Audio Guide of Dali South Gate

Dali South Gate (Nanchengmen) is open to the public free of charge 24 hours a day, as it is an प्रवेश gate to the ancient city. There are no ticket booths or access control points, so you can visit at any time of day. For more information, see Trip.com.

Visiting Dali South Gate is completely free, as it is part of the walls of Dali Ancient City. No admission fee is required to see the gate or walk around the surrounding area. However, if you want to go up onto the walls for a panoramic view, some sections may charge a small symbolic fee.

It is recommended to spend between 30 minutes and 1 hour to fully enjoy Dali South Gate. This gives you enough time to admire the gate’s architecture, take photos, and perhaps walk a little along the nearby walls. It is also a good starting point if you plan to explore more of Dali Ancient City.

Dali South Gate, known locally as Nanchengmen, dates back to the 13th century during the Yuan dynasty and is one of the four main gates of the ancient walled city. It was a strategic point for trade and defense and represents the traditional architecture of ancient Chinese cities with its imposing watchtower. Today, it is a symbol of Dali’s rich history and the culture of the Bai ethnic group.

The best time to visit Dali South Gate is early in the morning (between 7:00 and 9:00) or at sunset, when there are fewer crowds and the light is perfect for photos. As for the season, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather. Avoid Chinese national holidays if you prefer fewer crowds.

The outer area of Dali South Gate is accessible for wheelchairs and people with reduced mobility, as the area around the gate has flat surfaces and barrier-free access. However, climbing the tower or the walls may require using stairs, so it is not suitable for everyone. It is recommended to check the specific conditions before planning a detailed visit.

Near Dali South Gate, you can visit several interesting places such as the Dali Confucian Temple (a 5-minute walk away), the Xiangguang district with its charming cobbled streets, and Erhai Lake (15 minutes away by bicycle or car). Dali Train Street is also nearby, ideal for buying souvenirs and trying local cuisine.

Bring a camera or your phone to capture impressive photos of the gate with the Cangshan Mountains as a backdrop. Consider renting a bicycle near the gate to explore Erhai Lake and the surrounding area. It is also recommended to try the famous 'ruyangbao' (steamed buns) from nearby stalls and to wear sunscreen, as the area can be sunny.