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Meet people in Dali
Discover travelers heading to Dali and people who share your interests—before you arrive or while you’re there.
Create your free profile See how it works ↓ Explore profiles, shared interests and travel plans.How ChatVoyager works in Dali
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Add your interests and languages so others can get to know you.
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Explore Dali
Browse profiles with Exploration Mode, or discover travelers’ plans before you arrive.
- Connect
Start a conversation
Send a Wave to show interest, or introduce yourself with a direct message and suggest something to do together.
Find your shared interests in Dali
Create your free profilePopular places to meet in Dali
Bird Talk Cafe
Why meet here: The communal tables and laid-back environment encourage spontaneous social interaction.
About this place
Located within the historic walls, this cafe is a popular gathering spot known for its cozy, bohemian decor and relaxed vibe. It attracts a mix of long-term travelers and locals who enjoy a good cup of coffee and a quiet place to read or chat. The comfortable seating and welcoming atmosphere make it an easy place to strike up a conversation with someone sitting nearby.
Try their specialty coffee blends while enjoying the garden view.
Bad Monkey Bar
Why meet here: Its reputation as a social hub makes it a natural place to meet other travelers.
About this place
A long-standing institution in the Old Town, this venue is famous for its craft beer selection and lively social scene. It is a go-to spot for those looking to enjoy music and a more energetic atmosphere in the evening. The bar features a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, making it a versatile choice for meeting people in a casual setting.
Visit earlier in the evening if you prefer a quieter environment for conversation.
Before you join
Can I connect before arriving in Dali?
Yes. After creating your account and confirming your email, use Exploration Mode to browse profiles in the city, or explore shared travel plans.
Do I need to create a trip?
No. Exploration Mode lets you change your profile-search location without publishing a trip. Create a trip when you want to share your own plans.
How do I start a conversation?
Send a Wave to show interest, or introduce yourself with a direct message. A shared interest or travel plan is a good starting point.
About Dali
Dali, nestled between the towering Cangshan Mountains and the serene Erhai Lake in Yunnan Province, is a captivating destination defined by its unique blend of Bai ethnic culture and laid-back atmosphere. The city is split between the historic Dali Old Town, with its traditional stone architecture and vibrant markets, and the more modern, bustling Xiaguan. Visitors are drawn to the region's mild climate, ancient pagodas, and the tranquil pace of life that encourages lingering over local tea. Culturally, Dali serves as a melting pot where centuries-old traditions meet a steady flow of travelers seeking inspiration. Whether exploring the intricate craftsmanship of local silver, wandering through the iconic Three Pagodas, or simply enjoying the panoramic views of the lake, Dali offers a distinctively relaxed environment that makes it an ideal setting for meaningful interactions and slow-paced exploration.
Places to visit in Dali
Dali Old Town
Why visit: It is the central hub for travelers, offering a dense concentration of social spaces and cultural landmarks.
About this place
Dali Old Town is the heart of the city, characterized by its well-preserved Ming Dynasty city walls and traditional Bai-style courtyard houses. The streets are lined with stone-paved alleys, boutique shops, and cafes that spill out onto the sidewalk. Visitors can spend hours wandering through the maze of lanes, discovering hidden gardens, local handicraft workshops, and vibrant markets selling everything from tie-dye textiles to local snacks. The architecture, with its ornate wooden carvings and grey-tiled roofs, creates a timeless atmosphere that feels worlds away from the rapid pace of modern urban life.
Explore the side streets away from the main Renmin Road to find quieter, more authentic courtyard cafes.
Cangshan Mountain
Why visit: The hiking trails provide a natural setting for casual interaction with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
About this place
The Cangshan mountain range provides a dramatic backdrop to the city, featuring 19 peaks and 18 streams. Visitors can take cable cars to various elevations to enjoy sweeping vistas of Erhai Lake and the valley below. The mountain is crisscrossed with well-maintained hiking trails, such as the Jade Cloud Road, which offers a peaceful escape into nature. The diverse flora, including rare azaleas and ancient forests, makes it a paradise for nature lovers and those looking to engage in outdoor activities while enjoying the fresh, crisp alpine air.
Carry a light jacket as temperatures drop significantly at higher altitudes, even on sunny days.
Erhai Lake
Why visit: The lakeside cycling paths are perfect for active, low-pressure social outings.
About this place
Erhai Lake is a vast, high-altitude lake that acts as the lifeblood of the Dali valley. The shoreline is dotted with charming villages, such as Xizhou and Shuanglang, each offering a unique perspective on local life. Visitors can rent bicycles to ride along the dedicated paths that hug the lake, stopping at various viewpoints or small fishing docks. The reflection of the mountains on the water's surface at sunrise and sunset is particularly breathtaking, making it a popular spot for photography and quiet contemplation.
Rent an electric bike to cover more distance along the lakefront without exhaustion.
Xizhou Ancient Town
Why visit: Its slower pace allows for more intimate conversations and a deeper connection with local culture.
About this place
Located north of Dali Old Town, Xizhou is renowned for its remarkably preserved Bai architecture and agricultural heritage. The village is famous for its large, intricate courtyard homes that showcase the wealth and artistic skill of local merchants from the past. Visitors can walk through the central market square, observe traditional farming practices, and taste the famous Xizhou baba, a local flatbread. The atmosphere here is significantly more tranquil than the main tourist hubs, providing a glimpse into the authentic daily life of the Bai people.
Visit during the morning market hours to see the village at its most vibrant and authentic.
Museums, galleries & culture
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
Why visit: It is a culturally significant site that attracts visitors interested in history and architecture.
About this place
The Three Pagodas are the iconic symbol of Dali, standing as a testament to the region's rich Buddhist history. Dating back to the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, these structures are set against the majestic Cangshan Mountains. The surrounding Chongsheng Temple complex includes expansive grounds, decorative ponds, and halls filled with historical artifacts and religious art. Visitors can explore the history of Buddhism in Yunnan while enjoying the serene gardens that connect the various pagodas and temples, offering a meditative experience that highlights the spiritual depth of the area.
The reflection pool near the entrance offers the best angle for capturing the pagodas and mountains.
Explore the city
Old Town Cultural Walk
Begin your walk at the South Gate and head north through the main thoroughfare of Renmin Road. Take your time to duck into the smaller, quieter alleys where you can observe local artisans working on silver jewelry and wood carvings. Stop at a local tea house to sample Pu-erh tea, a regional specialty. As you continue toward the North Gate, notice the transition from bustling tourist shops to residential courtyards. This walk provides a perfect overview of the town's layout and history, offering plenty of opportunities to pause and chat with shop owners or fellow walkers.
Ice breaker to start a chat
Have you ever 'xi guo he pao shui' while enjoying the Erhai Lake view?
Join freeMeeting people and exploring Dali: questions and answers
How can I find other people to connect with in Dali?
After creating an account and confirming your email, you can use Exploration Mode to set Dali as your search location. This allows you to browse profiles of others interested in the area without needing to create a formal trip. You can apply filters and distance settings to find people with shared interests or languages, and then send a Wave or a direct message to introduce yourself.
Can I connect with people before I arrive in Dali?
Yes, you can use Exploration Mode to set Dali as your location ahead of your visit. By updating your profile with your interests and the languages you speak, you can connect with others who are already there or planning to visit. Sending a message early is a great way to start a conversation about potential activities, like visiting the Three Pagodas or cycling around Erhai Lake.
What is a good way to start a conversation at the Bad Monkey Bar?
A great conversation starter is to ask someone about their favorite craft beer on the menu or their recommendations for hiking trails on Cangshan Mountain. Since many people frequent this spot after a day of exploring, asking about their day's adventures is a natural and friendly way to break the ice.
Is it easy to meet people while cycling around Erhai Lake?
Cycling around the lake is a very social activity, especially if you stop at the small villages along the way. You might suggest meeting someone for a casual ride or sharing a meal of Xizhou baba in the village square. The relaxed pace of the cycling paths makes it easy to strike up a conversation with fellow cyclists during rest stops.