Dali, Dali City
Located
northwest of the Yunnan Province, 300 kilo-meters (186 miles)
northwest of Kunming, Dali City is the economic and cultural
center of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. The area is
surrounded by mountains on the east, west, and south, and
has the Erhai Lake in its center. Here you will find 25 ethnic
minorities, which have created a unique cultural heritage
amidst the area's picturesque surroundings.
Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake are
praised as Dali's leading scenic areas. Most attractions in
Dali lie between these two landmarks, such as the Butterfly
Spring, and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. Ethnic minorities
have inhabited Dali for generations, with the Bai Minority making
up the majority of Dali's population (65%). The customs of the
ethnic minorities bring charm to daily life in Dali. Each spring,
celebrations and festivals bring the city to life. Celebrations
such as the March Street Festival and Butterfly Fest provide
excellent opportunities to learn about local folk customs.
As
early as 4,000 years ago, the ancestors of the Bai people
settled in the Dali area. In the Second Century AD, it was
brought into the territory of the central government of Han
Dynasty (206 BC-220AD). Two ethnic states, the Nanzhao State
(738-937) in Tang Dynasty (618-907), and the Dali State (937-1253)
in Song Dynasty (960-1279), were once established here as
well. Throughout the ages, Dali remained an intermediary area
linking economic and cultural communications between ancient
China and other countries via India. The remains of Dali Tai
He City and the Dali Ancient City bear witness to thousands
of years of historic changes in Dali. Together with the Xizhou
Town and the Zhoucheng Village, the ancient towns in Dali
show the best of historic customs of daily life within the
Bai Minority.
Present day Dali is a city that combines
history with modern convenience. It is divided into two areas-
the Ancient City and the New District (widely known as Xiaguan).
The Ancient City is centered around the ancient city of Dali,
first built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Ancient buildings,
city walls and the old city moat are the sites most frequented
by visitors. The famous Foreigner Street in the Ancient City
attracts visitors with its handicrafts, and local culinary
delicacies. Xiaguan, located to the south of the Ancient City,
home to the government of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture.
Here hotels, public squares, and shopping centers add modernity
to the otherwise historical city.
Throughout
its years of development, local endeavors for advancement
have been rewarded with a great rise in area living standards.
Nowadays, Dali is a tourist destination replete with every
convenience in transportation and public facilities, making
it accessible for visitors from home and abroad.
Dali Travel And
Tour Attractions
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