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 tickets are commonly sold around CNY 90-110 depending on platform and package. Check what is included before buying.
Hours
Dali's official A-level scenic-area list shows 08:00-18:00 year-round, with last entry at 17:30. Performances, guided explanations, and tea sessions may follow separate schedules.
Transport
No metro. Zhangjia Garden is south of Dali Old Town near Guanyintang; use taxi, ride-hailing, local bus, or a short chartered-car stop.
Duration
1.5-2.5 hours
Best Time
Year-round; best used as a bad-weather or architecture-focused stop
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Decide based on your interest in Bai architecture
Zhangjia Garden is useful if you want a concentrated look at Bai-style courtyards, carving, painted decoration, and traditional layouts.
Tip:It is not an old ruin or major historic site.
2
Check the ticket package before entering
Some tickets include explanation or performances. Confirm what is included so the price makes sense for your visit style.
Tip:The ticket can feel expensive if you only want a quick look.
3
Treat tea or shopping sections as optional
If the route includes tea or product promotion, keep the pace comfortable and do not feel pressured to buy.
Tip:This is the main complaint from many visitors.
4
Pair it with nearby old-town time
Because it sits close to Dali Old Town, it works best as a short add-on when you have extra time, rain, or a specific architecture interest.
Tip:Do not cut Cangshan or Erhai time for it unless this is your focus.
Highlights
- Concentrated example of Bai courtyard-style architecture
- Useful for understanding layout terms such as three-sided courtyards and screen walls
- Good indoor-outdoor backup when weather is poor
- Photo-friendly carved wood, painted details, and garden corners
- Convenient add-on near Dali Old Town
Insider Tips
✦Skip it if you strongly prefer natural scenery or historic ruins.
✦Be cautious if a driver or hotel pushes it very aggressively.
✦Ask what the ticket includes before paying.
✦Treat performances and tea sessions as optional parts of the visit.
✦Use this as a focused architecture stop, not a default priority for every Dali itinerary.
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
04Urban 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
05City 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
06City 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