Dali, County-level city in Yunnan Province, China
Dali is a county-level city nestled between Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake in Yunnan Province. The urban area consists of several districts with Xiaguan serving as the southern center and the older northern section containing traditional architecture.
The city served as the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom from 779 to 902 and later of the Kingdom of Dali from 937 to 1253. These two periods shaped the region's cultural and political identity for centuries.
The region maintains strong ties to Bai ethnic traditions visible in temples and local markets throughout the city. Visitors can experience these cultural influences in the way the neighborhoods are built and how people gather in public spaces.
Local buses connect the different districts and boat services operate on Erhai Lake for getting around. The city is also served by Dali Fengyi Airport for those arriving or departing by air.
The name Dali translates directly to marble in Chinese and reflects the region's historic stone production. This industry gave the city a reputation that spread throughout Asia.
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