The ancient city of Dali is simply magical. Its quiet backstreets define the town's unique pace of life which makes it unlike any other place in China. The Bai people have made their home in Dali's Erhai Sea Valley for more than 1000 years, and understandably feel they have no reason to go. Visitors to Dali can easily spend a week exploring the sights in and around Dali. Steep mountain ridges line each side of the Erhai Sea, while many small temples dot the foothills and lakeside below including the immeasurably picturesque Putuo Temple. Quaint Bai villages cling to the shores of the Erhai, and rely on the ample agricultural and fishing industries which abound in the Erhai valley's balanced ecosystem. Possibly China's most pleasant destination, visitors could spend a week either relaxing or exploring the valley on the foot. Luckily, with Overland Travel, spending extra time in a place like Dali is fun for us. 

Activities around Dali include:

Well preserved Bai architecture is worth a look in both Dali and nearby Xizhou village.  

Mondays are a very special day in the valley, as local merchants in traditional dress flock to two colorful markets at the villages of Shaping and Wase.

Spend an afternoon in awe of the skillful Bai fishermen who command cormorants as if they are Dr. Dolittle. Witnessing these fisherman control their birds as they fish with ease in the Erhai is truly a spectacle. 

Scramble up Cang Mountain to Zhonghe Temple and the Highlander Inn to enjoy unbeatable views of the ancient city and the entire valley.

Melt into the hot springs at Dali's geothermal paradise. Surrounded by mountains, wake up early to take in a beautiful sunrise in the cool Dali morning.