Nestled between the jade-green Cangshan Mountains and the shimmering expanse of Erhai Lake, Dali is a city where ancient Bai culture, minority heritage, and breathtaking scenery converge — the scenic Erhai Ecological Corridor offers serene lakeside cycling and walking paths that feel a world away from modern China. The historic Dali Old Town draws wanderers to its cobblestone lanes and the lively Foreigner Street (Yangren Jie), while a Santorini-inspired resort area along the lakeshore adds a surprisingly Mediterranean flourish to the landscape. Completing the city’s rich cultural tapestry, the Nanmen Mosque stands as a quiet testament to Dali’s long-established Hui Muslim community, whose traditions and cuisine have shaped the city’s character for centuries.
Best time to visit
March to May and September to November, when skies are clear, temperatures are mild, and the Bai festivals bring the streets to life.
