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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.

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Client Testimonials

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
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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!
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We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
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- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
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- Mr David Wallace, North India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
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- Anonymous, 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

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