Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Over the past decade the Chinese tourist market discovered Dali and the
scene changed accordingly. Still, Dali has not succumbed to the tourist mania
that infected nearby Lijiang and remains a reasonably relaxed destination, with
the local population still a part of daily life.
Sights
THREE PAGODAS
( San Ta Si; adult incl Chongsheng Temple ¥121; 7am-7pm)
Absolutely
the
symbol of the town/region, these pagodas 2km north of the north gate are
among the oldest standing structures in southwestern China. The tallest of the
three,
Qianxun Pagoda
, has 16 tiers that reach a height of 70m.
Historic Sites
Festivals & Events
THIRD MOON FAIR
Merrymaking - along with endless buying, selling and general horse-trading
(but mostly merrymaking) - takes place during the third moon fair (Sanyue
Jie), which begins on the 15th day of the third lunar month (usually April) and
ends on the 21st day.
Cultural
TORCH FESTIVAL
Held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month (normally July), flaming torches
are paraded at night through homes and fields, while locals throw pine resin at
the torches causing minor explosions everywhere. According one local guest-
house owner, 'it's total madness'.
Cultural
Sleeping
JADE EMU $
( Jinyuyuan Zhong'ao Guoji Qingnian Lushe; 267 7311;
http://jade-
emu.com
; West Gate Village; dm without/with bathroom ¥25/30, s & d
Hostel
