Dali Day Tour: A Yunnan Journey Through Ancient Towns & Bai Life

Wander the cobblestone streets of Dali Ancient Town, a well-preserved settlement dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Ease into its old-world rhythm as your guide leads you past white-walled Bai homes, hidden courtyards, craft shops, and lively streets, sharing stories of Dali’s rich cultural heritage. Take your time and enjoy the town at your own relaxed pace.

Stand before Dali’s iconic Three Pagodas, a symbol of the city and a remarkable legacy of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. The main Qianxun Pagoda dates to the 9th century, while the two smaller towers were built later. Your guide shares their history and the story of how these ancient towers endured centuries of earthquakes.

Recommended restaurants near the attractions

When the morning’s wandering works up an appetite, slow down for a relaxed local lunch. Your guide can recommend dishes based on your tastes, from Bai specialties like Xizhou baba to simple local snacks and everyday favorites, helping you choose something that suits you. Lunch is at your own expense, so you can choose what—and how much—you’d like before setting off again.

Trade the bustle of Dali for the slower rhythm of Xizhou Ancient Town, where Bai traditions live on in ornate wooden homes, stone-paved lanes, and quiet courtyards. Wander through the old streets and notice the details of Bai architecture and everyday life, once shaped by the town’s role along the ancient Tea Horse Road.

Visit Zhoucheng Village, known for its long tradition of Bai tie-dye, where indigo-dyed fabrics remain an important part of local craftsmanship. See the distinctive blue-and-white patterns and learn how traditional resist-dyeing techniques have been passed down through generations. Beyond its textile traditions, the village retains stone-paved paths, whitewashed houses and a slower pace of everyday Bai life, offering a closer look at the culture of Dali’s countryside.