Looking for a more relaxed stop on your China itinerary? This Dali China travel guide covers everything we experienced during our 3-night visit in June 2024.
Dali is located in the Yunnan province of China and is a popular second stop after the city of Kunming while exploring the region. The city has a higher altitude, cooler weather and offers a great mix of old charm and modern convenience. During our visit, Dali quickly became one of the most chill and unexpected highlights of our entire trip.
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How to Get to Dali China by High-Speed Train
By Train
We travelled from Kunming to Dali by high-speed train. It cost 145 CNY (20 USD) and took roughly two hours. After arriving at Dali Station, we hopped on a local bus for about an hour to reach Dali Ancient City. If you would like to learn more about catching the high-speed train in China, check out our full guide here.
By air
If you’re flying, Dali Fengyi Airport is an option. It’s located on the western side of Erhai Lake and about an hour’s drive from the Ancient City. Dali sits at around 1975m elevation. Ling started to experience mild altitude sickness on arrival and spent the first few days resting while I explored solo. For those sensitive to altitude, it’s worth taking it slow.
Where to Stay in Dali on a Budget
We booked through Trip.com. Our stay was at Manba Hostel (大理慢吧客栈), also known as Dali Kingdom International Youth Hostel. It’s located inside Dali Ancient City and cost around ¥100 (AU$20) per night for a private double room with a bathroom.
Dali Kingdom International Youth Hostel
The staff were friendly and welcoming. Each night, we joined others in the common area to sip local Pu’er tea, led by a tea-loving receptionist. This added a personal and cultural touch to our stay.
This hostel suits solo travellers, couples, and backpackers. Just be aware — cats were often seen wandering around, likely due to the owner’s side hustle in cat breeding!
Dali Ancient City: Explore the Heart of Dali China
We spent most of our time exploring Dali Ancient City. During the day, it’s full of local shops, cafes, and markets. At night, the energy shifts.
Musicians line the footpaths. They play live sets, sell drinks, and create a low-key street party vibe. It’s not strictly legal, but no one seemed to care. Drinks were ¥30–50, and the vibe was worth every cent.
Street Markets and Fresh Fruit in Dali China
Street markets just outside the old town were one of our daily highlights. We found large handfuls of fresh blueberries for just ¥20 — something you won’t see in Australia.
While the markets were busy, they never felt overwhelming. We often grabbed Luckin Coffee or Mixue iced tea and wandered through effortlessly.
What to Eat in Dali China During Mushroom Season
We visited during mushroom season (June–July) – a major event in Yunnan. One mushroom stands out: Blue Hands (Lanmaoa asiatica). It’s unique, a little risky, and famously known in Yunnan for its side effects when improperly cooked. Locals even have a phrase: “jiàn xiǎo rén” (见小人), meaning “seeing little people.”
We tried a well-prepared version at a local food stall. Surprisingly, it was delicious, and fortunately, we had no side effects. Cured meats were another standout. Stores displayed hanging legs of ham, and we loved the thin-sliced meat carved fresh to order.
Free and Cheap Things to Do in Dali China
- Old City Walls and Gates – Climb and explore. Lit up beautifully at night.
- Traditional Dress Photoshoots – Locals and tourists dress up in ethnic costumes for pro photo sessions. Worth watching.
- Xizhou Ancient Town – Half-day trip by local bus (arrive 10 mins early; signage can be unclear).
Nightlife Encounters and Local Vibes in Dali China
One night, a local man from our hostel took a group of us to explore the best streets for live music. It felt spontaneous and friendly — a memorable experience that added personality to our trip.
However, the hostel host later warned us to stay alert. While the man seemed harmless, he might have been getting commission from vendors. It’s a good reminder to stay aware, even in chilled-out cities like Dali.
“Shuai Ge!” – A Funny Cultural Moment in Dali China
In China, one phrase we kept hearing was “shuài gē” (帅哥) — it means handsome brother and is commonly used to catcall or joke around with male tourists. Chinese people are surprisingly forward with compliments, and in smaller cities like Dali, foreigners still attract a lot of attention.
“Walking through Dali at night felt like being a B-grade celebrity. I couldn’t go ten steps without someone shouting ‘Shuai Ge!’ or asking for a photo. It was flattering, confusing, and hilarious all at once.” — Corry
Add a few drinks and live music to the mix, and suddenly, getting catcalled by vendors and locals alike becomes part of the experience.
If you’re not used to attention, it might catch you off guard. But in our case, it just added another layer to the chaotic charm of Dali nightlife.
Is Dali Worth Visiting?
If you’re travelling through Yunnan Province, Dali is definitely worth a stop.
It’s not for those who want big cities or luxury malls. But if you enjoy walking, exploring, and connecting with local culture, Dali will be your kind of place.
We found it a great break after weeks of fast travel.
Practical Travel Tips for Dali China
- Language: Use DeepL or Google Translate if you don’t speak Mandarin. Most tourists we met got by fine.
- SIM Card: We used GlobalYo eSIM. It worked well across China.
- Payments: China is mostly cashless. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay.
- Altitude: The elevation may affect you, even if you’re healthy. Take breaks.
- What We Missed: Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake are popular, but we ran out of time. They’re on our list for next time.
Suggested 2–3 Day Itinerary for Dali China
| Itinerary | Suggested activities |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dali Explore Dali Ancient City Watch street music at night |
| Day 2 | Walk the city walls Try local mushrooms and cured meats Optional: join a guided walk |
| Day 3 | Morning bus to Xizhou Ancient Town Return to Dali for tea or photos in traditional dress Enjoy the last night of live music |
Is Dali Worth Visiting? Our Final Thoughts After 3 Nights
After spending three nights in Dali, we now understand why it’s a top travel spot in Yunnan. The cool weather, slower pace, and street life made it a refreshing change from China’s mega-cities.
For solo travellers, couples, or anyone wanting authentic experiences without the stress of major tourist hubs, Dali delivers. It might not have huge malls or skyscrapers, but that’s exactly why it’s special.
Would we go back? Absolutely. And next time, we’re heading straight for Cangshan.
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