Dali Old Town
A laid-back town between Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountains, known for Bai minority culture and marble crafts.
History & Background
Dali Old Town was the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms from the 8th to 13th centuries. Located between Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountains, it features Bai minority architecture with white-washed walls and painted decorations. The town retains its grid layout from the Ming dynasty, with four gates and a central bell tower.
What to See & Do
- Foreigner Street with cafes and boutiques
- Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
- Erhai Lake cycling path
- Bai minority tie-dye workshops
- Cangshan Mountain cable car and hiking trails
Visitor Tips
- Rent a bike to cycle around Erhai Lake
- Visit the Three Pagodas early morning
- Try Bai cuisine including sour fish and rice noodles
- Explore the Sunday market for local crafts
- Stay in a boutique hotel in the old town
Visit Dali Old Town with QTour
Our private tours include this attraction with an expert guide, private vehicle, and flexible itinerary.
QTour builds private itineraries around Dali Old Town with a dedicated English-speaking guide and a private air-conditioned vehicle. Your guide arranges entrance tickets, skips the queues where possible and explains the history in your language — no fixed group schedule and no shopping stops. Every booking follows our one-booking-one-team policy.
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