Top Dali How to Get Around in 2026

Explore the cultural, historical, and scenic highlights of Dali with a private guide. Its history stretches back to the kingdom of Nanzhao in the 8th century. The walled old city, from the Ming dynasty, contains traditional homes and towers from the Bai ethnic minority. Beyond the old city rise the Three Pagodas of Chong Sheng Temple, dating back to the 9th century. Meet your guide at your hotel or meeting location of your choice to bring you on the private tour based on your customized itinerary. Let your guide know what you like and receive suggestions. Learn about the city's history and culture from your guide as you explore.

Start from the foot of the mountain. As the altitude continues to rise, several simple and elegant temples appears. The first one that catches your eye is Huating Temple. Near mid-mountain area, there are some small restaurants with unique flavors scattered around. After having enough food and drink, continue to climb bravely towards the top of the mountain to the Golden Summit. Walking into the temple on the Golden Summit, a magnificent golden Buddha statue comes into view. After fully enjoying the beauty on the Golden Summit, start the return journey going down the mountain. On the way down, take a different path and explore the mysterious corners hidden deep in the mountain forest. Walking along these secluded paths, be pleasantly surprised to find some small shrines. There is also the natural spring water gushing out from the cracks in the mountains. At this time, walk down the mountain path slowly towards the foot of the mountain.

The architectural style of the ancient town is unique. Most of the buildings are traditional Bai ethnic group residences. There are various specialty stores on both sides of the street, selling exquisite handicrafts, traditional costumes, and local snacks. Many Bai ethnic group residents live in the ancient town. They are warm and hospitable and still retain their traditional lifestyles and customs. You can see Bai ethnic women wearing brightly colored ethnic costumes, busily doing handicrafts in front of their homes. The temples and Taoist temples in the ancient town are also a major feature. Among them, the most famous one is Xingjiao Temple, which is one of the relatively well-preserved ancient Bai ethnic group temples in China at present. In Shaxi Ancient Town, the food is also a highlight. There are a wide variety of local specialty foods that make people's mouths water. There are many teahouses in the ancient town. You can taste the authentic Yunnan Pu'er tea.

Meet guide in the lobby at 8:30 am and transfer to Xizhou old town in this old town you will see the traditional buildings and Ethnic minority Bai people who has their own clothes then you will visit Xizhou market to see locals are doing business, also you will enjoy cruise at Erhai lake about 2hours , it the second biggest lake in Yunan province which is the biggest one in Dali, it’s clear water and with beautiful Mountain in it’s surrounding, the cruise Ferry will stop at a village and you will visit Tianjingge Pavilion about 30minutes then board cruise again to Dali, the last one is three Pagodas which is built in Tang dynasty with the history of more than 1800 years, it’s the symbol of Dali. Transfer to hotel in Dali city.

Our fluent English-speaking guides Young and Lily will take you beyond the usual tourist spots to discover the best local food and most authentic corners of Dali Old Town. We are one of the most-booked English Speaking Tour in Dali. Professional, friendly, and ideal for travelers who love exploring authentic local culture.

Discover the charm of Xizhou Ancient Town and Bai ethnic culture on a guided tour from Dali. Visit the Yan Family's Courtyard, stroll through rice fields, and taste the classic Xizhou Baba. Walk to the rice fields near the Linden Centre. Different seasons bring different beautiful pictures. In spring and summer, the rice seedlings are lush, like green waves rolling; in autumn, the rice ears turn golden, just like a golden carpet. Strolling along the ridges of the fields, the gentle breeze blows, and the fragrance of rice, grass, and soil blend together. In the distance, the Cangshan Mountain is covered with a layer of greenery, and nearby, the brook flows gently, making you feel extremely comfortable. Step into the snack street of the ancient town, where the hustle and bustle of life can be felt. Find an old store and order the classic Xizhou Baba.

Have only a limited amount of time in Dali? Enhance your sightseeing experience of Dali by designing your own itinerary on this private, full-day tour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle, customize your day according to your interests. Choose to visit some of the city’s historical highlights such as Chongsheng Three Pagodas, Experience the convenient cable car to Cangshan Mountain; Take the boat cruise from Er Lake to Golden Shuttle Island, get to know Bai Minority's culture and lifestyle; Finish in the lively neighborhood of Xizhou Ancient Town. This private tour including English speaking tour guide, entrance fee, cable car round trip, lunch, and door to door transfer.

Escape the bustle of the city and discover the ancient Tea Horse Road Town at Shaxi outside of Dali on this double-duty, full-day excursion. After the convenient hotel pick up, hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle, discover the ancient buildings, stone bridges, ancients roads and streets at Shaxi Ancient Town. Learn its history and background from your tour guide, and experience the quaint lives of local Bai People. This private tour including entrance fee, lunch and door-to-door hotel transfers. You can choose to end your tour in Shaxi, Lijiang or return Dali.

The Bai minority are the driving force behind the Dali region's unique culture. Escape the touristy side of Dali Old Town and immerse deeply into their world on this private door-to-door tour, with a guide to translate. Tour a morning market in Xizhou Town; watch Bai women tie-dying fabric and try it for yourself in Zhoucheng Village; and cruise to a fishing village on Erhai (Lake Er).

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Dali on this private Muslim tour, visiting Donglianhua (East Lotus) and the picturesque Wuli Bridge Hui Village. Customize your itinerary to suit your interests while enjoying the comfort of a private vehicle. Discover the historical significance of the Du Wenxiu Mansion and Tomb, while receiving insights tailored for Muslim travelers. This experience caters to those seeking a personal touch and flexibility during their journey. - Duration of 10 hours with personalized itineraries - Private vehicle and optional professional tour guide available - Tailored for Muslim travelers with cultural insights - Flexible departure and pick-up options to suit your schedule

While traveling this tour with us, you can visit some important villages on the ancient Tea Horse Road and you will immerse into the diversity of Yunnan. Indeed, we will vary between the famous highlights, some of the must-see places, and remote sites which will give you a unique experience and insight of Yunnan.

Meet guide in the hotel lobby at 8:30am, start day trip to Cangshan Mountain , you will take Gantong cable car to the Mountain and visit streams , chessboard, waterfalls, then you will start your hiking tour at Jade belt road, it includes 19 peaks and 18 streams with the highest Malong peak is 4122 meter above sea level, today you will do the hiking and trekking about 9.8 kilometers, it’s a good way to hug nature and take deep breath in the green Mountains with plenty of oxygen, pls wear good walking shoes and take water with you meanwhile I advise you take some snacks as not many shops in the Mountain, after the hiking way you will take chairlift down to the Mountain, take private transfer to Dali old town and we will arrange your food at the local restaurant, after lunch you will visit the Dali old town.

This Dali tour blends Bai folk culture, handicraft and nature. Enjoy Three‑Course Tea in Xizhou, hands‑on tie‑dye in Zhoucheng, plus leisurely cycling along Erhai Ecological Corridor. More real local experience than standard sightseeing. ‑ Authentic Bai culture ‑ Hands‑on tie‑dye craft ‑ Relaxed lakeside cycling

Experience the best of Dali in one day! Begin at the iconic Three Pagodas, marveling at their ancient Tang Dynasty. Then dive into a vibrant flower field photoshoot with a vintage jeep. Finally, hop on a bike for a scenic Lake cycling adventure around Erhai, gliding past traditional Bai villages, lakeside cafes, and artsy towns like Shuanglang, with breathtaking views at every turn. This perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure ensures a day packed with photo ops, history, and the serene beauty of Dali—all in one seamless journey! - Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple - Flower Fields Photo Spot - Cycle Around Lake Erhai (if you cannot join, please contact us to customize your tour)

The length and the itinerary of the tour can be adjusted upon request. For extended sustainable tours in different regions of Yunnan, feel free to get in touch with us.On our tours, our guide will share with you our plastic-free lifestyle. We will help you to refuse all single-use plastic disposables from all venues we visit and provide you with a reusable food container, chopsticks, a spoon, and a reusable water bottle, etc. It’s our mission to encourage and take people to places which they wouldn’t have found on their own. We provide cultural immersion tours, that help people have an in-depth Yunnan experience whilst promoting local sustainable businesses and traditions, keeping the local communities prosperous and alive!

All drivers are Chinese- Language and can communicate with mobile phone translation software to provide you with quality service. Start your journey when you wake up, no need to get up early, and control your time freely

Visit highlights of Dali including Dali ancient city, Xizhou village, Erhai lake and Three pagodas park with this private day tour from Dali. You will be picked up and dropped off at the Dali hotel/train station.