Museum of Dali City

Museum of Dali City sits in the heart of the old town and displays old photographs, tools, and everyday objects from past times. The rooms are quiet and spacious, with soft lighting that makes the exhibits easy to view at your own pace.

The museum occupies the former Yunnan Governor's Office, built in 1663 under Emperor Kangxi on a site that served as a Ming-era branch office. In 1856 Du Wenxiu's uprising seized Dali and set up its marshal's headquarters here; the office was restored after the revolt failed in 1872. From 1939 to 1949 it housed military district commands, and on 20 December 1949 the PLA's Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi border column established its command post. It became a museum in 1986 and opened on 1 October 1988.

The museum displays how the Bai people have lived and created crafts passed down through generations in this region. You can see their artistic expressions and everyday practices reflected in the objects and stories on display.

The museum occupies the former Yunnan Governor's Office at 111 Fuxing Road in Dali Ancient City, with the gate facing the street and the exhibition halls set around the old courtyard and garden. The site covers 16,133.54 square metres, so allow time to walk between the five permanent displays and the stele forest in the south flower hall. Entry has been free since 18 May 2009.

The museum also features artwork by local artists including paintings and sculptures that show how people express their thoughts and feelings. This artistic collection offers a rare window into the contemporary creative practice of the region.