Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

Located in west-central Yunnan Province at the junction of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture is China's only autonomous prefecture of the Bai ethnic group. Natural & Cultural Attractions Natural Landscapes Cangshan Mountain & Erhai Lake Cangshan Mountain: Featuring 19 continuous peaks with the highest Malong Peak at 4,122m, renowned for "19 Peaks and 18 Streams". Its snow-capped summit remains year-round, designated as a National Geopark. Erhai Lake: A plateau freshwater lake covering 251 sq.km, where lake-mountain scenery blends with fishing villages. Enjoy boat tours or cycling along the lakeside ring road. Jizu Mountain A sacred Buddhist site famous for "Four Golden Summit Wonders" (sunrise, sea of clouds, Buddha's halo, sacred lamps), serving as royal meditation grounds for Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms. Weibao Mountain A Taoist sacred mountain preserving Qingxia Palace and Changchun Cave from Ming-Qing dynasties. With over 90% forest coverage, it combines natural beauty with religious culture. Historical Sites Dali Ancient Town Built in 1382 (Ming Dynasty), it showcases intact Bai residential architecture. Landmarks like Wuhua Tower, Wenxian Tower, and Foreigner Street blend history with modernity. Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple Relics of Nanzhao Kingdom's royal temple. The 69m-tall main Qianxun Pagoda exemplifies Tang Dynasty brick pagodas, forming "Dali's Three Wonders" with Butterfly Spring and Nanzhao Dehua Stele. Shaxi Ancient Town The only surviving ancient tea-horse trade market, where Sideng Street, ancient stage, and Xingjiao Temple retain Ming-Qing architectural charm, hailed as "Where Time Stands Still". Shibao Mountain Grottoes A treasure trove of Buddhist rock carvings from Nanzhao to Dali periods, famous for "Ayangbai" fertility worship carvings and "Nanzhao's First Grotto". Local Cuisine Highlights Signature Dishes Dali Sour-Spicy Fish Made with Erhai bowfish or carp stewed with papaya, chili, and Sichuan pepper—a tangy, spicy Bai hospitality specialty. Nuodeng Ham Cured with well salt in Yunlong County's highland climate, featuring rosy meat and rich aroma—ideal for steaming or stir-frying. Yongping Braised Chicken Tender free-range chicken braised in fermented bean sauce, a savory western Yunnan delicacy. Street Snacks Fried Rushan Cheese Milk sheets fried crispy then wrapped with rose jam—crispy outside, tender inside, blending dairy and floral notes. Carved Plums Intricately carved plums preserved in honey—a sweet-sour Bai traditional delicacy for steaming or direct eating. Xizhou Baba Flaky baked cakes in sweet (rose sugar) or savory (scallion-ham) versions—Dali's breakfast favorite. Beverages & Desserts Bai Three-Course Tea "Bitter-Sweet-Aftertaste" symbolizing life philosophy, served with walnuts, brown sugar, and paired best with fried cheese. Weishan Pa'er Rice Noodles Sticky rice strips served with meat sauce, scallions, and pickles in thick broth—comforting texture. Travel Tips Best seasons: Mar-May (flower season) & Sep-Nov (autumn colors). Avoid rainy season (Jun-Aug) and winter chill at high altitudes. Transport: 2hr bullet train from Kunming. Rent cars or charter vehicles for Erhai Lake circuits. Cultural experiences: Try Bai tie-dyeing (Zhoucheng), March Street Fair (lunar Mar 15), or visit Jiang Ancestral Hall for intangible heritage.