Overview
Nestled between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali Old Town (大理古城) is a 1,200-year-old cultural treasure and a cornerstone of Yunnan’s heritage. Founded during the Nanzhao Kingdom (738–902 AD) and later the Dali Kingdom (937–1253 AD), it served as a political and trade hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Today, its 3 km² grid of flagstone streets, Bai-style courtyards, and restored city gates attracts millions seeking history, art, and natural beauty.
Architecture & Layout
- Design: The town follows a chessboard layout with "Nine Streets and Eighteen Lanes," featuring whitewashed walls, gray-tiled roofs, and intricate wood carvings. Key structures include:
- South Gate (承恩门): The iconic entrance with a plaque by calligrapher Guo Moruo.
- Wuhua Tower: A Ming-era bell tower offering panoramic views.
- Foreigners’ Street (Yangren Street): A lively strip of cafés, tie-dye shops, and bars.
- Bai Ethnic Style: Homes showcase "Three Rooms and One Screen Wall" designs, adorned with floral motifs and inscribed family mottos.
Cultural Highlights
- Museums: Visit the Dali Non-Heritage Museum (housed in Qing-era Jiang Ancestral Temple) for Bai crafts like tie-dye and silverwork.
- Festivals: March–April brings the March Street Fair, a 1,000-year-old market with horse races and folk dances.
- Cuisine: Savor Xizhou Baba (fried rice cakes), Er Kuai (rice noodles), and Three-Course Tea, a Bai hospitality ritual.
Natural Surroundings
- Erhai Lake: Cycle or boat along this alpine lake, stopping at Shuanglang Village for sunset views.
- Cangshan Mountain: Hike or take the cable car to Seven Dragon Pools and Zhonghe Temple.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time: Spring (March–April) for festivals; autumn for mild weather.
- Transport: Fly to Dali Airport or take trains from Kunming. Use bikes to explore the car-free old town.
- Etiquette: Respect local customs—avoid touching ancestral shrines in Bai homes.
Dali Old Town is a living museum where history whispers through every lane, offering a timeless escape into China’s multicultural past.
