Dali Attractions
Dali lies about 400km/250mi northwest of the provincial capital of Kunming with which it is linked by rail and overland buses.
Dali forms part of the autonomous region inhabited by the Bai minority, who form the bulk of the population. Dali is known both for its places of interest and for its lucrative marble deposits. The marble quarried here is known as ''Dali Stone''.
Dali's origins lie in the dim and distant past. All that is known is that it was the capital of the Nanzhao kingdom (738-902), when it was called Taihe. For centuries it was an important trading hub. During the Song period (960-1279) an independent kingdom existed here with the name of Dali. At times during the 13th C it came under the rule of the Mongols.
Dali forms part of the autonomous region inhabited by the Bai minority, who form the bulk of the population. Dali is known both for its places of interest and for its lucrative marble deposits. The marble quarried here is known as ''Dali Stone''.
Dali's origins lie in the dim and distant past. All that is known is that it was the capital of the Nanzhao kingdom (738-902), when it was called Taihe. For centuries it was an important trading hub. During the Song period (960-1279) an independent kingdom existed here with the name of Dali. At times during the 13th C it came under the rule of the Mongols.
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Lake Erhai
+3 attractions
One of the main sights in Dali is Lake Erhai. An island in the lake dotted with old buildings is a key tourist attraction.
Dali Surroundings
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Cangshan Mountains
+1 attraction
The beautiful Cangshan Mountains stretch for 50 km and contains the towering Mount Malong at 4122 m.
Gantong Si Temple
Some 5km/3mi south of the town stands the Gantong Si temple, dating from the Eastern Han period (24-220) but renovated by the Mings (1368-1644).
Guanyin Tang
5km/3mi south of Dali stands Guanyin Tang, dating from the Qing period (1644-1911) and dedicated to Guanyin, Goddess of Mercy. According to legend she, dressed as an old woman and with a giant stone on her back, faced an enemy army and put it to flight.
Pagoda of the Snake Bones
It is worth visiting the Pagoda of the Snake Bones (Shegu Ta), 14km/9mi south of Dali near the town of Xiaguan. It is over 30m/100ft high and was built in memory of a young man who - according to legend - freed the region from a giant man-eating snake, but lost his life in doing so.
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