Top Things to do in Dali
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What to do and see in Dali, China: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Dali, China including Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town, Cangshan Mountain, Chongsheng Three Pagodas, Xizhou Town, Erhai Lake, Mt.Cangshan and Erhai Lake Scenic Resort, Dali Ancient, Dali Cang Mountain, Dali Foreigner Street, Three Pagodas reflection Park.
Restaurants in Dali
1. Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By ecotravelz
Booked for 4 days and stayed 6. Wonderful small village surrounded by rice paddies, other villages, and friewndly people. The Friday local market is a must. Lovely restaurants, and we hired the e-Bikes (40rmb ea per day) to explore the countryside. Gumo Hotel was the best on our 10 week trip. Highly Recommended. Go there before the Chinese govt spoils it as a "tourist destination".
2. Cangshan Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By LG_Kay - Singapore, Singapore
I spent 4.5 hours at Canshan, but was insufficient to visit majority of attractions. I recommend allocating 1 full day for the visit. Cangshan entrance ticket 40rmb, while the cable car ticket from bottom to top (2-way) is a hefty 300rmb. To be fair, the cable car ride was long, took more than 30 mins to reach the top.
At the mountain top, one can do a round loop and visit Ximatan Pool (洗马潭). The hike was easy, with boardwalks and clear signages. Unfortunately, it was drizzling and the weather was foggy. Hence, I couldn’t have a good view of the lake.
Next, I took the cable car to the middle section of the mountain and headed to Qilongnv Pool (Seven Dragon Fairies Pool, 七龙女池), by walking down a few hundreds steps. One can pay for the tram ride to the bottom (and vice versa) to minimise walking. About 15mins, I arrived at the base of Qilongnv Pool. There was a restaurant, but not operating due to low peak season, I supposed. I only managed to explore the nearby waterfall, but didn’t have enough time to hike to the actual pool. There was a sign indicating that it takes 4 hours to hike to Zhonghe Temple. I didn’t realise the mountain attractions were far apart and didn’t plan for 1 day stay here. See my photo for Cangshan map.
I climbed up the hundreds of steps back to the middle section of cable car & then took the cable car back to the base. It was already 2:30pm. I would have love to cover more places in future, hopefully with a clear & sunny day.
3. Chongsheng Three Pagodas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 413 reviews
Reviewed By crosswycke - Boulder, Colorado
It was worth stopping by just to see them and take a photo because of their historic significance. However, it will take you only a short time for that.
4. Xizhou Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By OneAddictedTraveler - Lake Elmo, Minnesota
Xizhou has a much more authentic feel than Old Dali. We visited on a market day and the streets were filled with many more buyers than tourists. Wander in the residential areas to see how things used to be all over. Narrow streets with high walls separating the inner domestic life from the street view.
5. Erhai Lake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 475 reviews
Reviewed By 29grapes - Los Angeles
Large monotonous lake front. If you want to get near the water you will have to buy a ticket to some thing. Usually costing 90 yuan or more.
6. Mt.Cangshan and Erhai Lake Scenic Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By BrotherYo - Montreal, Canada
If you want to admire Erhai and the surrounding villages below, there are two different cable cars on Cangshan. A Mid-level on Gantong Road brings you @ 3,000 meters or the higher one, facing Old Dali, at 3,900 meters. A little cold so bring wear warm clothing especially if you have kids
7. Dali Ancient
Overall Ratings
4 based on 765 reviews
Most travelers head straight for the ancient city of Dali, also known as Dali Gucheng. The old city is where the three pagodas and Foreigner's Street are located, while Erhai lake is closer to the new city.
Reviewed By Fangxin S
Old town is very easily accessible and the map is clear with appropriate legends. Highly recommend the guided tour here which includes a mini-van ride around the old town. Very well preserved, very beautiful!
8. Dali Cang Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By nellielim - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Changshan seen from miles around is snow peaked. There are 19 peaks altogether and they all are over 3000 meters above sea level. There is a paved walkway from the top chairlift station that passes several Waterfalls and overlooks the city of Dali and Erhai Lake. Marvelous view and an easy walk. .
9. Dali Foreigner Street
Overall Ratings
4 based on 308 reviews
This street is where the famous cafes and guesthouses cluster along with souvenir shops and other interesting stores to create a little tourist paradise.
Reviewed By Julie D - Australia
It's called Foreigner Street, but we only saw a handful of "foreigners" during our three day stay in Dali! It was nice to find english signage (as well as Chinese) explaining the various shops and buildings, unlike many other areas we'd already visited in China. I agree with other posts here, this street is only one of many similar streets in Dali Ancient Town, but it has an abundance of shops and restaurants and very special architecture. Another notable postive, is that unlike so many other places in SE Asia, the local vendors don't hassle you to buy their goods which makes the visit much more enjoyable. .
10. Three Pagodas reflection Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Esther P - Chicago, Illinois
It is easy to spend a few hours here. The setting is lovely, the plantings are beautiful and the pagodas very picturesque. There is a tram that will take you around, but it is nice to walk at your own pace. Be sure to visit the 5-star bathroom on the property. It is beautiful, spa-like and there is no charge!
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