The Foreigner Street in Dali Ancient Town

The Foreigner Street

The ideal place for shopping in Dali must be Foreigner's Street (大理古城洋人街)(its Chinese name is Huguo Road) in the Ancient City of Dali. There are all kinds of ethical clothes, characteristic handicrafts and special local products from many places. Visitors from all corners of the world enjoy lunch alfresco sunshine served on a traditional Dali blue and white tie-dyed tablecloth. Local senior ladies dressed in traditional Bai costumes hawk antique silverware on the street, and upon entering the art gallery visitors are fascinated by abstract paintings that speak of the world, its peoples and the convergence of their lives and cultures. Foreign visitors usually stay here for at least six months, or until their pockets are empty, and only head backing to the West to earn enough money for their next stay. Local people are accustomed to their migratory habits.

Why is Foreigner Street so special?

This ancient street was once a vital communications hub where the population was dense. Many trade caravans gathered here and the markets were prosperous. The local government has given high priority to its preservation. It is the place gathering diverse local products of Dali now. It is famous at home and abroad.



Where is Foreigner Street?

The Foreigner Street of Dali Ancient Town is located on the Huguo Road, starting from Yunnan-Tibetan Highway. It once was called Huguo Road, meaning the locals fighting with Yuan Shikai and protecting the country. It is 1,000 meters long, 7 meters wide and connects with Bo’ai Road and Fuxing Road.

How to get to Foreigner Street?

• By Bus

Taking bus No.4, No.8 in Xiaguan about 40 minutes to the Dali Ancient City, the fare is 2 yuan. People who take bus No.8 can choose to get off at the east gate. In Yuer road there is touring bus passing Wind Flower Snow and Moon Hotel, Guozi Garden, Bluestone Bridge, Yeyu Road, Yuer Park, Boai Crossing and Cangshan Mountain Gate. In addition, visitors can take the minibus to Dali Ancient Town in Jianshe Road and Cultural Road, about 30 minutes to reach the old city. There are three options of transportation of electro mobile, mountain bike and walk for tourists in Dali Ancient City.

• By Bicycle

1. Dali Ancient City Yuer Road (Dali Lanlin Pavilion Hotel)—Cangshan Mountain West Gate—214 National Road—Chongsheng Three Pagodas—Erhai Ring Road—Xizhou (Xizhou Mango Cabin Inn) —Shuanglang
2. Dali Ancient City Yuer Road (Dali Lanlin Pavilion Hotel)—Cangshan Mountain East Gate—Dali Road—Caicun Village MTB Theme Inn—Erhai Ring Road—Xizhou (Xizhou Mango Cabin Inn)—Shuanglang

Introduction 

The Foreigner Street was called Huguo Road, meaning the locals fighting with Yuan Shikai and protecting the country. In order to develop the tourism, Dali Ancient Town was designated as the main attraction. Hongshancha Hotel was designated as a hotel for foreigners, and Hongshancha Hotel was in the western section of the ancient city Huguo Road. As a result, Huguo Road became the top attraction for foreigners. With the development of tourism, tourists are increasing and foreign guests are gathering in this street. Foreigners come here for traveling, sightseeing, tasting local food, working, even looking for true love.

The traditional Bai architecture is gradually disappearing in other parts of Dali, but it has been carefully preserved in ‘Foreigner Street’ and has become a restaurant with a unique style. Each small building here can be regarded as a boutique building of the Bai people.

Chinese and Western restaurants, jewelry stores, antique shops, tie-dye shops, galleries and all walks of life have emerged, paved on both sides. All of these create the famous "Dali Foreigner Street". It the contribution of the harmony of Chinese and Western culture.

What to See

Tie dyeing 

Tie dyeing is the featured handicrafts of Dali, representing the colorful Bai culture and wisdom of local people. 

Wood craving

Wood carvingin Jianchuan County, which known for its exquisite designs and multi-layer carving, is a 1,000-year-old traditional handicraft. Exquisite workmanship and novel design, gold, silver and copper ornaments are matchless handicrafts of Bai People. Other traditional handicrafts from the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture include embroidery, ink slabs, pottery, and porcelain.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Attractions

1.Dali Ancient Town

Dali Ancient Town is a historic town with rich culture located between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Unlike any other Chinese town, the traditional Bai ethnic houses give the town distinctive feel. Travelers can wonder in this leisure town to appreciate the unique ethnic architecture and discover its profound history and culture.

2.The Three Pagodas

The Three Pagodas,the symbolic building of Dali, was first built in the time of Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom in 9th and 10th century. Looking from a distance, the pagodas are like three ballpoint pens standing between the magnificent Cangshan Mountain and elegant Erhai Lake.
 

3.Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain,located west of Dali Ancient Town and Erhai Lake, is with nineteen peaks and eighteen streams. Travelers can take cableways to reach the top of Cangshan Mountain or explore the breathtaking scenery along Jade Cloud Road.
 
4.Erhai Lake
 
Erhai Lake (Ear-shaped Sea), reputed as "Pearl of Plateau", is the second largest highland lake of Yunnan. Taking a boat and cycling around the lake are fantastic ways to explore "Silver Cangshan Mountain and Jade Erhai Lake" scenery.

Best Time to Visit 

Dali Ancient Town is a very comfortable and leisure site which can be visited all year round. There is a saying going "Good Scenery is the month of March". March to April is the best time to visit Dali Ancient City. If you want to enjoy Bai's grand festival, you can come in the beautiful spring and catch the rare chance to join in March Fair. 

Useful Travel Tips

1.Best Time to Visit 
A lot of festivals and events of Bai nationality focused on March to April each year, travel at this time you will feel rich ethnic customs. And there is a song: "March in Dali has good scenery", so in the spring, it is suitable whether it is traveling to Dali, or climbing Canshang Mountain, visiting Erhai Lake.

2. What to Pack
Dali belongs to the low altitude plateau monsoon climate and ultraviolet ray is strong. Travelers should bring usual clothes and necessities as well as sunscreen cream and sunglasses to protect yourselves.