The ideal location for shopping in Dali must be Foreigner Street in the Ancient City of Dali. This street exhibits an abundance of local specialties. In the dwelling area of the Bai minority group, characteristic handicraft articles of the Bai people can be purchased. Furthermore, supermarkets and shopping malls can also meet visitors' daily necessities.

What to buy

Dali Snow Pear
Owing to the climate and the soil condition of Dali, the pears which grow here are much sweeter in flavor, and have thinner skins and more tender flesh. The main growing area for Dali snow pears is on the eastern side of Erhai Lake. Every August and September in the harvest season, people come from all around to Erhai Lake to pick pears and celebrate the harvest.

Engraved Green Plum
A traditional food of the Bai people is made from dried green plums. These are engraved with various patterns and designs. The fruit can be eaten after months spent soaking in pickling juice made from salt, brown sugar and honey. Having the dual effects of promoting the production of bodily fluids and relieving thirst, as well as displaying artistry, the engraved green plum fruit is both a popular food and a delicate work of art.

The Compressed Tea (Tuo Cha) of Xia Guan
Due to its resemblance to the shape of a fungus, the compressed tea of Xia Guan is called 'Tuo Cha'. It enjoys an excellent reputation for its fragrance and cleansing effects. Xiaguan can promote health by refreshing both body and mind and is also an excellent method used for weight-loss.

Tie-dye
The tie-dye of the Bai Minority is usually made by stitching patterns on cotton cloth and impregnating them in plant dye. Traditional dyed fabrics have white patterns on a background of indigo and are used for tablecloths, door curtains, hats, clothes, and scarves as well as other items. In Zhoucheng Village, there are many family workshops which make dyed fabrics. Visitors can take minibuses and carriages to the village.

Besides the preserved fruits of Yunxing County, the Wood Carvings of Jianchuan County and the marble handicrafts of the Cangshan Mountain are all the local foods and souvenirs which display the best of the local Dali flavor.

Where to buy

Supermarkets
Sifangjie (Square Street) Supermarket
Address: No.13, West Street, Xiaguan, Dali City
No.342, Fuxing Road, Dali Ancient City, Dali City
No.43-46, Zhenxing Street, Xiaguan, Dali City

Minsheng Shopping Market
Address: Guangfa Mansion, Central Jianshe Road, Xiaguan, Dali City

Department Stores
Zhengyang Department Store
April 18, 2008 Bus: 10

Dali Jianshe Department Store
Address: No.1, East Jianshe Road, Xiaguan, Dali City
Bus: 8, 9, 12, 17

Wholesale Market
Visitors can find bazaars in Xingsheng Road and Fuxing Road in Dali City, where small commodities can be found easily. The No.6 city bus passes the vegetable wholesale market.

Quick Guide