Things to do in Dali

Activities, attractions and tours

A riverside walkway with a bridge, a mosque, and high-rise buildings in the background.
A park with trees, a circular stone bench, and a grassy area.
A white sculpture of a couple on a dragon, surrounded by trees and a blue building in the background.
A riverside walkway with people walking, trees, benches, and a bridge in the background.
A colorful boat on a dock with a cityscape and mountains in the background.

Things to do

Dali XIzhou Ancient Town Private Tour

Dali and XIzhou Ancient Town Private Tour

P7,172
per adult
Dali and XIzhou Ancient Town Private Tour
view from cable car

Cangshan Mountain hike and organic homemade dinner

P2,187
per adult
Cangshan Mountain hike and organic homemade dinner
Dali Airport Same Day Luggage Services

Dali Airport Same Day Luggage Services (1 Traveler 1 Bag)

P2,182
per traveler
Dali Airport Same Day Luggage Services (1 Traveler 1 Bag)
Kunming Private Day Tour to Dali City Highlights by Bullet Train

Kunming Private Day Tour to Dali City Highlights by Bullet Train

P25,382
per adult
Kunming Private Day Tour to Dali City Highlights by Bullet Train
Dali Donglianhua and Wuli Bridge Muslim Hui Village Private Tour

Dali Donglianhua and Wuli Bridge Muslim Hui Village Private Tour

P14,591
per adult
Dali Donglianhua and Wuli Bridge Muslim Hui Village Private Tour
Cangshan Mountain: Mindful Hiking and Organic Homemade Food

Cangshan Mountain: Mindful Hiking and 4 types of tea at home

P4,624
per adult
Cangshan Mountain: Mindful Hiking and 4 types of tea at home
Dali Zen Tour: Chongsheng's Three Pagodas & Cliff Temple

Dali Zen Tour: Chongsheng's Three Pagodas & Cliff Temple

P19,016
per adult
Dali Zen Tour: Chongsheng's Three Pagodas & Cliff Temple
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What to do in Dali

Stay near popular Dali attractions

A calm lake with mountains in the background and a clear sky.

Erhai Lake

9.4/10 (9 reviews)
Visit the “ear-shaped” lake on the edge of Dali to find waterfront parklands, tiny islands and fishermen who practice traditional fishing methods.
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Where to stay in Dali

Find the best Dali areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
Three pagodas surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.

Dali Ancient Town

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

An aerial view of a densely packed urban area with buildings and a waterfront.

Shuanglang

If you're spending some time in Shuanglang, Erhai Lake and Nanzhao Folk Island are top sights worth seeing.

A serene lake with a traditional pavilion and a pagoda in the background.

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.

A traditional building with ornate architecture and a tree with yellow leaves.
Photo by Nha Nguyen
Open Photo by Nha Nguyen

Xiaguan

Travelers like the museums in Xiaguan, and Erhai Lake is a top attraction you might want to visit.

A traditional Chinese courtyard with red lanterns, tiled roofs, and ornate wooden doors.

Xizhou

You'll enjoy the restaurants and architecture in Xizhou. You might want to make time for a stop at Erhai Lake or Zhang Family Courtyard (Xizhou).

A traditional Chinese courtyard with ornate lanterns and tiled roofs.

Lijiang

A street with traditional buildings, a tuk-tuk, and a mountain in the background.

Dali City

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 neighborhoods, Tianjing is 2 kilometers 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 traveler. Unwind in the parks, soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or ask a local tour guide for tips.