Dali Travel Guide

Dali, located at the intersection of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains, is a picturesque city with majestic landscapes featuring the Cangshan Mountains and the expansive, clear waters of Erhai Lake. Together, these natural wonders create a stunning vista where mountains reflect in the lake. Dali is home to 25 ethnic minority groups, including the Bai, Yi, Hui, Tibetan, Lisu, and Naxi, who reside in ancient towns such as Dali Old Town, Xizhou, and Shuanglang. These towns are rich in cultural heritage, showcasing traditional crafts like tie-dye and local delicacies such as Erkuai (a type of rice cake), highlighting the area’s ethnic charm.

Dali is renowned for its “Four Wonders”: Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon:

• Xia Guan Wind: The southern end of Erhai Lake in Xia Guan is known for its constant, unceasing wind.
• Shang Guan Flowers:The northern end of Erhai Lake in Shang Guan was once a vast grassland covered with colorful flowers.
• Cangshan Snow:The peaks of the Cangshan Mountains are perpetually snow-capped, providing a striking contrast against the blue sky.
• Erhai Moon: The moonlight over Erhai Lake is soft and enchanting, casting a magical glow on the water.

Dali enjoys a mild climate year-round, with no severe winter or scorching summer, and the seasons are not particularly distinct. The best times to visit Dali are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is most favorable for exploring its scenic and cultural attractions.