Dali has a wide choice of places to stay, from converted courtyard houses in the old town to modern hotels on the plain and lodges beside Erhai Lake. Dali Xianghe Hotel falls into the group of comfortable, mid-priced hotels that give visitors a clean room and easy access to the main sights, without the price of a design resort. Dali is a place where the pace of life is slow, and a base here makes the most sense if you want to walk in the old town, visit the Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple, and take trips to Xizhou, the Cangshan mountain trails and the lakeside villages. Because exact details of location, rooms and facilities vary and can change, check the hotel page for the latest information and map. The area gets sunny days for much of the year, with cool evenings, so a room with good heating and blankets is welcome in winter. Many visitors use Dali as a stop between Kunming and Lijiang, and a simple hotel is often all that is needed for a night or two.
Location and getting around
Confirm whether the hotel is inside or near the old town, since this affects how easily you can walk to restaurants and sights. Taxis, buses and ride-hailing connect different parts of Dali, and bicycles and electric scooters are popular for exploring the lake. The high-speed train station is some distance from the old town, so allow time to travel.
Rooms and style
Expect clean, practical rooms with a comfortable bed, a desk, air conditioning and a private bathroom. Quiet rooms are worth requesting if your hotel is near a lively street. In winter, check that heating is provided, as the nights can be cold at this altitude.
Food and drink
Breakfast may be offered at the hotel, and Dali's old town has a wide choice of cafes, noodle shops and restaurants serving Bai dishes such as fried cheese, flatbread and fish. Try the markets for fruit, nuts and local tea, and ask the staff for recommendations for dinner.
Who it suits
Independent travellers, couples and families who want a tidy place to sleep and an easy base for day trips. It also suits those combining Dali with other stops, because the staff can usually help with luggage storage, taxis and onward tickets.
Good to know
Dali can be busy in holiday weeks and at festivals such as the Third Month Fair, so book early for those dates. Altitude is around 2,000 metres, which most people tolerate easily, but take care on the first day. Confirm the details of any services you rely on, including airport or station transfers, and keep your passport handy for check-in.
Why stay here
- ✓Restaurant or breakfast room (confirm hours)
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Heating in colder months (confirm availability)
- ✓Front desk and luggage storage
- ✓Tour and taxi assistance
- ✓24-hour reception (confirm availability)
- ✓Bicycle hire nearby (confirm availability)
Good questions
Is this hotel in Dali Old Town?+
Check the map on the hotel page for the exact position, since Dali has many areas to stay.
Is it a good base for day trips?+
Dali is a good base for Erhai, Xizhou and the Three Pagodas, and staff can usually help with taxis.
Is heating provided?+
Confirm this before travelling in winter, when nights can be cold.
