Top Things to do in Dali
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What to do and see in Dali, Yunnan: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Dali, China including Dali Countryside Trips, ClimbDali, Rice & Friends Chinese Cooking School, Cangshan Mountain, Mt.Cangshan and Erhai Lake Scenic Resort, Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town, Xizhou Town, Erhai Lake, Dali Foreigner Street, Dali Ancient.
Restaurants in Dali
1. Dali Countryside Trips
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 63 reviews
Non touristy individual tours, foreign run China travelagency, 20 years travelexperience, personal service.
2. ClimbDali
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
Climb Dali offers guided trips involving a range of outdoor activities. We specialize in developing custom outdoor adventure programs that include any combination of rock climbing, trekking, cycling, flatwater kayaking, and river rafting, all of which include certified guides and equipment. All of our programs are operated in stunning locations around Dali and greater northwest Yunnan, well off the beaten path. If you want to experience the Yunnan that hasn't been modified for tourists, get in touch with us!
3. Rice & Friends Chinese Cooking School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 205 reviews
Rice & Friends Chinese cooking school offers hands-on Chinese cooking courses with English instruction in a beautiful open-air setup with mountain views. It is a very authentic and personal 5-hour cooking experience, including outdoor-market shopping for ingredients, introduction to the theory of Chinese cooking, hands-on preparation of 3 dishes with a recipe booklet to take away and plenty of time for everybody to sit down together and enjoy the meal they cooked themselves. The receipes has been tested overseas and specially designed in order to make sure you can still get all the ingredients for those dishes when you are back home.
Reviewed By X8959NQmarcoc - Florence, Italy
Luxi is an amazing person, full of knowledge of food and chinese culture. She speaks perfect english and communication among us was great. Our was not just a cooking class but a journey thru local flavours and chinese history. I really reccomend taking this class (we did the "classic three chinese dishes" class) as this was our hilight in Dali. Marco
4. Cangshan Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Reviewed By JY-has-to-travel - Singapore, Singapore
Took a Didi from our AirBnB near Ancient town which costed 21 CNY to to Gantong cablecar station. Cabled up to Jade Belt road, and had a very enjoyable hike from that point till Zhonghe cablecar station before cabling down. Well paved route. Tranquil. Few hikers/ walkers. Just need to carry 500ml water with you as there are vendors selling water at each cablecar station point. Xima pool upper cablecar was closed due to strong winds. In my opinion, Qilongnv pools were mediocre. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the walk thoroughly and would be happy to do it once more if we ever visit Dali again.
5. Mt.Cangshan and Erhai Lake Scenic Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By johndY7436ZA
This mountain is amazing, it can be a little crowded, but if on the walk way you head south, you will find yourself away from most people and when you get to the cable cart, do not take it!! Go down the mountain by foot, you will find some awesome bridges, and the whole trail is next to the stream! Barely anyone around, it does take you out south, but jump on a bus in the Main Street and it will take you to the gate of old town in a heart beat!
6. Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Reviewed By mattodowd - Beijing, China
We were here for Chinese New Year eve and the atmosphere was lovely, with lots of people on the streets setting off firecrackers, children playing and fireworks. I've been to many ancient towns in China, and this was one of my favourites. There are some really quaint bars, restaurants and souvenir shops, and lovely mountain views. Would recommend staying a night here, as the atmosphere in the evening is excellent. There are plenty of hotels/hostels inside the town. Entry is free. The village is located in between Lijiang and Dali. You may wish to combine with a trip to Shibaoshan (石宝山), just 14km away. Name in Chinese: 沙溪古镇
7. Xizhou Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By greggyalkey - Suzhou, China
I enjoyed wandering Xizhou Town. I have been to many ancient cities in China and this particular city has a beautiful backdrop that being the lake surrounded by rice fields. There is plenty to do and enjoy here. I suggest taking a morning and or afternoon to explore and enjoy.
8. Erhai Lake
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 550 reviews
Reviewed By ankyfire - Shanghai, China
I rented a bike and rode along the lake from Dali ancient town to Xizhou and the butterfly spring. It was amazing and I’m already planning my next trip to Dali and riding around the lake (more days needed for that tho!)
9. Dali Foreigner Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 364 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 greggyalkey - Suzhou, China
Dali Foreigner Street is located in Dali Ancient City. There isn't anything really special about this street as most of what you see here you will see throughout the Ancient City. Dali Ancient City is wonderful. Like the Foreigner Street, there are lots of shops, restaurants and bars to enjoy. I suggest staying in Dali Ancient City in one of the many Inns. I had a delightful stay and enjoyed the warm and welcoming locals.
10. Dali Ancient
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 870 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 111KItch
Such a beautiful town, Relaxed and friendly atmosphere, plenty of good restaurants and bars, stunning views from every angle. It is romantic, charming and not overly comercial. Well worth a visit!
