To some extent Dali is an ideal in Chinese minds.

A legendary paradise, Dali is located on a fertile plateau between the Cangshan mountains to the west and Erhai lake to the east. It is the ancient capital of the Bai kingdom Nanzhao, which flourished in the area during the 8th and 9th centuries.  The area is famous for its natural beauty and the ethnic culture of the Bai people.

Dali is a legendary backpackers paradise famous for its cafes and guesthouses where the China traveler can relax with a cold beer, great tunes, and a cheap lodging. Dali is a small city good for traveling by foot or by bike. The most famous sight is the "Three Pagodas" dating back to the Tang Dynasty (10th century), some of the oldest structures in southern China.