Northwestern of Kunming, Dali had been the political and trade center of Yunnan for five centuries when Yunnan governed itself. It lies on the edge of the picturesque Erhai Lake with the backdrop of 4000-meter tall Cang Shan Mountain. The main populations here are the Bai who have occupied the area for more than 3000 years. It is one of a few cities in China whose traditional houses, a city wall and remain in virtually original state and women of Bai tribes in their traditional cloths can still be seen shopping at the market.

Erhai Lake should be one in the must-see list when you travel in Dali. Lying about 2 kilometers east of Dali, it is one of the seven largest fresh water lakes in China. The 250 sq km lake is dotted with photogenic islands, century-old temples and fishing villages. A lake tour can be arranged to visit the Bai fishing community and the Buddhist temple of Xiaoputuo Dao. Since a lakeside road is built around the lake, it is possible to explore parts of the lake on a mountain bike. Interesting architecture near the lake that deserves a visit is the Three Pagodas. The imposing pagodas sit on the foot of Mount Cangshan overlooking the Erhai Lake. The1800 year old multi level pagodas are the testament of the development of Buddhism in the area. Before the excavation, its tallest pagoda, Qianxun Pagoda, contained Buddhist scripture, hundreds of medicinal ingredients and Buddha sculptures made of gold, silver, wood and crystals.

For a place of a genuine local feel, most intrepid travelers head to a quaint little town of Xizhou. The old yet bustling town is 18 kilometers north of Dali and also on the bank of Erhai Lake. This is the place where you will see Bai people in colorful costume trading actively in Shaping Market. Local produce for sale here range from tobacco and noodles to traditional head dresses and embroidered shoes. Bai style houses are also interesting, offering a distinctive look of ethnic architecture. Each of the Bai houses attempts to show the exquisite design of its front gate of the compound as it implies the owner’s economic status. The door and window panels in the houses reveal fine carving skills of the Bai. Visiting Bai’s house offer a retrospective glimpse of life in bygone time.