Dali

Discover the Timeless Charm of Dali

Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture（大理白族自治州）is nestled in the breathtaking Western Yunnan, a land steeped in history and cultural brilliance. As one of the earliest cradles of Yunnan’s civilization, Dali was once the thriving heart of the illustrious Dali Kingdom（大理国）—a realm where legends were born and time seemed to dance.

In 2025, the majestic beauty of Dali continues to captivate all who venture here. The towering Cangshan Mountain（苍山）stands guard over the shimmering Erhai Lake（洱海）, while the timeless charm of Dali Ancient Town（大理古城）beckons visitors to wander through its storied streets. Nearby, the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple（崇圣寺三塔）stand as silent sentinels to a rich cultural heritage.

Human and Historical Background

This land is home to the enchanting Bai ethnic minority（白族）, whose vibrant culture, customs, architecture, and festivals weave a colorful tapestry that draws travelers seeking authentic connection and soulful experience. In 2025, Dali remains a sanctuary where history, nature, and spirit unite—inviting every dreamer to find their own story amid its timeless landscape.

As far back as the Neolithic Age, the ancestors of ethnic minorities such as the Bai（白族）and Yi（彝族）people flourished on this sacred land of Dali（大理）, igniting the dawn of human civilization here. In 211 BC, this region was formally woven into the vast tapestry of Chinese civilization as part of the unified Qin Dynasty empire.

Through the sweeping currents of time, during the Tang（唐朝）and Song Dynasties（宋朝）, two mighty kingdoms rose to prominence on this soil — the legendary Nanzhao Kingdom（南诏国）and the magnificent Dali Kingdom（大理国）— whose reign spanned over five centuries, forging a cultural legacy unparalleled in its brilliance and depth.

Though the fierce storms of war under the Yuan Dynasty（元朝）brought devastation to the ancient city, the spirit of Dali was never broken. In 1382, during the 15th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty（明朝洪武十五年）, the Ming army reclaimed this land and breathed new life into the prefectural city. The rebuilt Dali Ancient City（大理古城）stands today as a living monument, carrying the echoes of countless generations and the profound memory of a civilization that continues to inspire.

In 2025, walking through its ancient streets is to journey through time itself — to feel the heartbeat of history and the pulse of a culture that refuses to fade.

Cultural Heritage, Religious Harmony, and Climate Blessings

As the very heartland of Bai culture（白族文化）in Dali（大理）, every corner of this ancient land breathes the spirit and artistry of the Bai people. Their folk architecture — from the iconic “three houses with a screen wall” (“三坊一照壁”) to the elegant “four compounds with five courtyards” (“四合五天井”) — stands as a testament to generations of masterful craftsmanship. Graceful overhanging eaves, intricate brackets, and delicately carved beams and pillars all whisper stories of an aesthetic rooted in harmony with nature and tradition.

Beyond stone and wood, Bai artistry flourishes in the vibrant colors of their tie-dyeing（扎染）, the exquisite finesse of their embroidery（刺绣）, and the vivid life captured in every stroke of woodcarving（木雕）. These crafts don’t just adorn objects — they weave the soul of a people into every thread and grain.

In the realm of faith, Dali’s religious culture is a living mosaic where Buddhism（佛教）, Taoism（道教）, and Islam（伊斯兰教）coexist in graceful harmony. The towering Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple（崇圣寺三塔）stand solemn and unyielding, guardians of centuries-old Buddhist heritage. Nearby, Jizu Mountain（鸡足山）rises as a sacred beacon, its serene slopes attracting pilgrims and wanderers alike, offering a sanctuary where spiritual devotion meets breathtaking natural beauty.

Blessed by the heavens, Dali City（大理市）basks in a gentle northern subtropical plateau monsoon climate — where the seasons whisper soft transitions rather than sharp contrasts. Here, spring’s tender embrace lingers through all seasons, and heat and cold find peaceful balance. With an average annual temperature of 14.9°C and over 2,200 hours of radiant sunshine each year, Dali glows with a golden light that warms the heart of every visitor.

Rainfall dances rhythmically through summer and autumn, nourishing the earth and draping the landscape in veils of mist and poetry. The clear skies of winter and spring let the sun pour down like blessings, making every season a perfect invitation to explore, dream, and savor the timeless beauty of Dali.