Top 20 Best Things to Do in Dali Prefecture
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Dali Prefecture

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Cangshan Mountaintop_1
    󰺂8.3
    67.52
    Dali.Cangshan Scenic Area16 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoCangshan Mountain cable car and hiking guides are popular
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Spring Outings
    Highlights:
    10 temples & 20 natural attractions
    󰋄Unique geological landscapes displayed
    󱨠Saved by 833 users󱨠3975 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The place is beautiful.. before going to the cable car rides, there are stairs to climb. Next to it are souvenir shops.

  • The Chongsheng Temple And The Three-Pagoda Culture Tourist Areatop_2
    󰺂8.1
    37.92
    Dali.Dali Ancient City16.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoDali Bai Autonomous Prefecture launches travel deals with a flight ticket | Sep 1, 2025-Aug 31, 2026
    Highlights:
    󰋄Three Pagodas Reflection Pond views
    󰀆Perfect spot for tower reflections
    󱨠Saved by 634 users󱨠5945 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Faizal BFaizal B

    For me, you can skip the insides of the temples and pay more attention to the surrounding scenery and Pagodas. Go early to avoid the crowd. I was there at 0820 am hardly any crowds. They start coming around 0900 am. Take the pictures you want near the pagoda then take the buggy up the top. Then take the steps down to the bottom. It makes a huge difference

  • Erhai Laketop_3
    󰺂7.9
    Dali.Small Putuo Scenic Area of Wase Town22.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoDali's Spring-like Winter: Cherry Blossoms and Snow at 20°C | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    Highlights:
    󱓊Nearby towns with historical heritage
    󱨜National scenic area & lake
    󱨠Saved by 1168 users󱨠2871 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M24***69M24***69

    I went to Dali Bohai Sea, and it really felt like I broke into a fairyland on earth! Cycling along the lake, the wind blows, it is called a comfortable, the lake is sparkling, like a sprinkling of broken gold. Cangshan Mountain in the distance is continuous, and it is matched with Bohai Sea. No matter how you shoot it, you can shoot it. Passing by the village, you can see the leisurely life of the locals, full of fireworks. Staying there, all the troubles were thrown out of the cloud, it was really healing, I can stay here for a lifetime!

  • Dali Ancient City
    4
    󰺂7.6
    Dali.Dali Ancient City14.3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoFallen ginkgo leaves on Yu'er Road will not be swept away immediately | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Fuxing Road for culture & shopping
    󰀆Millennial Ethnic Festival Celebration
    󱨠Saved by 1257 users󱨠4483 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    鹿野君1985鹿野君1985

    The ancient city of Dali is beautiful and beautiful. The heritage of the ancient city of the millennium: Tang Jianming City still exists, strolling on Qingshiban Street, visiting the ancient walls of the city building, soaking the legacy of Nanxun. Cangwu scenery picture: leaning on Cangshan Mountain, Linyi Sea, riding to watch the sunrise, taking the ropeway to enjoy the wind, flowers and snow. Must visit cultural landmarks: Chongsheng Temple three towers are squash, foreigner street to find milk fans, sour soup fish, feel the tip of the tongue Yunnan. Fresh folk experience: March Street to catch a rally, Bai song and dance, tie-dye silverware, immerse in the national customs. Best B&B for rest: Recommended to stay at the "Dingdaryu Lu Villa B&B" next to the ancient city! Modern design, five-star service, walking distance to the core area, intimate service to accompany you leisurely vacation.

  • Shuanglang
    5
    󰺂7.2
    Dali.Shuanglang Scenic Area34.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Dali Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󱓊Walk to Yujidao for sunset views
    󰀆Boat ride & Erhai scenery
    󱨠Saved by 443 users󱨠1139 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    梨花落🍀梨花落🍀

    Shuanglang Ancient Town is located on the northeast bank of the Bohai Sea, Dali, Yunnan, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea. It has the reputation of "Dali scenery in Cangwu, Cangwu scenery in Shuanglang". Bohai Sea is surrounded by the 19 peaks of Cangshan Mountain, and Jizu Mountain is in the east. The lakes and mountains are beautiful. 85% of the residents are Bai people, retaining more than ten historical relics such as the main temple of Hongshan, the ancient stage, and the traditional houses are dense.

  • Dali Erhai Lake Tour Bus
    6
    󰺂6.8
    35.32
    Dali.Dali Ancient City13.2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Convenient hop-on-hop-off bus stops
    󰋄Sightseeing bus around Erhai
    󱨠Saved by 355 users󱨠165 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    HorsescapeHorsescape

    You need to plan ahead whatever place would you like to visit. When you get the voucher, please play with the app , there’s an English version in WeChat , please see on my profile on how to do it. Or you can directly go to Dali Train Station, they will be the one to teach you, just an FYI download translate for you to be able to communicate with them. The young men in the photo was the one who explained to me everything. If you’ll visit Dali for 24hrs only please be reminded that there’s a timetable (time to get on the bus) You can book ahead before the actual date and you can cancel it also or reschedule if you think you can’t make it. Download WECHAT of else you won’t be able to use the voucher. I hope this help. Enjoy your trip 😊 As a solo traveller, this is highly recommended:) Just be patience on how to manuever the app 😊

  • Ancient Town Shaxi
    7
    󰺂6.8
    Jianchuan.Shaxi Ancient Town89.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Night Attractions in Dali Prefecture
    󱨠Saved by 320 users󱨠261 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    温暖super温暖super

    [Scenery] The living fossils of the ancient tea horse road, time amber is the heart! Stepping across the stone road of Yujin Bridge, the old yellow house of the moor is quiet, and the sound of horseshoes echoes in Sideng Street. The ancient stage wood carving mottled the vicissitudes, and the Tang style murals of Xingjiao Temple hide the mystery. [Fun] Pioneer Book Bureau drink coffee to see Yunjuan Yunshu, and on Friday, the Taobai nationality tie-dye, wild fungus dry goods fireworks rise. Avoiding the hustle and bustle of business is like a paradise, but the traffic is turning to the 18 bends of the mountain road. [Cost-effective] The hidden secret of being awakened by "Going to a Windy place"; Horseshoe prints, old books and starry sky together brew slow time, healing power full! ✨

  • Zhang Jia Garden
    8
    󰺂6.8
    41.55
    Dali.Cangshan Scenic Area10.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Sky pavilion for Cang-Er panoramic views
    6 courtyards show Bai architecture
    󱨠Saved by 228 users󱨠5420 positive reviews
    5.0/5
    M2d***dmM2d***dm

    I came here with a few friends. It was very good. The scenery was beautiful, the architecture was unique, the cultural heritage was rich, there was a fusion of various styles, and there were performances. The tour guide was very professional and enthusiastic. I recommend it!

  • Jizu Mountain
    9
    󰺂6.8
    28.57
    Binchuan.Jizu Mountain Scenic Area40.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoBest time to see the winter sunrise at Jizu Mountain | Nov 2025-Dec 2025
    󱨠1360 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Jizu Mountain is a famous Buddhist holy site with beautiful scenery and many pilgrims. The entrance fee is reasonable, but the cable car and shuttle bus within the scenic area are expensive, and have even increased in price since then, making it not very cost-effective.

  • Dali Luji Theme Park
    10
    󰺂6.7
    Dali.Main Urban Area of Dali2.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Dali Prefecture
    Highlights:
    Cliff chapel's romantic sunset glow
    󰋄360-degree view of Erhai sunset
    󱨠Saved by 197 users󱨠198 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    痴胶花花痴胶花花

    I'd previously tried Sentosa Island in Singapore, and since I was in Dali this time and there was a go-kart racing event, I decided to check it out. They're two different experiences; Singapore focuses on thrills and excitement, while Dali's appeal lies in its beautiful scenery. Therefore, they can't be compared directly. However, Yunxiang Mountain truly offers unparalleled views. The entrance overlooking Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, shrouded in mist, is like a fairyland. It seems like the best spot to watch the sunset, but unfortunately, the timing wasn't right, and I missed it. In summary, Yunxiang Mountain is a scenic spot that Dali has developed in the last two years, suitable for camping, watching the sunset, and go-karting. I hope it won't be overly commercialized and ruin this beautiful place.

Best things to do in Dali Prefecture (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Dali Prefecture? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Dali Prefecture offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Dali Prefecture

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Dali Prefecture experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Cangshan Mountain

• Dali.Cangshan Scenic Area | 16 km from downtown

• : 10 temples & 20 natural attractions,Unique geological landscapes displayed

The Chongsheng Temple And The Three-Pagoda Culture Tourist Area

• Dali.Dali Ancient City | 16.6 km from downtown

• : Three Pagodas Reflection Pond views,Perfect spot for tower reflections

Erhai Lake

• Dali.Small Putuo Scenic Area of Wase Town | 22.7 km from downtown

• : Nearby towns with historical heritage,National scenic area & lake

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Dali Prefecture

If you want to explore attractions just outside Dali Prefecture, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Dali Prefecture, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Dali Prefecture special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Dali Prefecture

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Dali Prefecture

Ready to explore the best of Dali Prefecture? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Dali Prefecture?
These are all Best Things to Do in Dali Prefecture:Cangshan Mountain, The Chongsheng Temple And The Three-Pagoda Culture Tourist Area, Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient City, Shuanglang
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Dali Prefecture?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Dali Prefecture include:Cangshan Mountain:4.5, The Chongsheng Temple And The Three-Pagoda Culture Tourist Area:4.7, Erhai Lake:4.6, Dali Ancient City:4.7, Shuanglang:4.6
At what locations in Dali Prefecture can Best Things to Do in Dali Prefecture be found?
The Best Things to Do in Dali Prefecture are mainly located in:Cangshan Mountain:Dali, The Chongsheng Temple And The Three-Pagoda Culture Tourist Area:Dali, Erhai Lake:Dali, Dali Ancient City:Dali, Shuanglang:Dali
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