Dali


Dali is a charming city located in Yunnan Province in southwest China. This historic city is famous for its breathtaking scenery, including Erhai Lake and the Cangshan Mountains, which surround it, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Dali is known for its ethnic culture, especially that of the Bai, an ethnic group that has profoundly influenced the city's architecture, traditions and art. The city has a well-preserved historic center, with cobblestone streets, traditional Bai-style houses and lively markets that attract tourists from all over the world. The temperate climate and tranquil atmosphere make Dali an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive cultural experience in a stunning natural setting. In the 1990s, it became a hippie destination, due to its climate and strong connection to tradition. Since transportation has become easier, Dali has become a popular destination for Chinese tourists seeking tranquility and immersion in traditional culture.


The temples of Dali, China, are places of great historical and cultural importance. The most famous is the Chongsheng Temple, located at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains. This complex, which dates back to the Nanzhao Dynasty (7th-10th century), houses the famous Three Statues Pagoda, three imposing towers that are the symbol of the city. The central pagoda, the tallest, is considered a masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist architecture.

The temple is dedicated to Buddha, with over 14 thousand golden representations of him, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape.



Traditional Chinese temple roof architecture against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and blue sky.
Ancient street lined with traditional Chinese architecture in Lijiang Old Town under moody overcast skies.
Red prayer tablets with traditional Chinese characters hang in rows at an Asian temple or shrine.
Tourist taking photo at ornate traditional Chinese temple entrance with curved tiled roof and red sign in Dali, China.
A white porcelain Mao statue with colorful flowers in front sits among wicker baskets and Asian decor.
Weathered stone statues in garden setting with red and blue plastic containers in foreground.
Motorcycles parked in a dimly lit covered area at night with various items scattered around.
Traditional red doorway entrance decorated with Chinese New Year ornaments and potted plants.
A vintage scooter parked outside a clothing shop with racks of colorful garments on display in Bangkok.
Street vendors with scooters and a red cart gather outside shops on a sunny day in an urban neighborhood.
A truck loaded with sugarcane sits parked on a street while someone walks by carrying shopping bags.
Butcher in dark apron slices raw meat at an indoor market stall under warm lighting.
Market vendor in an apron working at a stall in dark atmospheric lighting.
Two vendors discuss business at a butcher counter in a traditional market.
A person walks through a dimly lit outdoor market carrying a shopping bag.
People waiting at a train station platform during sunset, casting long shadows in warm golden light.
Worker sorting and processing straw or hay material at an indoor facility.
Workers in raincoats process fish at a wet market stall.
Person cleaning the wet floor of an indoor market corridor with water and a brush.
Two people sort through goods in plastic containers at a covered market stall in Asia.
Fresh caught fish in a green mesh net at a seafood market or dock.
Artistic close-up shot of a coffee grinder filled with fresh roasted coffee beans in a moody blue lighting.
An elderly person wearing a dark cap browses items at a covered market or vendor stall.
Market vendors work in the early morning hours at an outdoor Japanese marketplace in shadows and dim lighting.
People entering a dimly lit building entrance at night with stairs and luggage in the foreground.
Overhead view of red potatoes in a rustic wooden crate with someone kneeling nearby.
A person stands in shadows against a pink curtain on a sunny day casting dramatic lighting.
A woven basket filled with straw sits on a wooden table at an outdoor market during sunset.
People relax at outdoor cafe tables under red umbrellas on a scenic mountain street in late afternoon light.
A parent and child in warm winter clothing stand together on a street with glowing red signs in the background.
A figure in traditional Buddhist robes stands contemplatively beneath a large mossy tree in a peaceful garden setting.
Ancient pagoda tower with tiered architecture rises above trees against blue sky in traditional Chinese style.
Three ancient Buddhist pagoda towers rise above a forested area in Dali, China against a blue mountain backdrop.
Scenic walkway leading to a traditional Chinese Buddhist temple surrounded by evergreen trees and mountains in the background.
Traditional Chinese temple with ornate rooftops and dragon-carved steps leading to entrance under bright blue sky.
Buddhist monks in traditional red robes walk through an ornate temple doorway at sunset.
Traditional Chinese temple building with upturned eaves and tall incense sticks against a blue sky with white clouds.
Golden Buddha statue sits in ornate temple shrine with red walls and decorative gold curtains.
Interior view of a Buddhist temple showing a golden Buddha statue on an altar with ornate wooden carvings and yellow cushions.
Ancient pagodas at Three Pagodas Temple in Dali, China with colorfully striped pillars in the foreground against blue sky.
Rows of illuminated golden statues glow warmly in a dimly lit Buddhist temple at night.
Traditional Chinese pagoda illuminated at night atop ancient stone walls in Lijiang ancient city.
Dark silhouettes of people against a dimly lit background with glowing lights in the distance.