If you’ve had the chance to explore my latest blog post, “Visit the Beautiful Old Town｜The best８ Things to do in Dali, Yunnan,” you’re already familiar with the enchanting allure of Dali’s ancient town, nestled within the picturesque Yunnan province of China. As you wander through its historic streets, you’ll be captivated by the rich culture of the Bai ethnicity, the breathtaking natural landscapes, and the remarkable historical architecture.
Considering a visit to this captivating ancient city? In that case, I encourage you to continue reading this article. Here, we’ll unveil the top 6 most Instagram-worthy spots in Dali.
1. Red Dragon Well (Chinese: Hong Long Jing, 紅龍井)
Among the top 4 Instagram-worthy spots, you’ll find them nestled within the heart of the old town. Here, buildings, gates, and cobbled streets have been thoughtfully restored for the enjoyment of present-day tourists. One such gem is Hong Long Jing, proudly situated in the town center.
Arriving at this picturesque spot provides a delightful opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of these historic streets. You have several routes to choose from; you can leisurely stroll down Fuxin Road, the bustling main shopping street, or meander along the parallel path known as Boai Road. Alternatively, you can reach this destination via Buxing Street.
Should you decide to visit this location, rest assured that there’s no cost involved. It’s open to the public. For the best experience, consider arriving early, ideally an hour after sunrise. This timing ensures not only fewer fellow tourists but also offers the most pristine, unobstructed views of the area.
Our visit to Hong Long Jing allowed us to capture breathtaking photos without any unexpected photobombers. Just as we wrapped up our photography session, a wave of fellow visitors began streaming in to enjoy the stunning morning townscape.
2. Dali Catholic Church
Additionally, Dali Catholic Church is undoubtedly one of the must-visit gems in the area. Located just a short 2-minute walk from Wangjia Courtyard along Xīnmín Road, this vibrant traditional Bai-style church stands as a magnificent creation attributed to a French missionary. It proudly boasts a resplendent oriental facade.
Despite its popularity among tourists, the Catholic Church maintains a serene ambiance during the day, making it an ideal spot for capturing beautiful photos without any distractions.
3. Foreigner Street Gate
(Chinese name of the street: Huguo Street, also known as Yangren Street, 洋人街)
Moreover, Huguo Street gracefully stretches from east to west, intersecting with Fuxin, another prominent thoroughfare in the area. It’s at this juncture that you’ll encounter the charming Foreigner Street Gate. What sets Huguo Street apart is its unwavering commitment to preserving Bai-style architecture, elevating it to a highly regarded attraction within Dali’s old town.
Notably, the street, also known as Yangren Street, derives its name from “Yangren,” which literally translates to foreigners. This nomenclature serves as a testament to the cultural amalgamation awaiting you. Alongside efforts to boost tourism, travelers can indulge in a delightful mix of traditional Dali cuisine and international dining establishments lining both sides of Yangren Street.
If you’ve already seized the opportunity to photograph the early morning beauty of Hong Long Jing, don’t miss the chance to visit the gate and capture the mesmerizing hues of the sunrise sky as well!
4. Wuhua Tower (五華樓)
Wuhua Tower stands as a prominent architectural masterpiece in the heart of Dali’s old town. Adorned with vibrant red lanterns gracing its pedestal, adorned with colorful paintings, and meticulously detailed woodcarvings, this tower emerges as a captivating and iconic landmark, sure to leave travelers in awe.
While this place tends to buzz with activity during the day, thanks to numerous street vendors, it also serves as a common meeting point for sightseeing tours. To truly savor its charm with fewer crowds, I recommend planning your visit for the morning or during lunchtime.
5. Three Pagodas of the Chong Sheng Temple
Likewise, the Three Pagodas of Chong Sheng Temple unquestionably rank as one of the most iconic attractions for travelers seeking visually captivating photography opportunities in Dali. On our first day of exploration, we ventured to the pagodas and the temple park, allowing us ample time to traverse the park grounds and discover some picturesque shooting spots.
A visit to the Chong Sheng Temple does require an entrance fee of 120 RMB, payable at the Box Office. However, the experience is well worth the investment, and I highly recommend dedicating a day to fully explore it. Arriving early is a wise move, enabling you to scout out ideal photography spots and capture a couple of exquisite shots in the soft afternoon or sunset light.
6. Sky Mirror & Glass Ball
If you haven’t yet stumbled upon these captivating spots on Instagram, you’re in for a treat – or better yet, you might be the trendsetter among your friends. Don’t hesitate; make your way to these enchanting locations for a photo session that will leave your followers in awe. The stunning backdrop of Erhai Lake will infuse your Instagram feed with a refreshing and revitalizing vibe.
Perched atop an abandoned house in Majuyi Town, on the western shores of Erhai Lake, you’ll discover the Sky Mirror and Glass Ball. The company overseeing this unique spot levies a nominal fee based on the number of individuals in your photoshoot. We paid just 10 RMB for the Glass Ball and 15 RMB for the Sky Mirror. The best part? There’s no time limit, so you’re free to snap as many pictures as your heart desires.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit:
Be Battery-Ready: Ensure a seamless photography experience by packing an extra SD card and two fully charged batteries. This way, you won’t miss capturing any unforgettable moments.
Sunscreen, Your Best Friend: Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Apply sunscreen every two hours to safeguard against severe sunburn, allowing you to relish your adventure comfortably.
You may be interested in reading:
Visit the Beautiful Old Town｜The best ８ Things to do in Dali, Yunnan
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