

Dali Palace Hotel is the luxury option. A curved, skylight-style opening frames the lake and mountains, and the rooms are spacious, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a landscaped garden.

Dali Yunyi Xinghe Meisu

Dali Yunyi Xinghe Meisu gives you lake views, away from the craziness of the ancient city. The rooms look straight out over the water and mountains, and the bathroom has a freestanding tub facing the lake.

Ni Xin Li

Ni Xin Li is also on the lake. Rooms have sliding glass doors out to a balcony with mountain views, and there's an outdoor pool facing the water.

Where We Stayed: A Traditional Bai Courtyard Guesthouse

For a more local experience, we stayed in a traditional Bai courtyard guesthouse. It's warm, family-run, has beautiful architecture, is very affordable, and we loved the breakfast.

If you want to be close to the action, the old town is lively and convenient, but for peace and quiet, look to the villages around Erhai Lake or even Xizhou. No matter your budget, you’ll find a spot that feels like a home away from home.

How to Get to Dali

Getting to Dali is straightforward, with several options depending on your starting point and travel style.

By Train:
The most scenic and convenient way is by high-speed train. Dali is well-connected to Kunming (about 2 hours) and Lijiang (about 1.5 hours) via modern, comfortable trains. I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance through Trip.com for the best prices and English support.

By Air:
Dali Airport (DLU) has direct flights from major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. Flights are quick and convenient if you’re coming from farther away, but the train journey is often more relaxing and scenic.

Tip:
If you’re traveling from Kunming or Lijiang, the train is usually faster and more comfortable than flying, plus you’ll get to see some beautiful Yunnan countryside along the way.

How to Get Around Dali

Getting around Dali is refreshingly easy. The old town itself is best explored on foot, as its narrow lanes are made for wandering.

For longer distances, renting a bike or e-bike is a popular choice, especially for exploring Erhai Lake or nearby villages.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available, but don’t expect the same coverage as in bigger cities. We were left waiting for a good 20 minutes at some point trying to use DiDi.

Local buses connect most major spots, and if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a shared minivan for a truly local experience.

However, you choose to move, the journey is part of the adventure in Dali.

Before You Go: China Travel Essentials

Sort three things before you land in China: an eSIM, a VPN, and WeChat and Alipay. The VPN is the one you can't leave for later, since you can't download one once you're inside the country.

eSIM for China

Get an eSIM before you land, so you're not relying on hotel WiFi or swapping SIMs. Trip.com's eSIM cards are good value and worked well for us across Yunnan. Not sure which to pick? See our eSIM comparison, or roaming vs eSIM if you're still deciding.

VPN for China

Download and test your VPN before you leave home. You'll need it for Instagram, Google, WhatsApp, and most Western apps. Our VPN guide explains why.

Payments and Apps

WeChat and Alipay cover almost everything once you link an international card, so set both up before you arrive. Add AMap for navigation (Google Maps is unreliable in China), DiDi for rides, and Trip.com for trains, hotels, and activities. Carry a little cash as backup. For food, here's how to use Meituan.

Travel Insurance

Get your Genki travel insurance before you go. Here's our Genki review if you want the details.

Visa

Many nationalities, including the UK, Canada, most of Europe, and Australia, get 30-day visa-free entry to China as of 2026. US citizens should check current requirements with the Chinese embassy before booking. More in our Yunnan visa FAQ, and always verify the latest rules, since they change.

Final Thoughts

Throughout my visits to Dali, I realized this city is more than the sights... it’s about how it makes you feel. It’s that softness and magic I can’t fully explain, but know I’ll keep returning to. Whether you’re hiking, eating, cycling, or just wandering through a quiet alley, there’s a piece of your soul waiting to be stirred here.

Taking in all that Dali offers is an experience in slowing down, living lighter, and reclaiming the joy of discovery. It’s a place where you can remember who you are when you feel most alive.

Whether it’s your first time or your third visit, Dali keeps unfolding new stories for you to uncover. If you only have two days, spend them on the Old Town alleys, Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, and one of the Bai villages.

Safe travels, and may your journey be as rich as mine.