Dali Old Town is small enough to get around on foot, and being laid out in a grid format it is relatively easy to navigate. The major landmarks are the South and North Gates with Fuxing Road running between them, and Yangren Street Westerner's Street lined with cafés and tourist shops. City maps are readily available for around ¥5 but tend not to follow the usual north-at-the-top standard because the natural orientation of someone in Dali is to look towards the huge looming Cangs Mountain which runs north-south next to the city. As you look at the mountains and face west, the lake is at your back, or east. This method of orientation makes even more sense when you realize that the entire town gently slopes from the mountains to the lake, making those two landmarks a natural way to find your bearings.
Bikes are also available at many guesthouses and rental huts around town and cost ¥5-40 per day. Bikes vary greatly in quality so shop around for the best deal. The Chinese brands Merida and Giant are among the better ones to consider.
Taxis in Dali Old Town generally cost ¥5 for under 3km though most drivers will ask for ¥10. For other locations outside the old town, all prices are negotiable. A taxi to Dali New City will cost around ¥40.
In addition to the Old Town, Dali is a Prefecture of over 10,000 sq km. A whole range of destinations exist within the Prefecture that are perfect for the adventurous traveller. All are relatively easily accessible from either Dali Old Town or Dali New City, the major city 13km to the south. A lot of useful information is available from the cafes within the old town on day trips around the prefecture.
By bus
Xiaguan Northern Bus Station
| Destinantion | Price ¥ | Departures HH:MM | Duration HH:MM | Lunch-Stop | Last Update |
| Jianchuan | 26.00 | Every 15-30 mins from 6:20AM to 6:50PM. | 3:00 approx. | No | 18 March 2010 |