Things to do in Dali

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A riverside walkway with a bridge, a mosque, and high-rise buildings in the background.
A park with trees, a circular stone bench, and a grassy area.
A white sculpture of a couple on a dragon, surrounded by trees and a blue building in the background.
A riverside walkway with people walking, trees, benches, and a bridge in the background.
A colorful boat on a dock with a cityscape and mountains in the background.

Things to do

view from cable car

Cangshan Mountain hike and organic homemade dinner

￥5,746
per adult
Cangshan Mountain hike and organic homemade dinner
Cangshan Mountain: Mindful Hiking and Organic Homemade Food

Cangshan Mountain: Mindful Hiking and Organic Homemade Food

￥6,808
per adult
Cangshan Mountain: Mindful Hiking and Organic Homemade Food
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What to do in Dali

Stay near popular Dali attractions

A lake with trees and a mountain in the background.

Erhai Lake

9.4/10 (9 reviews)
Visit the “ear-shaped” lake on the edge of Dali to find waterfront parklands, tiny islands and fishermen who practice traditional fishing methods.
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Where to stay in Dali

Find the best Dali areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Dali
Learn more about Dali
A traditional Chinese temple with ornate architecture, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and clear blue sky.

Dali Ancient Town

Dali Ancient Town is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like South Gate and Yu'er Park.

A traditional building with ornate architecture and a tree with yellow leaves.
Photo by Nha Nguyen
Open Photo by Nha Nguyen

Xiaguan

Travelers like the museums in Xiaguan, and Dali Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Village and lake in Shuanglang, Yunnan, China.

Shuanglang

If you're spending some time in Shuanglang, Erhai Lake and Nanzhao Folk Island are top sights worth seeing.

Taoyuan

You'll enjoy the monuments and parks in Taoyuan. You might want to make time for a stop at Erhai Lake or Butterfly Spring Park.

Caicun

While Caicun isn't home to many top sights, South Gate and Dali Wenxian Road are some notable places to visit nearby.

Popular day trips from Dali

A traditional Chinese courtyard with ornate lanterns and tiled roofs.

Lijiang

A street with traditional buildings, a tuk-tuk, and a mountain in the background.

Dali City

A variety of tea sets and loose tea leaves.

Pu'er

A village with traditional architecture and terraced fields.

Chuxiong Yi

A river winding through a valley with a small island featuring green fields and a white building.

Nujiang Lisu

A river winding through a valley with a small island featuring green fields and a white building.

Lushui County

A traditional pagoda by a lake with mountains in the background.

Yulong

Frequently asked questions

Is Dali worth visiting?
Whether you're here to enjoy the cultural highlights and local charm or try unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Dali.
How do I spend a day in Dali?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Dali Museum and Jinsuo Island. Then, explore other areas of Dali for a bite to eat and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dali?
Dali Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Dali and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dali?
If you just want to enjoy the most popular attractions, three days will be a good amount of time for a break in Dali. Book for seven to ten days for the chance to truly experience the local vibe, visit nearby highlights and explore off the beaten path.
Is Dali a walkable city?
It comes down to what you plan to see and do in Dali. Several attractions, such as Dali Museum, are reachable on foot. If you feel like a stroll through one of Dali's neighborhoods, Tianjing is 2 kilometers away from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Dali with kids?
Planning what to do in Dali with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Dali for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are plenty of things to do in Dali for adults including Dali Wenxian Road.
Are there free things to do in Dali?
You don't need to splurge to have a memorable getaway here. There are loads of cheap things to do in Dali for the budget-conscious traveler. Unwind in the parks, soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or ask a local tour guide for tips.