Where to Stay in Dali

Dali is a well-established tourist destination with an abundance of accommodation options. With around 6,000 hotels and guesthouses, visitors can find everything from star-rated hotels to charming homestays. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular areas to stay in Dali, including the Old Town, Erhai Lake, Xizhou Ancient Town, and Xiaguan (Dali City).

1. Dali Old Town

Dali Old City is a must-visit tourist attraction and hosts about 40% of Dali's hotels, inns and guesthouses. The area features traditional Bai ethnic residences, with many private inns and guesthouses converted from old houses, exuding a charming, historical vibe. The star-rated hotels here range from 3 to 5 stars, with prices between 200-700 RMB. Some business hotels can cost around 500 RMB. The Old Town is close to both Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, making it a popular choice for first-time visitors, with over 80% choosing to stay here on their first night.

Pros:

• Convenient Transportation: Easy access to various attractions via multiple transport options.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Bustling with activity, offering plenty of shopping, nightlife, and dining options.
• Variety of Accommodations: From youth hostels to boutique hotels and star-rated hotels, there's something for everyone.

Cons:

• Noisy Environment: The lively atmosphere may be too noisy for those seeking tranquility.
• Parking Challenges: Limited parking options, with some lodgings lacking dedicated parking spaces.

Ideal for: First-time visitors, especially young travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere. You will also find plenty of bike and electric scooter rentals here.

2. Erhai Lake East: Shuanglang and Wase

Erhai Lake is another top destination in Dali, divided into the eastern and western shores. The most popular areas on the eastern shore are Shuanglang and Wase.

Shuanglang 双廊镇

Shuanglang Town, located on the northeast shore of Erhai Lake, offers stunning views of both the lake and the Cangshan Mountains. The hotels and inns here are mostly built along the shore, providing direct access to the lake. Despite higher prices, the breathtaking scenery makes it worth staying for a night. It’s a favorite spot for photographers due to its picturesque scenery.

Pros

• Lakefront Views: Many inns offer direct access to the lake.
• Scenic Beauty: Ideal for capturing breathtaking photos and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Cons:

• Remote Location: Far from the main city, making transportation less convenient.
• High Price: Accommodation here tends to be more expensive.

Best for: Those who love peace and scenic lake views.

Hotels in Shuanglang

Wase 挖色镇

Wase Town is close to Shuanglang, about 10 kilometers away, and features the small scenic spot of Xiaoputuo Island. It's quieter and more affordable than Shuanglang, making it a great alternative.

Pros:

• Quieter than Shuanglang: Offers a more tranquil experience.
• Affordable Rates: Generally cheaper than staying in Shuanglang.

Cons:

• Less Accessible: Transportation to and from major attractions can be inconvenient.

Best for: Visitors seeking a quieter experience at a lower cost along Erhai Lake East.

3. Erhai Lake West: Caicun and Longkan

►Caicun 才村

Caicun is a quiet and beautiful village on the northeast side of Dali Old Town, along the west shore of Erhai Lake. Known for its pier and lakeside wetlands, it’s a favorite among photographers. The village has many well-preserved Bai ethnic buildings, showcasing rich cultural heritage. It's a short walk from the Old Town, or you can take the C2 bus directly.

Pros:

• Close to Old Town: Easy to visit the Old Town while enjoying the serenity of the lakeside.
• Affordable Accommodation: Generally, more budget-friendly compared to Shuanglang.

Cons:

• Less Nightlife: Limited nightlife and dining options compared to the Old Town.

Best for: Those who want to enjoy the beauty of Erhai Lake and the convenience of being near the Old Town.

Hotels on the west bank of Erhai Lake

►Longkan 龙龛村

Longkan is farther from the Old Town but offers a more serene environment and excellent sunrise views. Longkan is even quieter and further from the Ancient City than Caicun. It’s an excellent spot for watching the sunrise over Erhai Lake. The Longkan Pier is a perfect place to start your day with a beautiful sunrise view.

Pros:

• Tranquil Setting: Ideal for watching the sunrise and enjoying a peaceful atmosphere.
• Affordable Prices: Cheaper accommodations compared to Caicun.

Cons:

• Distance from Old Town: Less convenient for visiting the Old Town, especially at night.

Best for: Visitors who enjoy tranquility and beautiful sunrises.

4. Xizhou Ancient Town 喜洲古镇

Xizhou, located 18 kilometers north of Dali Ancient City, is an important Bai ethnic town with well-preserved traditional Bai architecture. Although it’s farther from the Ancient City and public transportation is less convenient, the town offers a glimpse into authentic Bai culture and rural life.

Pros:

• Authentic Bai Culture: Experience traditional Bai culture and lifestyle.
• Scenic Countryside: Beautiful rural landscapes and historical buildings.

Cons:

• Limited Public Transport: Less accessible from other major attractions.

Best for: Travelers who appreciate a peaceful rural setting and want to immerse themselves in local culture.

5. Xiaguan (Dali City)

Xiaguan is the political and economic center of Dali, with well-developed tourism facilities. Located at the southern end of Erhai Lake, it’s about 20 kilometers from the Old Town and 48 kilometers from Shuanglang. Xiaguan has many star-rated hotels and is close to the airport, train station, and bus station, making it a convenient choice for travelers.

Pros: 

• Convenient transportation, with easy access to various attractions and transportation hubs.
• Well-developed infrastructure with plenty of shopping and dining options.

Cons: 

• Far from Main Attractions: Less scenic compared to the Old Town or lakeside areas.

Ideal for: Travelers catching early flights or trains, or those driving to destinations like Lijiang, Shangri-La, Tengchong, or Ruili.