After our dinner, we were arranged for hotel check in. I really looked forward to this as we were told our hotel is located inside the Dali Ancient Town. Yes, inside this classical ancient town - one can walk on its cobble-paved street and with hundreds of shops on left and right. Heaven for ladies or even shopaholic men!




The Dali Ancient Town was first built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is located in the center of Dali town. To preserve its stone architecture, no further development is allowed within this Ancient City. Instead, one can find only new houses and shopping malls in the New District, Xiaguan to the south of Dali town.

Due to our long journey from Kunming, that night we had a restful slumber. The next day, we woke up early to take few snaps around our hotel.


After breakfast, we proceed to explore more on Dali. Our first destination today was getting to know more about Dali's Bai culture.

Dali is a home to 3 million people. There are about 13 minority ethnics such as Bai, Han, Yi, Hui. Out of this, Bai minority make up the most, about half the population. One can easily identify Bai peoples' home, painted in white with beautiful drawings.


We have arrived at a traditional Bai family residence, apparently a renovated one made for tourist visit. Stepping into one of section, we were seated in a packed hall, waiting to witness the three-course tea ceremony (Sandaocha). We are told this is how Dali people express their cordial welcome. Visitors get to see the dancers and singers performing folk dance and songs. Towards the end, each visitor will be served three cups of tea. First cup tastes bitter, second sweet and third cup gives the 'aftertaste' sensation. This is said to symbolize typical sequence in human's life – carefree childhood, mature adulthood and reflective old age.


Our next stop was to shop for some souvenirs before leaving Dali. Our tour guide has earlier taught us how to properly address a girl and boy of Dali. "Hmm, now it's probably good time to put it in use', and if I'm lucky I would probably get some discounts", I was thinking to myself.

A (pretty) woman  ~ 'Qing Hua' (literally means: Golden Flower)
A (handsome) man ~ 'Ah Pheng Ke' (literally means plus-size brother, here plus size is deemed as good looking)

At the shop, we could see lots of local made handicrafts, such as handbags of various sizes, marble products, traditional costume, including Dali iconic scarf and beautiful headgear. The colourful headgear actual symbolized Dali's strength – Wind (Dali is also known as City of the Wind), Flowers (Bai minority loves flowers and they normally have potted flowers in their yards), Snow (at the Cangsan mountain) and the Moon (shape of its headgear).

I bought myself a handbag and my husband bought pencil vases made of marble.

Done with shopping, we left Dali for Lijiang. Although we spent only one day in Dali, I believe this city has a lot more to offer, it was just we had limitation of time.


Stay tune for Lijiang. Coming soon !

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