Introduction

Highlights and Attractions

1. City Gates and Walls: The ancient town has four gates in the east, south, west, and north, namely Chengen Gate (in the south), Tonghai Gate (in the east), Cangshan Gate (in the west), and Anyuan Gate (in the north). The city walls are about 6 kilometers in circumference, 6 meters high, and 12 meters thick. The walls are built with solid materials, and the surface is bricked smoothly. Standing on the city wall, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient town and the surrounding scenery.
2. South Gate: The South Gate, also known as the Shuanghe Gate, is the symbol and landmark of Dali Ancient Town. It has a history of more than 600 years. The words "Dali" on the gate were inscribed by Guo Moruo during his visit to Dali in 1961. The South Gate Tower is a double-eaved hip-roof building with marble railings. The Jianchuan woodcarving lattice doors and windows are antique works of art, fully demonstrating the traditional architectural style and cultural connotation2.
3. Fuxing Road: It is a main street with a long history, cultural heritage, and commercial prosperity in the ancient town. It is the central axis of the ancient town, connecting the north and south city gates. Along the way, you can see many historical sites, old buildings with red tiles and bluestone, and characteristic food and beverage shops. It is a great place for tourists to shop and taste local delicacies12.
4. Wuhua Tower: Wuhua Tower is located in the center of the ancient town. In ancient times, it was a place where officials entertained guests. It has a history of more than 2,000 years. The tower was rebuilt several times due to natural disasters and wars. Today's Wuhua Tower is a three-story building with unique design. The doors, windows, and eaves all adopt woodcarving techniques. There is also an antique market inside12.
5. Dali City Museum: Formerly the Yunnan Governor's Office, it is also known as the "President's Military Marshal's Mansion". It is a comprehensive museum. The museum displays a large number of historical relics, including those from the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. The stele forest area in the museum is the largest in Yunnan Province, displaying more than 200 important stele inscriptions from the Dali Kingdom to the Qing Dynasty12.
6. Foreigners Street: It is a street full of exotic flavors, where you can taste the traditional flavors of the Bai ethnic group, as well as experience the famous "Three-Course Tea" ceremony for receiving guests, which includes "bitter tea", "sweet tea", and "final tea".
7. Ancient Yuxi School: An ancient school with a long history, it reflects the educational culture of Dali in ancient times. The architecture is simple and elegant, showing the unique charm of ancient academies.

Best Time to Visit

How to Get There

1. By Air: You can fly to Dali Airport first. After arriving at the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Dali Ancient Town.
2. By Train: If you take a train, you can get off at Dali Railway Station. Then, you can take Bus No. 8 directly, and the terminal stop is near the East Gate of Dali Ancient Town4.
3. By Bus: There are regular buses from major cities in Yunnan Province to Dali City. Once you arrive in Dali City, you can take a local bus or a taxi to the ancient town4.

Accommodation

Food and Beverage

1. Rice Noodles: Dali rice noodles are a must-try local food. The rice noodles are smooth and chewy, and the soup is rich and flavorful, with various toppings such as beef, pork, and chicken.
2. Baked Erkuai: Erkuai is a traditional food of the Bai ethnic group. It is made of glutinous rice flour and is baked until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can eat it with seasonings such as honey, sugar, or spicy sauce.
3. Sandpot Fish: This is a famous dish in Dali. The fish is fresh and tender, cooked in a sandpot with various seasonings, making the soup delicious and the fish flavorful.
4. Three-Course Tea: As mentioned above, the "Three-Course Tea" is a unique tea ceremony of the Bai ethnic group, which is not only a kind of beverage but also a cultural experience.

Tips

1. Dali has a high altitude, so it is advisable to bring some anti-altitude sickness drugs if you are not used to high-altitude environments5.
2. The ultraviolet radiation in Dali is strong. Remember to bring sunscreen products and protect your skin from the sun5.
3. When visiting the ancient town, respect the local culture and customs, and do not damage the historical relics and the environment.