The name of Dali is originated from that of a local regime in history called Kingdom Dali, meaning a state of great order. Many of the architectures of the city were built of marble from the ore nearby, and that is why it is also called a city of Dali Stone (marble). Both Chinese writing and pronunciation of 'great order' and 'marble' are the same. Marble buildings, marble streets, marble wall foundations and marble wells make the city so bright and limpid as if it is a tranquil fairyland. Each family loves door carving and wall-decoration; every household has a flower garden.
Dali has a brilliant and long history, unique national culture and great natural geographical scenery. It has become a popular tourist destination at home and abroad. It has won the title "China Excellent Tourism City", "Best China Charming City" and "Chinese Culture Tourism County", "China Top Ten Leisure Tourist City", "International Cultural and Leisure Tourism Charming City". After years of tourism development experience and conditions, Dali has achieved very successful performance.
Tourism in the urban economic development in the industry, position, and gradually increase the economic role of the tourism industry to boost the urban economy, social employment, driving force, as well as the promotion of the role of culture and the environment becomes increasingly obvious. Tourism is a pillar of China's economic development industries.
The main advantages of the development of Dali tourism are two main characteristic advantages. The first is the climate advantage. Dali is like spring all year round. Its annual average temperature is about 15°C. Dail's winter is not too cold and summer is not too hot. It has a unique plateau lake Erhai Lake, forming a special suitable geographical climate environment for people's living and development.
The second is scenery advantages. Dali has unique natural scenery and magic mountain scenery. Mt. Cangshan and Erhai Lake fuse together with the Dali Ancient City, odd mountains and clear water combine with the Bai amorous feelings, making Dali concentrate about 100 attractive scenic spots.