01City Guide
Butterfly Spring
蝴蝶泉
All Ages
Admission
Adult admission is commonly CNY 40. Extra entertainment projects, photos, and some on-site services can charge separately.
Typical Visit
1.5-2.5 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
Adult admission is commonly CNY 75. Sightseeing cart products are separate, with uphill and round-trip options often sold at different prices.
Hours
Dali's official A-level scenic-area list shows 07:30-18:30, with last entry at 18:30. Cart times and seasonal operations can still change.
Transport
No metro. From Dali Old Town, use a taxi, ride-hailing, local bus, bike, or hotel transfer to the Three Pagodas scenic-area entrance.
Duration
2-4 hours
Best Time
Mar-May and Sep-Nov; morning is better for lighter crowds
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Start with the Three Pagodas view
Take time at the front view of the three pagodas before walking deeper into the temple area. This is the core reason most visitors come.
Tip:Morning light and calmer pools make reflection photos easier.
2
Use the sightseeing cart if you want to save energy
The scenic area is larger than it looks. A practical route is to ride uphill first, then walk down through the halls and pagoda viewpoints.
Tip:This avoids spending all your energy at the start.
3
Add the temple halls selectively
Chongsheng Temple was rebuilt, but the scale helps explain the old Dali kingdom setting. Focus on the main axis if you do not want a long temple walk.
Tip:You do not need to enter every side hall.
4
Leave through the same transport anchor
Confirm your pickup point before entering, especially if using ride-hailing. The entrance area is easier than side roads for pickup.
Tip:It is close enough to pair with Dali Old Town on the same day.
Highlights
- Dali's clearest historic landmark and the city's only 5A scenic area
- Three pagodas framed by Cangshan Mountain and open sky
- Reflection photo spots near the front pools
- Large temple axis that gives context to the Nanzhao and Dali kingdom period
- Easy half-day pairing with Dali Old Town or Cangshan
Insider Tips
✦Use the cart uphill if you are traveling with children, older visitors, or limited time.
✦Bring sun protection because many open areas have little shade.
✦Do not expect an untouched ancient temple complex; part of the temple area is reconstructed.
✦If you mainly want photos, prioritize the pagoda front view and reflection area.
✦Check discount rules before buying if you have student, senior, or child documents.
More Dali Attractions
02City 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
03City 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
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