https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/dali/best-things-to-do/10071445616911
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Dali [2025]
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Cangshan Mountain
4.5
/5
6605 reviews
8.4
From AU$ 27.69
Based on 337 reviews
Cangshan Scenic Area | 15.9 km from downtown
Phone +8608725365006
Address: Xiyinxian Road, Dali Ancient City, Dali, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.4 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Dali
Highlights:
10 temples & 20 natural attractions
Unique geological landscapes displayed
Saved by 659 users3937 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The scenery is really beautiful, but there are too many people queuing for the cable car during the peak tourist season. The one-way trip takes about 10 minutes. You can also see the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake from a high point.
The environment is good, the air is fresh, and it is a holy place for oxygen absorption. However, the waiting time for the Gantong Cableway is too long. The queue is nearly 3 hours, and the cable car is only a few minutes. The Gantong Line, the Zhenlong Chess Game and the viewing platform are very average and not up to expectations. The Jade Belt Road is very quiet and at an altitude of more than 2,600 meters, there is no discomfort and children can also walk
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The Chongsheng Temple And The Three-Pagoda Culture Tourist Area
4.7
/5
12385 reviews
8.2
From AU$ 15.55
Based on 522 reviews
Dali Ancient City | 16.6 km from downtown
Phone +864009001558
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
No.5 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Dali
Highlights:
Three Pagodas Reflection Pond views
Perfect spot for tower reflections
Saved by 536 users5888 positive reviews
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The Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Area integrates Cangshan and Erhai Lake scenery, cultural relics, and Buddhist practices. The scenic area is divided into two main sections: the Chongsheng Temple complex and the three pagodas. The Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas area covers a vast area, requiring a full day to fully explore.
The environment is very good, the scenery is beautiful. The temperature is suitable. After walking around for a while, I had a vegetarian meal. It was really delicious. I ate a big bowl of rice by myself. It was the happiest meal I had in Dali.
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Erhai Lake
4.6
/5
8121 reviews
8.0
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 1033 users2934 positive reviews
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🌊 "Proven myself | Driving around Erhai Lake is the ultimate way to experience Dali's romantic charm!"
If Dali's "romance" were a poem, then driving around Erhai Lake is the most free and unrestrained way to recite it! Renting a convertible here is very convenient and affordable. 💨
🚗 Step on the accelerator and enter a fairyland.
► Recommended: The Haidong Route! The road winds along the lake, and the car windows feel like a giant theater—Cangshan Mountain on the left, Erhai Lake on the right. Every turn is a "wow" moment!
► Don't miss the idyllic scenery of Haixi. Drive through rice paddies and villages, dotted with Bai ethnic minority dwellings. It's like stepping into a live version of a pastoral poem. 🌾
► Pull over whenever you see a charming spot: take photos of the mirrored sky on the lakeside boardwalk, or wait for the sunset by the wetlands. Feel free to indulge in the feeling of freedom!
🌿 Ecological Corridor: Green healing on wheels.
Don't underestimate the driving experience; the ecological experience is uncompromising! Cycle along the Ecological Corridor at night. The S-bend is bustling with activity, with many people singing and dancing.
✅ Enjoy breathtaking lake views throughout the ride. The waters of Erhai Lake are as clear as sapphires, and waterfowl dance in the wetlands along the shore.
✅ Pass by popular photo spots like the S-bend, the Corridor Bridge, and the Couple Tree, and hop off the bike to pose whenever you want. 📸
✅ Play "Going to Dali" in the car while feeling the lake breeze—who knows this ambiance?
💡 Exclusive Tips
▪️ Vehicle Recommendation: Convertibles or cars with sunroofs are more photogenic!
▪️ Timeline: We recommend a morning sunrise or an afternoon departure, circling the lake counterclockwise to catch the golden sunset at Erhai Lake. 🌅
▪️ Stops: Shuanglang Observation Deck, Wase Waterway, and Xizhou Ancient Town—each one is worth a stop!
🌟 Why is driving the best?
Freedom! Spontaneity! No sun exposure! Perfect for lazy travelers, families, and couples—no need to ride in the scorching sun or hike, just hum along in the air-conditioned car and take in the breathtaking scenery.
📌 Follow me to unlock more magical routes!
#DaliSelf-DrivingGuide #ErhaiStunningHighway #Wind,Flowers,Snow,MoonFreeTravel #TravelTips
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.
No.
4
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Dali Ancient City
4.7
/5
9621 reviews
7.7
Based on 883 reviews
Dali Ancient City | 14.3 km from downtown
Phone +8608722512899
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 1136 users4541 positive reviews
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Dali Ancient City is located in Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, bordering Erhai Lake and nestled against Cangshan Mountain. Construction began in 1382, the 15th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. Its structure, a checkerboard-like grid of three streets and 18 alleys, features north-south city gates facing each other and east-west gates staggered. Three main streets run north-south, six alleys run east-west, and a network of secluded streets and lanes crisscrosses from west to east.
It is very suitable for being lazy, leisurely and slow-paced, with a petty-bourgeois style 😁. It is very comfortable to relax for half a month after work. In the afternoon, you can lie down in the courtyard, drink tea, and daydream. In the evening, you can buy a cup of special drinks, grab a special snack, and visit special shops. There are also many bars in the evening, listening to music and making tea around the fire. It is really comfortable.
No.
5
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Shuanglang
4.6
/5
3071 reviews
7.3
Based on 52 reviews
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 Night Attractions in Dali
Highlights:
Walk to Yujidao for sunset views
Boat ride & Erhai scenery
Saved by 398 users1187 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I was just stopping by to take a break, but I was captivated and captivated! Shuanglang's beauty lies not in its stunning first impression, but in the details that become more captivating the more you savor it. After spending a night here, I even considered staying longer..." — A heartfelt comment from a seasoned traveler. ✨Don't hesitate! Pack your bags and set off now! ✈️ Trust me, from the moment you set foot on this land, you'll be enveloped by its gentleness and embark on an unforgettable, healing journey. 💫 Remember to bring a positive attitude, because every plant and tree here is waiting to meet you.
It is worth going there. The morning explanation is good. It only takes 3 minutes to get there by cruise ship, and it takes about 40 minutes to go around the inside. There is no need to waste money on the battery car.
No.
6
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Zhang Jia Garden
5.0
/5
5506 reviews
6.9
Cangshan Scenic Area | 10 km from downtown
Phone +8608722684000
Address: 214 National Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
No.7 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Dali
Highlights:
Sky pavilion for Cang-Er panoramic views
6 courtyards show Bai architecture
Saved by 209 users5337 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It was my first time to visit Zhangjia Garden in Dali. It is a very quiet place with a long history and culture. Each month there is a different style. The ticket includes an explanation and a song and dance performance. It is perfect and worth watching.
Today I went to Zhangjia Garden in Dali with my friends. It is really beautiful. The architecture is very detailed, the performances are wonderful, and it is a place full of history and culture. It is very beautiful.
No.
7
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Dali Erhai Lake Tour Bus
4.3
/5
174 reviews
6.9
From AU$ 18.75
Dali Ancient City | 13.2 km from downtown
Phone +864000872008
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 261 users142 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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Dali Luji Theme Park
4.9
/5
193 reviews
6.7
Main Urban Area of Dali | 2.1 km from downtown
Phone +8619987227361
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 168 users186 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Honestly, it's quite fun, especially taking the kids out. However, there are lines to get your tickets, pick up the car, and even get up the mountain. The driver of the mountain shuttle bus is incredibly aggressive, though, and it's much more thrilling than taking the cable car.
We came here right after getting off the train in Dali. The kids thought it was okay, the scenery was nice, and you could see Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. But there were too many people, and cars couldn't get in. We waited in line for half an hour, and it was hard to get a taxi when we got out. The taxis were only available after 7:30.
No.
9
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Butterfly Spring Scenic Area
4.2
/5
2959 reviews
6.7
From AU$ 8.10
Based on 66 reviews
Upper Section of the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor | 37.4 km from downtown
Phone +8608722431433
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 163 users764 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Backed by Cangshan Mountain, with beautiful legends, it is a very exquisite scenic spot. Take the battery car and catch the three o'clock performance. After enjoying the ethnic performance, look at the butterfly specimens and the beautiful legend of Butterfly Spring.
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.
No.
10
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Ideal Garden
4.6
/5
26 reviews
6.4
From AU$ 20.88
Haidong Town/Ideal City | 10.1 km from downtown
Phone +8615752744261
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.4 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Dali
Highlights:
Colorful Flower Sea: Always Spring, a Photo Paradise
Enjoy magnificent views from the pool in the clouds
Saved by 273 usersRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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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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