Quick Facts

Ticket

Adult admission is commonly CNY 40. Extra entertainment projects, photos, and some on-site services can charge separately.

Hours

Dali's official A-level scenic-area list shows 08:00-18:00, with last entry at 17:40. Special activities can change by season.

Transport

No metro. From Dali Old Town or Xizhou, use a taxi, ride-hailing, chartered car, local bus, or Erhai sightseeing route.

Duration

1.5-2.5 hours

Best Time

Lunar March-May for the traditional butterfly season; winter and shoulder seasons are quieter

Visitors

All ages

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How to Visit

Set expectations before entering

Butterfly Spring is a classic park stop with a spring pool, butterfly displays, and local legend. It is not a guaranteed wild-butterfly spectacle every day.

Tip:This matters most outside butterfly season.

Walk directly to the spring first

Start with the spring pool and old trees, then decide whether to add the butterfly exhibition areas or side paths.

Tip:The core visit is simple and does not need a complicated route.

Use the butterfly displays as a backup

If you do not see many butterflies outdoors, the indoor or managed display areas give a more reliable close-up look.

Tip:This is useful for children and first-time visitors.

Combine it with nearby stops

Butterfly Spring works better as part of a north Erhai or Xizhou route than as the only destination of the day.

Tip:Do not over-allocate time unless you enjoy relaxed park walks.

Highlights

A long-standing Dali attraction tied to local legend and older travel culture
Clear spring pool and shaded park setting
Butterfly display areas that are easier for children to understand
Useful add-on near Xizhou and north Erhai routes
More meaningful during the traditional butterfly season

Insider Tips

✦If seeing many butterflies is your main goal, check the season before going.

✦Avoid unofficial ticket sellers at the entrance; use the gate or a standard platform.

✦Skip extra paid projects unless they genuinely interest you.

✦Wear comfortable shoes because the visit includes park paths and steps.

✦Keep it as a short stop if your Dali schedule is tight.

More Dali Attractions

01City Guide

Caicun Pier

才村码头

All Ages

Admission

Caicun Pier and nearby public lakefront areas are free to visit. Budget separately for bikes, carts, parking, food, cafes, and boat or local services.

Typical Visit

1-2 hours; longer if cycling the corridor

02City Guide

Cangshan Mountain

苍山

Adults Focused

Admission

Cangshan Geological Park admission is commonly CNY 35. Cableways are separate and vary by route; Ximatan, Gantong, and Zhonghe cableway products can differ by season and package.

Typical Visit

3-6 hours depending on cableway and walking route

03Urban Landmark

Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas

崇圣寺三塔文化旅游区

All Ages

Admission

Adult admission is commonly CNY 75. Sightseeing cart products are separate, with uphill and round-trip options often sold at different prices.

Typical Visit

2-4 hours

04City Guide

Erhai Ecological Corridor

洱海生态廊道

All Ages

Admission

There is no single entry ticket for the public corridor. Budget for bikes, approved electric carts, sightseeing carts, parking, cafes, and route transfers.

Typical Visit

1-2 hours for a short section; half day for a longer ride

05City Guide

Erhai Lake

洱海

All Ages

Admission

Erhai Lake itself is not a single gated ticket attraction. Budget separately for bikes, electric carts, parking, boat rides, cafes, and individual villages or islands.

Typical Visit

Half day for one shore section; 1-2 days for a relaxed loop

06City Guide

Jinsuo Island

金梭岛

All Ages

Admission

Round-trip island boat tickets for visitors are commonly around CNY 20. Dragon Palace Cave and package products are separate and can cost much more.

Typical Visit

1.5-3 hours