Dali Ancient City

Introducing Dali Ancient City
Shouldering the lofty and majestic Cangshan Mountain to the west and the vast and immense Erhai Lake to the east, there sits the Dali Ancient City. It has been preserved in a 1.5 by 1.5 km wide townsite surrounded by its ancient walls. Due to its relatively well-preserved architecture, the town has developed as a major tourist attraction in recent decades.

Dali Ancient City Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Dali Gucheng 大理古城
• Best Time to Visit: March to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 3 – 4 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, History of Nanzhao Kingdom
• Opening Hours: Old Town: all day; inside attractions: 08:00-17:00
• Entrance Fee: Free (Independent tourists); ¥30/person for old town protection fee (tour group members)
• Address: No. 42, Yita Road, Dali, Yunnan

What to expect at Dali Ancient City

Step into Dali, you will find the streets here lie in typical traversing layout, and the architectural style pleasingly differs from anywhere else, with unified grey tiles roofing. The ground in Dali Ancient City is completely covered by large slab-stones: it is by this clear feature, simple elegant style that Dali Ancient City distinguishes its own unique charm.

Dali Ancient City, or the ancient town of Dali, was set up in 1382 in the Ming Dynasty. Dali Ancient City has a history of more than 600 years. Dali Ancient City was once a vital communications hub where the population was dense. Many trade caravans gathered here and the markets were prosperous. On both sides of the street, there were numerous shops, inns, tea houses and restaurants, very bustling and exciting. Now, Dali is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places in China. The local government has given high priority to its preservation. So Dali Ancient City still remains its original looks.

After many years of rectification, Dali Ancient City has gradually been restored to its original look in ancient times. Walking in here is like following the footsteps of history back to the past. China’s best preserved civilian buildings of the Bai ethnic group are in here.

How to get to Dali Ancient City
• Take bus No. 8 and get off at the west gate of Dali Ancient City.
• Take bus No. 4 and get off at the south gate of Dali Ancient City.

Additional travel advice on Dali Ancient City
• UV is very strong in Dali even in winter, so please wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses during daytime.
• Please take care of your belongings in the town as there are always many tourists.