Travel guide

Dali

Bai culture by a mountain lake

🗓️ Best time: March–May, September–November💰 Budget · ~$55/day📍 China

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About Dali

A mellow Yunnan town between the Cangshan mountains and vast Erhai Lake — a walled old town of the Bai people, three ancient pagodas, cycling the lakeshore, and a bohemian traveller vibe.

⭐ Things to do in Dali

Dali Old TownThree PagodasErhai Lake cycleCangshan cable carXizhou Bai villageShuanglang lakeside villageXizhou tie-dye workshopsZhoucheng market

🍽️ What to eat in Dali

Signature local dishes worth seeking out.

Erkuai rice cakesRushan cheese fansYunnan rice noodlesBai-style fish

✈️ Know before you go

🚕 Getting around

Walkable old town; e-bikes and buses around the lake.

💡 Local tip

Rent an e-bike to loop part of Erhai Lake, stopping at Bai villages and cafés.

🛡️ Safety

Very safe for tourists; set up a payment app and a VPN before arrival as many Western apps are blocked.

🌙 Nightlife

Foreigner Street bars and lakeside cafés.