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Dali sits between the Cangshan mountains and Erhai Lake in western Yunnan, at about 2,000 m. Its walled old town and the Bai villages around the lake are made for slow days: cycling the shore, sitting in courtyard cafes and eating your way through the morning markets.
Getting there from Singapore
There is no direct flight to Dali. The simplest route is a direct flight to Kunming, then a high-speed train to Dali of about two hours from Kunming station. Alternatively, connect to Dali Airport through Kunming or Chengdu, which is east of the lake, about an hour by car from the old town. The planner compares these options for your dates.
What to do
- Dali Ancient Town: stone streets and Bai gates; walk the city wall at sunset.
- Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: the symbol of Dali, with a large temple complex behind.
- Cangshan: take the cable car up for the walking path and views over the lake; go on a clear morning.
- Erhai Lake west shore: cycle or ride an e-bike between villages such as Caicun and Longkan.
- Xizhou and Zhoucheng: Bai merchant courtyards, a morning market and indigo tie-dye workshops.
- Shuanglang: a lakeside town on the east shore, best reached with a hired car looping the lake.
What to eat
- Xizhou baba: flaky baked bread, sweet or savoury, fresh from the market stalls.
- Rushan: thin strips of goat's milk cheese, grilled and brushed with rose jam.
- Sour and spicy Erhai fish: a Bai-style stew to share.
- Bai three-course tea: bitter, sweet, then aftertaste, a traditional welcome.
Where to stay
- Dali Ancient Town: walkable to everything; courtyard guesthouses at every budget.
- Erhai west shore: lake views and quiet nights, better if you plan to cycle.
- Shuanglang or Xizhou: boutique stays for a slower, more scenic base.
Good to know
At 2,000 m you may feel short of breath on day one: rest, drink water and save Cangshan for later. The sun is strong at altitude, and April evenings are cool. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you go; cash is rarely used.
Questions people ask
How do I get to Dali from Singapore?
There is no direct flight. The usual route is a direct flight to Kunming, then a high-speed train of about two hours to Dali. Some travellers fly to Lijiang instead and continue by train or road.
How many days do I need in Dali?
Three to five days covers the old town, the Three Pagodas, Cangshan and a day around Erhai Lake. Add more if you want slow lakeside days.
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