Cover - China's Heartland.JPG Logo China (1)
Back to Listing

Dali

Located on the shores of Erhai Lake, with the Cang Mountains to the east, Dali is an historically important town in China’s Yunnan Province, and one that today plays an important part in preserving southern China’s cultural and architectural heritage.

From the 8th to 10th centuries the Nanzhao Kingdom centred on today’s Yunnan Province, stretching south into modern-day Myanmar and Laos. The capital was at Taihe, which is located close to Dali. After the decline of the Nanzhao Kingdom, and a quick succession of short-lived kingdoms, the Dali Kingdom came to power and flourished, with Dali as its capital. It lasted over 300 years, coming to an end in 1253 with the expansion of the very powerful Mongol Kingdom.

Although also a famed centre for Buddhism, in the mid-19th century, Dali was a Muslim stronghold that served as a base for rebels who raided Kunming, the capital of Yunnan held by the Qing dynasty.

The indigenous Bai ethnic minority who are mostly Buddhist are concentrated in Dali and surrounding Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, with an estimated eighty percent of Bai people living there. This has strongly influenced the local culture, and can also be seen through the Dali architecture.

The old town as it is today, dates back to the 14th century. Although many of the buildings are much newer, some very new, building regulations are strict and all buildings must retain the traditional Bai style. Most of the buildings throughout the old town are white-washed, adorned with beautifully tiled roofs, intricately decorated. Wandering the old town is extremely pleasant and there is plenty of atmosphere to take in. The town itself is indeed attraction enough to visit. It has a laid-back atmosphere compared with most bustling Chinese cities, and even though in recent years as the domestic market for travel has grown, it has become much busier than the times when most visitors were independent travellers, the ambience remains charming. The atmosphere of the town is enhanced by its location on the shores of Erhai Lake. Spending some time wandering or cycling the lakeside is a lovely way to take in the atmosphere of Yunnan at a slow pace.

Just outside Dali are the Cang Mountains, certainly another major attraction of visiting the town. Cangshan offers wonderful trekking opportunities along well-established paths, through the dramatic mountainous landscape and lush greenery. If a hike seems a little strenuous, an exciting way to get to a viewpoint is by cable-car.

Dali makes a wonderful additional to a tailormade tour of China, and combines particularly well with other parts of Yunnan Province such as Shangri-La and Lijiang. Transport links from Yunnan onto other parts of China such as Shanghai or Beijing are also excellent making onward travel very convenient.

Dali, Yunnan, China.jpg Dali, Yunnan, China.jpg
Dali, Yunnan, China (6).jpg Dali, Yunnan, China (6).jpg
Dali Yunnan China 1 Dali Yunnan China 1
Dali Yunnan China 2 Dali Yunnan China 2
Dali Yunnan China 3 Dali Yunnan China 3
Dali Yunnan China 4 Dali Yunnan China 4
Dali Yunnan China 5 Dali Yunnan China 5
I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.
George Bernard Shaw

Client Testimonials

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences