What to do in Dali

Activities, attractions and tours

Dali
Dali
Dali
Dali
Dali featuring a park as well as a small group of people

Dali Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Dali has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Dali, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Dali with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Dali

Dali is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Dali, and make it a breeze to explore Dali and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Dali to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Dali, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Dali.

Dali attractions

Dali has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Dali to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Dali.

Looking for things to do in Dali can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Dali or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Dali attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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What to do in Dali

Popular places to visit

Er Hai

Erhai Lake

Visit the “ear-shaped” lake on the edge of Dali to find waterfront parklands, tiny islands and fishermen who practice traditional fishing methods.

Erhai Lake
China, Yunnan Province, Dali, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

Three Pagodas

Find out about the history of Dali Town when you spend time at Three Pagodas. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Three Pagodas
Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain

Ride a scenic ropeway, visit a temple complex and hike the network of trails that traverse this collection of misty mountain peaks overlooking the city of Dali.

Cangshan Mountain

Dali Museum

You can study the exhibits at Dali Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Dali Town. Discover the area's mountain views and temples.

Dali Museum

Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town

Learn about the local history of Jianchuan County with a stop at Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town. Wander the gardens and forests while you're in the area.

Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town

South Gate

Find out about the history of Dali Town when you take a trip to South Gate. Discover the area's mountain views and temples.

South Gate

Dali University

Enjoy the student vibe at Dali University during your stay in Dali Town. Discover the area's mountain views and temples.

Dali University

Yunan Heqing Caohai Marsh

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Yunan Heqing Caohai Marsh during your travels in Heqing County. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Yunan Heqing Caohai Marsh

Jinsuo Island

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Jinsuo Island during your travels in Dali Town. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Jinsuo Island

Explore areas of Dali

Chongsheng Monastery

Dali Ancient Town

5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Dali Ancient Town
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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.

Taoyuan
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Shuanglang

While visiting Shuanglang, you might make a stop by sights like Erhai Lake and Nanzhao Folk Island.

Shuanglang
Dali

Xiaguan

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

Xiaguan
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Xizhou

Visitors to Xizhou like its restaurants and architecture, and Erhai Lake is a sight worth a stop.

Xizhou
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Caicun

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Caicun and surrounding area, you can visit South Gate and Three Pagodas.

Caicun

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Dali

China is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Be sure to visit Yunnan province and make time to travel from Lijiang out to the smaller ancient towns.

Lijiang

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 neighbourhoods, Tianjing is 2 kms (1 mile) 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 traveller. Unwind in the parks, soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or ask a local tour guide for tips.

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