What to do in Dali Old Town?

Last updated: Jun 12,2025 By: Cindy; Hits: 269

Where is Dali Dld Town?

Dali old town is located in Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. It was first built during the 15th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (AD 1382), covering an area of twelve li. It was renovated in 1982. The city walls of Dali Old Town are 2.5 zhang high and 2 zhang thick. There are city gates at the east, west, south, and north sides, each with a city tower, and there are corner towers at the four corners. In the early years of the People's Republic of China, the city walls were demolished. In 1982, the South Gate was rebuilt, with the characters ‘Dali’ on the gatehead written in the calligraphy of Guo Moruo.

dali

The South Gate of Dali Old Town is the main entrance for visitors to the ancient city. Passing through the South Gate, a road called Fuxing Road leads straight to the North Gate, connecting the bustling scenes of the entire ancient city. Both sides of the street are lined with shops, offering a dazzling array of unique products—marble crafts with distinctive patterns, colourful tie-dyed textiles, and various ethnic handicrafts and jade jewellery, all showcasing the culture of Dali in Yunnan.

Walking through the crisscrossing alleys, traditional Bai ethnic group dwellings are everywhere. These well-preserved old courtyard houses feature lush flowers and trees, the sound of birds chirping, and clear streams flowing gently along the gutters by the streets. The ancient city's charm of ‘three households sharing a well, each household with several flower pots’ remains vibrant and lively.

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Running east-west is Huguo Road, the most internationally flavoured district in Dali Old Town. Along the street are restaurants, cafes, and tea houses blending Chinese and Western styles. The signs of various shops use multilingual labels, attracting tourists from around the world to linger here. They may sip tea and chat, or search for unique souvenirs, captivated by the Eastern charm of these streets.

Now that we know the location of Dali Old Town and understand its history and culture, let's explore what we can do there.

What to do in Dali Old Town?

The 10 must-do activities in Dali Old Town will let you experience the slow pace of life in Yunnan Dali!

Yunnan boasts diverse natural beauty, and Dali Old Town stands apart with its own serene rural landscapes. Here, you can listen to the winds of Xiaguan, admire the flowers of Shanguan, gaze at the snow-capped Cangshan Mountains, and watch the moon over Erhai Lake.

Dali Old Town has a unique charm at night. Strolling through its streets, you can feel the peace and beauty of the surroundings.

Take a boat ride on Erhai Lake to admire the sea of clouds and lake views.
Stand on the city walls and watch the clouds roll by over Cangshan Mountain.
Visit the Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas to feel the ancient history of the city.
Watch an open-air movie in the ancient city and experience the simple joy of the moment.
Send a postcard from the ancient city to share this beauty with friends and family far away.
Visit the Dali City Museum to learn more about Dali's history and culture.
Explore the ancient city in search of various delicacies and savour the local specialities.
Search for various stamps in the ancient city and collect them.

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Enjoy a bottle of ‘Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon’ beer, produced in Dali, within the ancient city.

There are many more things to do in Dali Old Town, allowing you to truly enjoy the freedom and leisure of a slow-paced life. More adventures await us as we explore together, seeking the longing in our hearts.

Now that we know what to do in Dali Old Town, are there any more beautiful attractions around us? Below, we recommend some must-visit attractions to help you experience the history and culture of Dali Old Town.

What are the tourist attractions in Dali Old Town?

Dali Old Town, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, faces Erhai Lake to the east and Cangshan Mountain to the west, offering a unique sense of peace and charm. Here are a few recommended tourist attractions in Dali Old Town:

South Gate of the Ancient City: Climb the city walls for a panoramic view of the entire ancient city, an ideal spot for photography and sightseeing.

South Gate of the Ancient City

Wuhua Tower: A iconic landmark of the ancient city, visible from the main street. Climbing the tower offers stunning views of the ancient city.

Wuhua Tower

President's Military Headquarters: Experience the weight of history.

President's Military Headquarters

Dali Rural Film History Museum: Learn about Dali's film history.

Dali Rural Film History Museum

Catholic Church: A church with a foreign-style architectural design.

Catholic Church

Wu Temple Fair: Experience traditional temple fair culture.

Wu Temple Fair

Yu'er Garden: The garden is shaded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls.

Yu'er Garden

Conclusion:

The above is an introduction to Dali Old Town in Yunnan Province, China. For more travel attractions and recommendations, please contact us. We have a professional team and customised travel services to provide you with additional travel tips and insights into China.

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