Things to do in Dali

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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

Cangshan Mountain: Mindful Hiking and Organic Homemade Food

Cangshan Mountain: Mindful Hiking and 4 types of tea at home

￥11,848
per adult
Cangshan Mountain: Mindful Hiking and 4 types of tea at home
Dali Cangshan Mountain Tea Picking and Tasting

Dali Cangshan Mountain Tea Picking and Tasting

￥5,186
per adult
Dali Cangshan Mountain Tea Picking and Tasting
Picture 1 for Activity Dali: Authentic Shaxi Market & Bai Cooking

Dali: Authentic Shaxi Market & Bai Cooking

￥31,858
per adult
Dali: Authentic Shaxi Market & Bai Cooking
See all activities in Dali
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Dali

Stay near popular Dali attractions

A calm lake with mountains in the background and a clear sky.

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.
See properties

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
Three pagodas surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.

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.

An aerial view of a densely packed urban area with buildings and a waterfront.

Shuanglang

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

A serene lake with a traditional pavilion and a pagoda in the background.

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.

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 Erhai Lake is a top attraction you might want to visit.

A traditional Chinese courtyard with red lanterns, tiled roofs, and ornate wooden doors.

Xizhou

You'll enjoy the restaurants and architecture in Xizhou. You might want to make time for a stop at Erhai Lake or Zhang Family Courtyard (Xizhou).

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.