The ancient city of Dali looms in the distance like an old castle. Built in 1382 (the Ming Dinasty) it has walls 7.5 meters high and 6 meters thick, and a gate on each of its four sides. Restoration has given the towers over the walls on the south and north sides a completely new look.
Unless you go on a guided tour, you enter the city from the south gate, from which is possible to climb up to the most spectacular of the city towers. History seems to be coming back to you when you stand on the wall, gazing into the distance and down the city.
It is easy to see why Dali has become such a popular tourist destination. Few places can match its setting, lying on a long plain flanked on one side by the high (over 4000 meters) peaks of the Azure Mountains, and on the other by the 42-kilometer long Erhai Lake.
Dali also exhibits a strong ethnic accent. The valley is home to Han, Hui and Bai, but it is the Bai who arouse the most attencion. Theirs are elegant stone houses with wood-carved decorations. The women wear bright vests, aprons and fancy head-dresses.
With monuments and temples to visit, a lake to sail upon, fishing life to witness, busy markets to attend, mountain trails to hike and a famous old city to wander around in, Dali offers many ways to enjoy one’s time.
Besides all that it is also a handicrafts center, specialising in marble work, woodcarving, tie-dying, embroidery and painting, thus giving visitors a broad selection for their souvenirs.
