The Walled City of Dali

This morning was the last leg of our Challenge as we ride to the historical town of Dali.

Cycling along flat sealed road between the towering Canshan Mountain range and Er Hai Lake, we arrived in Old Dali in time for a late lunch. This fascinating town is home to the Bai people, one of the nation's largest minorities and once the centre of the powerful 8th Century Nanzhao Kingdom.
Dali is an extraordinary town to explore with its gated city walls, bustling old streets and lakeside setting. The local Bai people can be seen in traditional dress as they come to market for the day. In the 16th Century Dali was an important gateway for cultural exchange and trading with South East Asian countries. It was also an important pass on the ancient “Silk route of the South”. Today it is a melting pot of different ethnic groups, which is reflected in its
splendid architecture cobbled streets and colourful street markets. It is no wonder that it has been the subject of Chinese poems for centuries.

Cycling 45 km

Tomorrow we will have a full day to explore this city at leisure. Our cycling is now over.Read more