Dali’s new art and photography district is a wonderful addition to the old town. At the Dali Art Factory you will find a number of galleries displaying modern Chinese artwork, in a range of artistic styles and disciplines, from paintings, to photography, to printing. A noteworthy highlight is the old photography exhibition, with photos of […]
Cycling Around Er Hai Lake
By Norm Kummer. The Old Town of Dali has the Cang Mountains (苍山) on one side, and ErHai (洱海) lake on the other. The mountains run from north to south and tower 2,000 meters above the town, reaching a height of 4,000 meters above sea level. The lake, to the east of the town, is the […]
Eye of Dali Dream Theatre
Epic theatrical performances set on a lake have been growing in popularity in China ever since legendary Chinese film director Zhang Yimou choreographed the stunning “Impression” show in Lijiang. But you do not need to travel that far to take in one of these wonderful shows. Dali has its own outdoor theatre where you […]
Zhang’s Culture Garden
Experience local ‘Bai’ culture at the home of a local merchant family. Expect traditional music and dancing performance, tea tasting, local architecture, and a working temple complex. Zhang’s Culture Garden has been welcoming tourists to its expansive grounds since 2008. Covering over 5 square kilometres, the site is filled with traditional Bai buildings and landscaped […]
The Definitive Guide to Cycling ErHai Lake, Dali, China
The Definitive Guide to Cycling ErHai Lake By Norm Kummer The Old Town of Dali has the CangShan Mountains (苍山) on one side, and ErHai (洱海) lake on the other. The mountains run from north to south and tower 2,000 meters above the town, reaching a height of 4,000 meters above sea level. The lake, […]
Tea Plantation Experience
Visit a beautiful mountainside tea plantation for a unique hands-on experience. Pick and process your own tea before relaxing, admiring the stunning views and enjoying the fruits of your labour. For a thousand years Dali served as a crossroads on the ancient Tea and Horse Trail, which was often referred to as the Southern Silk […]
Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Temple
Often regarded as the symbol of Dali, the Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Temple Complex can be found approximately 1.5 kilometers north of Dali Old Town, along highway 214. The biggest pagoda, Qianxun, was built during the 9th century. It is square in shape, has sixteen stories, and stands 69 meters tall, making it one of the […]
Dali Nightlife – The Best Bars in Town
The Bad Monkey The Bad Monkey has been rocking the house since 2003. Owned by two Englishmen who have built the ultimate live music bar, the Bad Monkey offers a great party atmosphere every night. The business expanded in 2010, as the owners set out to revolutionize the beer drinking culture in China, by […]
Grand Tour of ErHai Lake
Grand Tour of the Lake A visit to the villages around ErHai lake is an important part of the Dali experience. Here is a recommended tour itinerary taking in some of the most important spots around the lake. This tour can be done by taxi, local buses, motorbike or it can be cycled. A decent […]
Wu Wei Si Temple, Dali, China
WuWeiSi (无为寺) is located about 12km Northwest of Dali Old Town. It is a popular place for learning Kung Fu or Tai Chi. Cost: 500RMB per week (which includes dorm accommodation, vegetarian food and lessons). The cost is non-refundable and non-negotiable. Therefore if you want to stay only one day it will still cost 500RMB. […]