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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Dali [2025]
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Cangshan Mountain
4.5
/5
6458 reviews
8.4
From AU$ 23.75
Based on 336 reviews
Cangshan Scenic Area | 15.9 km from downtown
Phone 0872-5365006
Address: Xiyinxian Road, Dali Ancient City, Dali, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.3 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Dali
Highlights:
10 temples & 20 natural attractions
Unique geological landscapes displayed
Saved by 607 users3905 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Those who don't want to walk should definitely buy a ticket for the Xilongtan cable car, which takes them directly to an altitude of 3,900 meters. Cangshan is a palette of colors overturned by the Creator, and at an altitude of nearly 4,000 meters, it still hides miracles of life. The mist flows like a flowing yarn, drifting over the fir forest, and dewdrops on the pine needles reflect fragments of light. The wind blows through the azalea bushes, bringing with it bursts of floral fragrance, and the colorful azaleas bloom vibrantly in the cracks of the rocks. If you have good legs, go for it!
Cangshan Mountain is absolutely worth a visit! As one of Dali's four scenic spots, "Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon," it's not only a perfect blend of nature and culture, but also a treasure of the World Geopark.
🌟 Five Must-Experience Highlights of Cangshan Mountain
1. The "Cangshan Snow" spectacle: The summit is covered in snow year-round, resembling a silver dragon in the sunlight. The stunning "mountain snow reflecting the sea" against Erhai Lake creates a picture-perfect Dali postcard. The snow is at its peak in winter, but you can still see remnants of snow at Ximatan Lake in summer.
2. Three Cableways, Three Views
- Ximatan Cableway: The only cableway that reaches the summit (3,966 meters above sea level), offering breathtaking views of the alpine lake and glacial remains. On clear days, the experience is truly breathtaking.
- Gantong Cableway: Connecting scenic spots like Qingbi Creek and Zhenlong Chess Game, the terminal is near Jizhao Nunnery, known as "China's Most Beautiful Nunnery" (the succulent garden and 20 element vegetarian dishes are a great value). - Zhonghe Cableway: An open-air cable car, perfect for thrill-seekers, offering panoramic views of Erhai Lake along the way.
3. Jade Belt Cloud Route: A gentle 11.5-kilometer hike at 2,600 meters above sea level, traversing the misty slopes of Cangshan Mountain. Along the way, visitors can admire the Seven Dragon Maiden Pool, waterfalls, and primeval forests. It's perfect for light hikers.
4. Shimenguan: A treacherous and unique cliff plank road with a glass observation deck, overlooking a 100-meter abyss, offers a historical experience along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It's perfect for adventurous travelers.
5. Immerse yourself in Bai culture at the foot of the mountain: Gantong Temple, the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, and other historical sites blend Buddhism and Bai customs. Don't miss the Three-Course Tea performance at the cable car station.
⚠️ Notes
- Weather Sensitive: The Ximatan Cableway is often temporarily closed due to strong winds. It's recommended to prioritize your summit ascent in the morning.
- Altitude Sickness Prevention: The summit is nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, so slow down and bring oxygen tanks (available at the scenic area). - Clothing Guide: A jacket is necessary even in summer, and a down jacket is recommended for the summit (rentals available at the foot of the mountain).
- Save on Tickets: A combined ticket (including the cable car) is more cost-effective than purchasing them individually, and there are many discounts when purchasing online in advance.
📅 Best Season Recommendations
- Spring (March-May): Azaleas blanket the mountains, especially around Ximatan Lake.
- Autumn (September-November): Sunny days are common, with a high probability of seas of clouds, making it the best time for hiking.
Summary: Cangshan is suitable for those who enjoy nature, photography, and light hiking. For a family trip, consider the Gantong Cable Car and Jizhao Temple combo. If time is limited, consider the Ximatan Cable Car and Yudai Road half-day tour, which is perfect paired with a bike ride around Erhai Lake!
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The Chongsheng Temple And The Three-Pagoda Culture Tourist Area
4.7
/5
12131 reviews
8.2
From AU$ 15.76
Based on 522 reviews
Dali Ancient City | 16.6 km from downtown
Phone 4009001558
Address: Southwest corner of the intersection of Santa Road and Wenbi Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Three Pagodas Reflection Pond views
Perfect spot for tower reflections
Saved by 499 users5840 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
During the last half day of my trip to Dali, I chose the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple after much deliberation. It is really worth a visit and lives up to its status as a 5A scenic spot. It is free for college entrance examination candidates. You can buy a round-trip electric car and have a tour guide to take you around. It is relaxing and gives you a deeper understanding of the scenic spot.
The Chongsheng Three Pagodas are probably the earliest national cultural relics protection sites in Dali. The three pagodas represent Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Numerous cultural relics from the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Dali Kingdom have been unearthed, providing a wealth of evidence for the study of Buddhist culture at that time.
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Erhai Lake
4.6
/5
8103 reviews
8.1
Based on 559 reviews
Small Putuo Scenic Area of Wase Town | 22.7 km from downtown
Address: No. 1 Henan Road, Xiaguan, Dali
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Dali
Highlights:
Nearby towns with historical heritage
National scenic area & lake
Saved by 983 users2968 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Today I went to a mountain road near the Three Pagodas Temple. There were few people and the scenery was beautiful. I should be able to shoot a popular video, but unfortunately I don't know how to shoot. I also saw a rainbow on the way back. I stayed in a small courtyard by the Erhai Lake. The terrace overlooked the Erhai Lake. The breeze was refreshing. I liked to sit on it and drink tea.
The lake of the Bohai Sea is wide and quiet, often shrouded in mist in the morning, like a light colored ink. The boat was rowing out, and the lake was full of ripples, reflecting the distant mountains and white towers, and the picture was extremely soft. The path by the lake is the rice fields and ancient villages, and you can feel the strong atmosphere of life when you walk. In the evening, the sunset falls on the lake, the sky is the same color, the sunset is shining. The most touching thing is the "slow beauty": no need to deliberately, time is here quietly flowing.
No.
4
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Dali Ancient City
4.7
/5
9604 reviews
7.7
Based on 883 reviews
Dali Ancient City | 14.3 km from downtown
Address: No. 42, Yita Road, Dali Ancient City, Gucheng District, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Fuxing Road for culture & shopping
Millennial Ethnic Festival Celebration
Saved by 1084 users4571 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
The ancient city of Dali is beautiful and beautiful. The heritage of the ancient city of the millennium: Tang Jianming City still exists, strolling on Qingshiban Street, visiting the ancient walls of the city building, soaking the legacy of Nanxun. Cangwu scenery picture: leaning on Cangshan Mountain, Linyi Sea, riding to watch the sunrise, taking the ropeway to enjoy the wind, flowers and snow. Must visit cultural landmarks: Chongsheng Temple three towers are squash, foreigner street to find milk fans, sour soup fish, feel the tip of the tongue Yunnan. Fresh folk experience: March Street to catch a rally, Bai song and dance, tie-dye silverware, immerse in the national customs. Best B&B for rest: Recommended to stay at the "Dingdaryu Lu Villa B&B" next to the ancient city! Modern design, five-star service, walking distance to the core area, intimate service to accompany you leisurely vacation.
During the day, the ancient city of Dali is plain and beautiful, like a girl without makeup; at night, the ancient city of Dali is bright and dazzling, like a beautiful young woman. It is recommended to arrive in the afternoon and leave at night, so that you can enjoy the daytime and nighttime views of the ancient city at the same time. There are delicious foods everywhere in the ancient city, so you don’t have to worry about food and drink. There are also many famous Yunnan specialty stores where you can buy souvenirs.
No.
5
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Shuanglang
4.6
/5
3058 reviews
7.3
Shuanglang Scenic Area | 34.6 km from downtown
Address: Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Dali City, Wuyuan County
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
No.2 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Dali
Highlights:
Walk to Yujidao for sunset views
Boat ride & Erhai scenery
Saved by 371 users1191 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Shuanglang Ancient Town is located on the northeast bank of the Bohai Sea, Dali, Yunnan, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea. It has the reputation of "Dali scenery in Cangwu, Cangwu scenery in Shuanglang". Bohai Sea is surrounded by the 19 peaks of Cangshan Mountain, and Jizu Mountain is in the east. The lakes and mountains are beautiful. 85% of the residents are Bai people, retaining more than ten historical relics such as the main temple of Hongshan, the ancient stage, and the traditional houses are dense.
Beautiful natural scenery: Shuanglang is backed by green mountains, facing Erhai Lake, overlooking the 19 peaks of Cangshan Mountain to the west, and facing the vast blue waves of Erhai Lake. The "double islands and double curves" pattern allows it to enjoy excellent lake and mountain scenery. Yuji Island and Nanzhao Fengqing Island are like two pearls inlaid in Erhai Lake, and the green lake and the towering Cangshan Mountain complement each other, forming a picturesque scenery.
Long history and culture: As a thousand-year-old town, Shuanglang is an important naval base of Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom. It preserves the historical and cultural blocks of Ming and Qing Dynasties, as well as the ruins of the Bishe battlefield, Zhengjue Temple, Kuixing Pavilion and many other historical sites. The traditional residential buildings of the Bai nationality, "three squares, one screen wall, four courtyards and five patios", have unique architectural styles, carved beams and painted buildings, screen walls and flying eaves, carrying the profound Bai cultural heritage.
Strong artistic atmosphere: Shuanglang actively promotes the construction of an art town, attracting many artists such as Yang Liping and Zhang Yang to settle in, and established studios such as the "Sun Palace Art Space" and the "Bai Nationality Farmers' Painting Society". It also regularly carries out art and cultural activities such as the Bai Nationality's three-course tea experience and Jiama making, where ethnic characteristics and modern art are integrated with each other.
No.
6
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Zhang Jia Garden
5.0
/5
5464 reviews
6.9
Cangshan Scenic Area | 10 km from downtown
Phone 0872-2684000
Address: 214 National Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Highlights:
Sky pavilion for Cang-Er panoramic views
6 courtyards show Bai architecture
Saved by 194 users5296 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
The Bai Nationality's Art Palace is truly breathtaking. The architecture inside deeply attracted me. It is beautiful, and every detail has its own meaning. Listening to the tour guide's explanation, you can learn a lot about this culture. It is a must-visit when you come to Dali.
The architecture in the garden is very unique. Even on rainy days, there are rainy days. Zhangjia Garden is an art palace of the Bai nationality with a unique architectural culture. The tour guide also introduced the Bai nationality culture to us. The six courtyards have different styles and are worth a visit.
No.
7
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Dali Erhai Lake Tour Bus
4.3
/5
165 reviews
6.9
Dali Ancient City | 13.2 km from downtown
Phone 4000872008
Address: 大理市双鹤路5号
Recommended sightseeing time: 1.5-4 hours
Highlights:
Convenient hop-on-hop-off bus stops
Sightseeing bus around Erhai
Saved by 230 users136 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
This is a good option for travelers who don't drive. You need to plan your visit time to different attractions in advance to avoid missing the best scenery. It is recommended to stay on the upper right side.
It was a great experience! The bus provided convenient transportation services for tourists and provided good conditions for visiting Erhai Lake and surrounding attractions, leaving a deep impression.
No.
8
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Me3 Luge
4.9
/5
165 reviews
6.7
Main Urban Area of Dali | 2.1 km from downtown
Address: 云南省大理白族自治州大理市大理天井南部山区龙翔大桥满江山地公园内云想山小镇生活中心旁
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Dali
Highlights:
Cliff chapel's romantic sunset glow
360-degree view of Erhai sunset
Saved by 154 users160 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
For most tourists who like fresh and exciting experiences and pursue the combination of beautiful scenery and activities when traveling to Dali, Dali Luji Theme Park is worth a visit. It provides unique mountain kart driving fun and top Erhai Lake viewing angle.
* If your time budget allows and you are interested in driving and scenery, you may want to arrange a half-day trip to experience it.
* You can consider visiting Luji Park together with the nearby Ideal State (Santorini Dali)** and arrange it in your itinerary on the east coast of Erhai Lake.
* Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and protect yourself from the sun.
No.
9
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Butterfly Spring Scenic Area
4.2
/5
2947 reviews
6.7
From AU$ 8.21
Based on 66 reviews
Upper Section of the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor | 37.4 km from downtown
Phone 0872-2431433
Address: 1 km north of Dali Zhoucheng, Dali City (under Cangshan Yunnong Peak)
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
April butterfly spectacle with thousands
Square spring pool with bubbling water
Saved by 157 users812 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Butterfly Spring is a clear spring water in the first peak of the 19th peak of Cangshan Mountain in Dali, Yunnan. The locals call it "drink some butterfly spring water, enough for you to be drunk for thousands of years". Butterfly Spring Park is very quiet, and there were not many people when we went. Everyone walked from the main road to the butterfly spring, and then saw a large stone with Guo Moruo's three big words "butterfly spring", and then looked at the water. The water was very clear. There was an ancient "butterfly tree" reflected in it. It is said that every March 3, there are many butterflies in the butterfly tree. Suicheng Dali is a spectacle. In Qiongqian's "Still Zhugege", there are young men and girls who meet to Dali to see the romantic plot of Butterfly Spring. Behind the Butterfly Spring is a mountain that can be climbed up. There is a pavilion on it for people to rest. The mountains are cloudy and cool. Come down the mountain, walk around the butterfly spring, there are Bai people performing, there are many Bai clothes to take pictures, the price is not expensive. Time relationship, there was no photo at that time, a little regrettable.
The whole park is not big, I came here for the sentimental feelings. The Butterfly Spring itself is very beautiful, but there are no butterflies. There are only some common species of butterflies to see in the Butterfly House. I don't know which idiot erected a statue of Duan Yu and Wang Yuyan in the garden, probably to highlight the romantic atmosphere in the garden. However, this novel started out as a story of a dog-licker, and after Jin Yong revised the version, Wang Yuyan and Murong Fu were together.
No.
10
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Flomis Garden
4.6
/5
23 reviews
6.4
From AU$ 21.16
Haidong Town/Ideal City | 10.1 km from downtown
Address: 大理白族自治州大理市环海东路大理松云SKYLINE海景度假酒店北侧约100米
No.6 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Dali
Highlights:
Colorful Flower Sea: Always Spring, a Photo Paradise
Enjoy magnificent views from the pool in the clouds
Saved by 255 usersRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified User Reviews
The scenic spot is next to the main road, by the Erhai Lake. We drove our car and parked in the parking lot next to it. There is a beverage shop when we got off the car. The environment and scenery are beautiful, but it is a bit sunny. If you don't want to go in, you can check in from the outside without buying a ticket.
Stepping into the ideal garden of Dali is like falling into a dream. The colorful sea of flowers blooms freely, the breeze blows, the waves are flowing, and the sweet fragrance of flowers lingers on the tip of the nose. Walk along the winding path, one side is the flowing water, the other side is the rotten flowers, every step seems to walk into the oil painting. The exquisite cabin is hidden in it, and the window is a beautiful scenery. Standing at the highest point, the garden is dependent on the Bohai Sea, the sea and the sky are co-colored, the body and mind are instantly healed, and the noise of the world is thrown into the clouds.
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