Dali Gucheng, or the Old City, is an ancient town located north of the district of Dali City in the Yunnan Province. Dali Gucheng was built during China’s Ming Dynasty and its tranquil atmosphere has been preserved by its separateness. For foreign visitors to Dali, it is a glimpse of the grand architectural and cultural landscape of China with fascinating attractions rooted in China’s rich imperial history.
The streets remain organized into perfect criss-cross patterns and the neat homes, almost all with beautiful adjoining gardens of orchids and azaleas, are a notable sight. The elegance of nature can be admired at every step, where mountain streams flow through the city and join at peaceful Erhai Lake. The city is set against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains, including the sacred Buddhist Jizu Mountain. Other must-see sights including the Three Pagodas, native Bai crafts and performers, and the Foreigner’s Street.
What to Expect
There’s a reason Dali Gucheng is known as the backpacker’s paradise. The weather is generally temperate with an abundance of sunlight year round. Dali Gucheng is affected by the monsoon season, which lasts from June to October. It is wise to bring warm clothing along, as the city is sometimes cooled by monsoon winds.
Hours of Operation
As a residential district of Yunnan, the Ancient City is open at all times, but buses stop running in late evening.
Admission Cost
Tourists enjoy the affordable prices and lovely quality of hotels, cuisine, and souvenirs along the famous “Foreigner’s Street,” which features Western items. Be prepared to pay for attractions like the Three Pagodas, which is a fee of 120 yuan (approx. $18).
How to Get There
Dali Gucheng is about 12km away from Dali City, where tourists are likely to arrive. Buses, trains (8 hrs), and air flights (4 hrs) run between nearby Kunming and Dali City, but schedules for both train and air travel are affected by monsoon season. Regional buses typically operate between 6:30 AM and 9:30 PM from the two major bus terminals. Transportation into Dali Gucheng can be arranged with a tour service, often offered by hotels in Dali City, or by local bus. As rates and discounts vary between public and charter buses, it is best to check both options upon arrival.
Subscribe
|
Print
|
Share             
|
