The Ancient City of Dali (Dàlǐ Gǔchéng, 大理古城) is another great example of ancient and modern fusing together in China. The architecture is indeed ancient with traditional Bai homes, shops and markets forming the core of the city, surrounded by a huge stone wall punctuated by four gate towers.
Even the newer construction is modeled in the old-style and the result is a rather seamless combination of old and new. The small, walkable old town is a convenient base to explore the neighboring mountains (Cang Shan) and Erhai Lake, and is full of shopping opportunities. Whether you're seeking traditional Bai batik textiles, freshly caught fish or a cup of Yunnan-grown espresso, you'll find it in the street stalls, cafés and hip boutiques that line Dali's old paved roads.
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