The Buddhist temple Three Pagodas is an ancient complex consisting of three triangulated pagodas and a reflecting pond. Visitors can spend almost three hours exploring the temples and pagodas, which offer stunning views from the top of the last temple. The gold Phoenix and Pagodas are truly magnificent against the backdrop of massive mountains and clear blue skies in Dali. The area also boasts beautiful picnic spots and a vegetarian buffet for those who prefer it.
Beautiful, well maintained and impressive cluster of temples. Surprisingly not crowded. Very well worth a visit if you are in Dali. Take the shuttle cart service. Will save you a lot of walking (you'll still walk plenty regardless)
Arie Tal — Google review
Amazing gold Phoenix and Pagodas. Dali is a wonderful place to visit. Blue skies and clean air!
Eric Padron — Google review
A beautiful temple in Dali near the old town city. That place is big and has many small temples there. You can see mountains and a lake in that place.
Darawadee V — Google review
Photos really don't do justice to the pagodas. U have to be there to sense their magnificence. Against the massive mountains n the clear blue sky yet one will be awed by them, really worth a visit
Kat Loh — Google review
Three Pagodas are one of the best preserved Buddhist structures in China having endured several man-made and natural catastrophes. The middle pagoda, built during 824-840 AD by king Quan Fengyou, is 69.6 meters (227 feet) high and is one of the tallest pagodas in China. The other two pagodas were built about a century later.
Saed Saydul — Google review
The whole three pagoda park is massive and to fully appreciate it, I suggest a day long trip.
It starts at the bottom with a huge car park, just a little north west of the Dali Ancient City. The entrance fee will set you back 120 yuan if you have not joined a tour but the ticket price is inclusive all the mini buses that operate throughout the park - trust me, you will need them. This is still a part of China and it is a MASSIVE park, and I mean massive literally. The three pagodas are just to mark the entrance to the site and the temples that follow on as you climb the mountain side get larger and larger, more grand as you go up. As far as I remember, there are five temples and each is preceded by a courtyard just as massive. I saw a lot of Chinese pilgrims alighting the incense at every temple, dancing and praying for good fortune. It was enchanting and mesmerizing to watch this Chinese lady performing Taichi moves before entering each of the temples.
The best part of the necessary part I guess is the free temple food about half way up. You get a bowl of rice to keep you going with vegetable side dishes. I suggest a little donation back... If still not satisfied, look back at the way you have climbed and you will be impressed by the view of the ancient Erhai lake. The kings of the ancient Dali kingdom has chosen the right site, it has magically qualities especially when the rain stops and the sun spills onto the ground.
Worth a trip, highly recommended!
Alex Young — Google review
The temple ground is huge and built in an upward slope, so take a shuttle to the top of the temple - 大雄宝殿 (Da Xiong Bao Dian) and walk down from there. The shuttle ticket and entrance ticket can be bought at the visitors entrance before entering the complex, with the shuttle ticket together they cost around 100 CNY.
Nicholas Koh — Google review
¥75 entrance fee for adults. Half price for over 60s. Great photo opportunities during good weather. Can pay an additional fee for a golf cart tour inside.
Michelle Yeung — Google review
(21/03/2024) An iconic landmark pagoda in Dali town.
Boy Anupong — Google review
A large complex of pagodas and temples that we spent almost 3 hours in, though I think most people would do it in 2. we were super relaxed in walking to the very last temple then winding our way back down. plenty of beautiful picnic spots, and a vegetarian buffet if you prefer. stunning views from the top of the last temple so I'd make the effort to get there.
Gavin Scott — Google review
Exploring the Dali's Timeless Charm
Venturing through Dali, Yunnan, was a journey through time and beauty, leaving me that sweet longing to return. From the tranquil Erhai Lake, where the waters mirror the sky's serenity, to the iconic Three Pagodas standing tall against the backdrop of ancient history, every sight was a marvel. 🏞
At the foot of Cangshan Mountain, the temple whispered tales of loyalty, devotion, and spirituality, inviting contemplation and peace. ⛰ Each moment in Dali felt like a step into a bygone era, yet the vibrant culture and warm hospitality embraced me with open arms. Amidst this wonder, nostalgia lingers, beckoning me back.
Cherry blossoms bloom along some parts of the city's roadside, adding a delicate touch of beauty to the enchanting landscape. 🌸 And as the radiant sunlight casts its golden hues over the temple at the foot of Cangshan, it illuminates the surroundings with a heavenly glow, enhancing the spiritual aura of the place. ☀
#DaliDiscovery 🌟 #ErhaiLake 🏞 #ThreePagodas 🏯 #CangshanTemple ⛰ #YunnanWanderlust 🌄 #ChinaTravel 🏔🌿 #wheninDali🏔 #KatchaDora💃🧑🎤 #KatchaWanderlust🇵🇭
Dali Ancient City is a charming destination for tourists, with its chessboard-like layout featuring shops selling handicrafts and local cuisine, as well as bars in a relaxed setting. The town's rich history adds to its allure, as visitors can walk the same streets that played a significant role in world history thanks to Dali's influence. A small museum also provides some insight into the town's past, though it could be more comprehensive.
Beautiful place.
I think the history behind the old Town really makes it interesting.
Dali played a large role in world history and we are able to walk through the same streets.
There's a small museum with some history of the town which is really nice. Wish it was bigger and went more in depth though.
Peter Kim — Google review
A large old town for shopping and taking pictures
Michael Chang — Google review
Dali Ancient City, with its distinct charm and historical allure, earned a solid 4/5 in my Google rating. The city's ancient architecture and vibrant atmosphere create a unique setting that captivates visitors.
The well-preserved ancient structures, cobbled streets, and the iconic South and North Gates reflect the rich history of Dali. Exploring the city feels like stepping back in time, with every corner revealing a piece of its cultural heritage.
While the ambiance is undoubtedly enchanting, I found that some areas lacked clear signage, making navigation a bit challenging. However, this minor inconvenience didn't overshadow the overall experience.
The local markets, featuring handicrafts and traditional treats, added a delightful touch to my visit. The friendly locals and their willingness to share stories about the city's history enhanced the authenticity of the journey.
In summary, Dali Ancient City is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of history and culture. With a bit of navigation patience, the city offers a memorable escape into the past, earning its well-deserved 4-star rating.
Wun Hui Chong — Google review
I would say, this the best ancient city in China. For 3-4 square meters, it seems inside a huge shopping complex with everything you name it. I have been to many Ancient Cities in China but they are too sloppy and disappointing.
Dali Ancient City day time and night time is totally different. Day time is relaxing. Night time is exciting.
The best location to stay is near Po Ai Gate or South Gate. As almost the entire City is walking street, hotels near the Gates are the most convenient as you don't have to walk too far away from the main road outside the City.
Right outside the PoAi Gate has a great restaurant serving the best Steam Pot Chicken in Yunnan. It has a special way in serving. A bowl of wheat noodle is accompanied with the steam pot of chicken and a bowl of hot sauce too.
From Po Ai Gate to the walking street is just few steps beyond. The walking street has a man made stream in day time. In the evening, the sound of stream wil be replaced by musicians.
Overall, Dali Ancient City is a must to visit in China.
Byng Chu — Google review
It took about 30+mins form the high speed rail station of Dali by Taxi. It was a Funny typical Chinese ancient city. Many restaurants inside, eg Yunnan, Bai, Sichuan etc. Must try item: Mixian/rice round noodle. Also, every night around 7-8 had camp fire dance inside and you could join and dance with them. There was paid parking.
sf c — Google review
We enjoyed a beautiful night in Dali ancient town. Everything here is rebuilt based on the Ming dynasty architect. Spring weather in Dali is perfect for sightseeing with many nice spots for taking photos.
You can check in a local hotel within the ancient city for the best experience.
Alex Nguyen — Google review
Perhaps the most beautiful towns I've seen in China and while the main streets can get very crowded there is enough to see, eat and do to spend a full day..we spent 8 hours walking, eating, drinking and shopping.
Gavin Scott — Google review
Typical Chinese touristic city, in the city where more or less it is spring like weather the whole year, just a bit colder then Kunming as it is a bit higher in altitude.
It's beautiful, especially the mountains surrounding it.
Not a lot western restaurants /bars if you are in search for that. Then better move on to Lijiang, having said that, it is a nice city with beautiful surroundings, not that far from Kunming (the city of eternal spring).
I rented a bike and it is wonderful to bike in the area.
Also I went to the mountains, modern cable cars available. Skiing not possible for those seeking that. But very nice views, high altitude.
Alex Baar — Google review
Very nice place,alot people and cold weather.. Food was Good
Amazing Channel — Google review
Maybe I didn't come at the right time. Too many tourists, just tooooo many😱
Margaret Pooh — Google review
It’s a large ancient city, lots of shops and street foods, the price is high, I recommend 烤奶茶 (roasted milk tea) and 烤乳扇 (grilled dairy fan).
Béo — Google review
It’s a nice area but very crowded even outside tourists season and you will find about 15 different shops and then all the others are the same. I suggest to visit Tianlong BaBu Cheng which is few minutes walk from the ancient city which much less tourists
Sébastien — Google review
Stayed in nearby landscape hotel. So it’s a walking distance to this town.
The whole place is lively at night where it’s light up with shops selling food, drinks & shopping 🛍️
Temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius during winter 🥶 which is good for the footwork.
Most shops closed around 10+
Boon Leong — Google review
Worth a visit. The 'Ancient' city appears more built for tourists. There is a different feel then that of most Chinese ancient cities; that is the presence of international influence. There are bars, while still very much Chinese, with a little international feel. If you are looking for a genuine old Chinese city this is not it. But if you are looking for a little West meets East you will probably like Dali.
Greg R — Google review
This is a super crowded outdoor shopping center masquerading as an "ancient city". They concentrated on selling locally made merchandise, including silverware, fruits, and "flower" bakery. On an interesting note, these silverware shops would hire some guy aimlessly banging on a small piece of silver with a hammer to insinuate that their silverware was handmade. We actually bought something here so we like this "ancient town" better than the others
George Shum — Google review
The ancient town of Dali is like all other ancient towns in Yunnan (Lijiang, Dukezong Shangri-La), but more commercialised.
Erhai, also known as Erhai Lake, is a stunning and massive body of water in Dali, China. The area boasts a mild climate that feels like spring all year round, creating a serene and picturesque setting for visitors. The lakeshore offers plenty of opportunities for exploration, with highlights such as Erhai Park and Butterfly Springs on the western bank.
It’s a lake, but it looks like a sea because of its largeness. Apart from the beauty, Erhai lake is also diverse in plants. There’re lots of tourists attractions around Erhai Lake: Little Putuo, Shengtuolini,… Travelling around Erhai Lake is a good experience owing to its tranquility.
Béo — Google review
Pretty lake with a continuous cycling trail around. Quite a romantic experience overall if you overlook the rampant presence of touters selling hair braids, baloons, bike rentals and photography hire.
The trail is serene once you pass the retail strip. The trail is well made with craft precision especially on the curve bends. Nature is displayed quite spectacularly with the variety of marshlands, grasslands, wetlands and interactive paved areas.
I'd say avoid all hotel acomodations here as they are quite inflated in price and haphazardly put together.
M Wayang — Google review
The lakeshore can be explored by hiking. Highlights include Erhai Park and the Butterfly Springs on the Western bank. Islands on the lake – including Guanyin Ge, Jinsuo Island (金梭岛; 'Golden Shuttle Island'), Nanzhao Folklore Island (南诏风情岛) and Xiaoputuo Island (小普陀) – are also available for visits.
The lake is an important food source for the local people (Bais), who are famous for their fishing method: their trained cormorants catch fish and return them to fishmongers. The birds are prevented from swallowing their fish by rings fixed around their neck.
Sandy Phạm — Google review
Interesting place to explore. It takes one day to round the lake with a car. You can stop on the road and enjoy the view. Check point: 喜州古鎮Hex·jix、雙廊古鎮Cualnud、理想幫Da Li santorini. If you are in a hurry trip, you may choose 雙廊. Very important: sun burn protection!!! Water for rehydration!!!
sf c — Google review
Erhai lake is a massive lake that the locals call sea. It is beautiful with many spots to take pictures, feed seagulls. I suggest to at least spend a day, using a vehicle to visit the sites around the lake. I personally rented an electric scooter from old town, and circled the lake using 2 days. It was a beautiful ride. I did it during Dec, which is quite cold. I believe it will be better by car.
Junwen Wang — Google review
I & my brother enjoyed here. It is a big & very beautiful lake. Lots of people comes to enjoy the beauty of this lake. I saw many children were flying kites.There is one big Olympic Stadium near the erhai lake. am Happy to explore this lake. wanna go again there.
Rohit Pathak (John) — Google review
Simply beautiful and memorable trip at the Er Hai. It is so clean that I am hardly find any piece of rubbish. Well done to the local government and the people who help taking care of the lake.
Cang Shan is a 50km-long mountain range located near Lake Erhai in Dali, offering a picturesque backdrop for exploration on foot or by bike. The area's historical significance dates back to the 8th century when it was the site of the establishment of the Nanzhao Kingdom. This kingdom later expanded to include parts of present-day Burma, Thailand, and Vietnam. The region's proximity to the Silk Road adds to its allure as a destination with rich cultural and historical significance.
Very beautiful of the city of Dali from atop! Went there during Winter and the pink flowers were very beautiful. There are many of them there! The school compound itself is quite big and they also have a flight of steps that takes you higher up to a hill in the university itself!
Wilfred Loy Yong Kang — Google review
I have studied mbbs here but i would not suggest anyone to study here because if you really want good education quality this is definitely not the place .The management is very poor . Rules having no point . Usually students from very poor family studies here so i found it a kind a low standard . The biggest mistake i have made in my life is studing in this university . I also suggest do not trust all your paper work when you study in this kind of chinese universities . Many paper works can be fake . You can have many good choices in life so think 100 times before joining this university.
Kajal purbey — Google review
Poor quality teaching skills and english that for namesake hsk4 must no education, NEXT exam ( neet pg) will be starting from 2022 which will be as tough as neet ug according to nbe office site the passing rate is approx 8 to 9 ℅ so come with preparedness that 30- 40 minimum going to waste if you can't pass NEXT. And without passing Next it's similar without a degree like med shop personals . Those time gone when MCI used to take paper like easy papers till 2018 . Here per batch 1- 2 persons are passing. So make it clear before you fall under the trap.
INDIAN — Google review
University is good but very very strict and to much pressure u have to pass hsk 4 (mandatory ) i have done my mbbs from dali and pass mci in 1 st attempt and i have done my intern ship from india
berry nexon — Google review
If u want to learn Chinese go to dali and give HSK6 and if u want to learn medical don't go there you will know nothing after 6 years .and next exam study u have to do by yourself .ask people before going and pros and cons as after spending 40L NOTHING
Great place to walk about with local street snacks and souvenirs at not too tourist-ed prices..
Nien Eugene — Google review
There is no foreigners at Foreigners Street.
In fact, all the action now concentrated at Red Dragon Well and the adjacent Dragon Well Stream Lane Walking Street and over there is much picturesque.
The Foreigners Street has the East and West sections. If you see the mountains, that is the west. Activities are more towards that section up too Po Ai Road.
Byng Chu — Google review
I love this place, many little beautiful store , has bar also at night. Starbucks also. Beautiful flower and blue sky. The building is so lovely
Lenny Anthony — Google review
Really loved watching locals working out in the morning. Taichi, dance etc...
Peggy Feliot Jensen — Google review
Amazing street to visit and eat local food. There are alot of bars showing live music
Aziz Omer — Google review
Nice place but lacks vintageness… best to visit Lijiang old city
Sam Tsien — Google review
You can walk here ,and eat the food native ly, no sorrow
zam tng — Google review
If in China well worth a visit great things to see and enjoy
Dali Catholic Church is a serene and solemn Chinese-style church that is always frequented by visitors. The church's peaceful atmosphere makes it an interesting building to explore, hidden in a side street. Additionally, the grounds of the church are peaceful and offer a quiet escape. Visitors can also enjoy a very affordable cafe with delicious coconut lattes nearby, making it worth a visit for both its tranquility and refreshments.
(Translated by Google) Interesting and worth a visit just because of the quiet and very cheap café. Delicious coconut latte
(Original)
Interessant und allein wegen des ruhigen und sehr günstigen Cafés einen Besuch wert. Leckerer coconut latte
Helen — Google review
Interesting building hidden in a side street
R C L — Google review
Nice church
jean-michel Bristol — Google review
(Translated by Google) The quiet and solemn Chinese-style Catholic church
(Original)
中國式的天主教堂寧靜莊嚴
金帛盛 — Google review
(Translated by Google) Catholic Church of Dali, always frequented.
(Original)
Eglise catholique de Dali, toujours fréquentée.
Located south of Dali Ancient City, Dali Butterfly Spring Park is a popular tourist spot known for its three distinctive themes: spring, butterfly, and tree. The park boasts a crystal-clear spring surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene pool. Above the pool stands the mesmerizing Butterfly Tree, which attracts countless butterflies as spring transitions to summer.
(Translated by Google) Dali, Yunnan & Suzhou, Jiangsu, have a pleasant climate and are very suitable for living~
(Original)
雲南大理&江蘇蘇州,氣候怡人,非常適宜人居~
05顏德勝太麻里到知本06顏德勝太麻里到知本 — Google review
(Translated by Google) Named Butterfly Spring, but there were no butterflies to see! Satire
(Original)
名字蝴蝶泉,但沒有蝴蝶看!諷刺
K.M. Chan — Google review
(Translated by Google) It's a big place with many people dancing and walking here.
(Original)
很大的地方,很多人在這邊跳舞和散步。
Little Putuo Island, located on Erhai Lake in Dali, is a charming and serene destination. The island is home to a pavilion dedicated to Guanyin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Accessible by boat from the main shore of Dali, this rustic island offers a tranquil escape. The temple on the island is modest yet lively, often frequented by locals enjoying leisure activities like card games or mahjong.
A small tourist attraction, no entrance fee to see seagulls.
Béo — Google review
Quaint little island with a temple. Short rope tethered boat ride to get over from the market across the street. We rented a scooter during the weekend and this was one of a few stops along the way. Nice view of the lake from the island.
btbiker1 — Google review
A very pictures small island with a tiny temple. There is a small boat that takes tourists to the island, which is worth a short visit. However, the boat may only accept payment wechat.
Helga Dénes — Google review
You can hire a ferry to get to the cute small island.
K Joe — Google review
a temple which is inside "er hai", a sea what they call but it shall be a lake
Trip Chan — Google review
(Translated by Google) We took the first boat to the island at 08:30. There was no one there, so we walked leisurely and took photos for about an hour.
(Original)
搭08:30第一班船登島,沒有人,全程悠閒慢走拍照約一小時。
趙金台 — Google review
(Translated by Google) You must ride an electric bicycle in a flat and upright manner; but pay attention to safety
(Original)
一定要玩電單車,平,正,;但注意安全
Jo Tang — Google review
(Translated by Google) Dali Xiaoputuo is a small island on the east coast of Erhai Lake. It is shaped like a seal. According to legend, it was the seal left by Guanyin to calm the wind and waves. There has been a two-story mountain-style building on the island since the Ming Dynasty - Guanyin Pavilion; "Lan Ai Putuo" is a famous attraction in Dali.
In the early morning, the lingering morning fog rose to Cangshan Mountain, and under the blue sky was the blue Erhai Lake. Little Putuo looks more charming. People take ferries to and from the clouds and water, which is really a paradise on earth.
This group of photos was taken on October 1, 2018.
(Original)
大理小普陀是洱海东岸边的一个小岛,形似印章,相传是观音为平风浪而留下的镇海之印。岛上自明朝以来就建有一幢两层歇山式建筑----观音阁;“岚霭普陀”是大理的著名景点。
清晨,未散尽的晨雾升到了苍山上,湛蓝的天空下是湛蓝的洱海。小普陀显得更有魅力。人们乘着渡船来往雲水间,真是人间天境。
本组照片摄于2018年“十、一”。
Zhonghe Temple is surrounded by ancient temples and offers stunning views of the ancient city of Dali and the picturesque Erhai Lake.
(Translated by Google) There are ancient temples here and you can see the ancient city of Dali and the Erhai Lake.
(Original)
這裡有古老寺廟和能看到大理古城和洱海景色
Lado Wong — Google review
Dali is a very interesting city - plenty of foreign tourists at the time I visited (2015). The temple is also quite interesting but if you hike beyond it for a couple of kms towards the hills you can find numerous tracks leading to the peak and hiking trails along the tops. However, beware of some seedy locals who will attempt to stop you getting to the tops unless you pay them guide money. For those who are adventureous and find ways around these rascals the rewards are spectacular.