Dali Ancient Town

Dali Ancient Town is located in China’s Yunnan Province. The ancient town was founded in 1382, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Situated between Erhai Lake in the east and Changshan Mountain to the west, this ancient towns location and architectural beauty makes it a favorite with visitors. The town is inhabited by members of the Bai Ethnic Minority Group, which gives the town a unique atmosphere and appearance. Their architecture and culture make it a truly special place.

The entire town is surrounded by its ancient wall which has a total length of 6 kilometers. The wall is 7.5 meters high and 6 meters thick at the base. The wall had four city gates, each facing a cardinal direction. On top of each gate is a gate tower. Today only the North and South city gate remain. The town was designed in a grid pattern with 5 main north-south streets and 8 main east-west streets. This layout has remained unchanged.

The residences of the Bai People are different from any other found in China. Typically, homes had 3 rooms facing a courtyard. The homes were adorned with carvings and the gate to each home was highly decorated.

Dali Ancient Town has a lot to offer visitors. There is a lot of shopping, quaint hostels and hotels, and plenty of chances to witness the Bai People’s culture firsthand. It is a wonderful addition to all China tours.