Ban'cheng Light Luxury Scenic Courtyard-Style Hotel (Dali Ancient City South Gate)

December was a lovely time to see Dali Ancient City (Dali Ancient City). The air was cool and the sky bright blue, with far fewer tourists than in summer, so the place seemed to slow right down. We only had an hour, which we spent wandering the stone streets between the tall gates and distant Cangshan Mountains. Wide walkways made for an easy stroll, and we could take in the Bai-style buildings and tucked-away courtyards at our own pace. For a quiet break to enjoy the scenery and breathe, Dali in winter is hard to beat.

The traditional buildings give the place a really scenic feel. Walking around, I felt like I’d stepped into the setting of a Chinese drama or movie. It’s one of DaLi’s biggest attractions.

My family visited Dali last month, and we’d love to share some of the photos we took there. It’s a lovely place, and we’ll definitely come back. Set among the scenery of Yunnan Province in southwest China, Dali has a lot of history and ethnic heritage, along with an easygoing, bohemian feel.

There’s plenty of life in Dali Ancient City, with shops, cafés, and night markets, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. The old streets have well-kept Bai buildings, courtyards, and sections of the old walls that give you a sense of the city’s heritage. Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake surround it, adding to the calm, refreshing feel. It’s a nice place to wander at your own pace and take in the mix of history, nature, and daily life in Yunnan.