Travel Destinations: Dali, China

When you visit the wonderful town of Dali you will be met with the question – Dali or Lijiang? Whether you are on a bus, in a temple, at the market or checking into your hotel, you will be asked this time and time again.

Situated between Erhai Lake and majestic mountains, Dali is a great place for tourists. Lijiang’s old town has beauty and character and offers a great respite from the crowds. Although not a place most travellers would go to, Dali is a great town if you want to explore central Yunnan province and interact with the Bai ethnic group who live here.

Dali was the centre of operations for five centuries when Yunnan ruled itself. The Bai people are main ethnic group in the region, numbering about 1.5 million. It is believed that they have lived in this area for about 3,000 years and in the 8th century they established the Nanzhao kingdom after defeating the Tang imperial army.

This kingdom had much influence throughout the southern part of China and even other parts of Southeast Asia, controlling parts of Burma during the 9th century. However, during the 13th century the Nanzhao kingdom fell to the Mongols under Kublai Khan.



There are some wonderful sights to visit in Dali. The first cultural attraction on your list should be the Three Pagodas, one of the oldest sights in southwest China. Qianxun Pagoda is the tallest, with 16 tiers that stetch to 70m. It was first created in the mid-9th century by workers from Xi’an. On either side, it is flanked by two smaller pagodas that are 10 storeys high.

Although you cannot enter the pagodas, you can still visit the Chongsheng Temple located behind them. In the traditional Yunnanese fashion, the temple is laid out in three layers of buildings that line up perfectly with the sacred peak behind them. The temple has been restored and now has a museum where you can learn all about its history and the three pagodas.

The Dali Museum (Dali Shi Bowuguan) is another interesting place to visit. Here, you can view some remarkable archaeological artefacts that show the history and cultural of the Bai people and a number of beautiful marble stelae.



The best time to come to Dali is during the Third Moon Fair (Sanyue Jie) which commences on the 15th day of the third lunar month (generally April in western calendars) until the 21st. This festival holds its roots in an ancient legend where the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Guangyin, visited the Nanzhao kingdom. People from all over Yunnan visit Dali on these days to drink, shop, sell and celebrate.

One of the main attractions in Dali is a visit to the Erhai Hu (Ear-Shaped Lake) which is the seventh largest lake in China. Sitting 1973m above sea level, this is a great place for hikers or bicycle riders who want to explore traditional little villages and temples which are scattered all around the lake. You can also catch a boat which will take you across the water.



If you are a shopper, then you will not be disappointed. There are several markets in and around Dali that will make your heart flutter. The markets used to follow the lunar month but have now made a regular scheme so that tourists can shop here at least once a week.

Dali is a wonderful place to visit. If you want to explore natural beauty, cultural attractions, ancient temples and get to know one of the many different ethnic groups in China, than Dali is the place for you.