Getting Around

Dali is a small, compact city which makes travel around the area easy and quick. Renting a bicycle is a great way to get around the city but taxis are readily available as well. There are nearby shops and many hotels offering bicycles for rent. If you intend to visit Erhai Lake, traveling by boat is a must. Boats leave from Erhai Port which is just north of the city—be sure to make a reservation at least one day in advance.

To and from Dali

Air

Dali Airport is located in between Fengyi Town and Haidong Town, 12 km from Dali's downtown. The airport has flights to and from Kunming, Xishuangbanna and Guangzhou. Flights to destinations within Yunnan usually take less than an hour.

Train

Trains travel only within Yunnan. It takes six to eight hours from Kunming to Dali by train.

Bus

Buses are the major transportation in Dali for two national highways meet here. There are three long-distance bus stations on Jianshe Lu in Xiaguan, Dali. Dali Bus Station(Dali keyun zongzhan), the biggest bus station runs express buses to neighboring cities in Yunnan. Passenger Transport Station(Keyun fuwuzhan), the second largest one is near the Dali Bus Station. Buses in Xiaguan North Bus Station(Xiaguan keyun bei zhan) also depart to Lijiang and Zhongdian in Yunnan. Tickets to Lijiang and Zhongdian are available in travel agencies, bars and inns on Huguo Lu and Fuxing Lu.