Dali — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Dali.
Cangshan mountains, Erhai lake and a relaxed Bai old town — cycling and cafés by the water.
🍜 Signature dishes in Dali
- 大理砂锅鱼Dali Claypot Fish
- 乳扇Milk Fan Cheese
- 喜洲粑粑Xizhou Baba
- 雕梅Carved Plum
- 生皮Raw Pork Salad
- 酸辣鱼Hot & Sour Fish
- 饵丝Ersi Rice Noodles
- 鲜花饼Flower Cake
- 烤乳扇Grilled Milk Fan
- 三道茶Three-Course Tea
🎟️ Top things to do
- Erhai Lake
Cycle or drive the lake loop
- Dali Old Town
Bai culture & cafés
- Three Pagodas
Chongsheng Temple icon
- Cangshan Mountain
Cable car & hiking
- Xizhou Town
Bai courtyard houses
- Bai cuisine
Claypot fish & milk fan
- Shuanglang
Lakeside village & cafés
- Shaxi Ancient Town
Old caravan town, 2h drive
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Dali?
Take the metro or a taxi from DLU (Dali) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Dali on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Dali. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Dali visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (DLU (Dali)) · verify with official sources before travel.