YHA China
Dali Kingdom International Youth Hostel
Traditional courtyard hostel in Dali Ancient City with nightly campfires
Why stay
here
01
Nightly campfire gatherings under magnolia trees
Every evening, travelers converge in the green stone courtyard for campfire sessions that have become legendary among backpackers. Under the magnolia branches, stories flow as freely as the local Dali beer — creating what guests call a 'family atmosphere' unique in China's hostel scene.
02
Sunrise over Lake Erhai from the rooftop
The third-floor rooftop drying area doubles as the perfect sunrise viewpoint. Early risers catch the first light breaking over Lake Erhai, 19km to the east, while the ancient city below slowly awakens with market vendors and temple bells.
03
Hidden gem in ancient city alleyways
Finding the hostel is part of the adventure — follow red lanterns through pottery-shop alleys to discover this traditional courtyard haven. Once inside, you're perfectly placed to explore Dali's narrow streets, weekend bazaars, and the Three Pagodas Temple on foot.
Dali Kingdom International Youth Hostel
Traditional courtyard hostel in Dali Ancient City with nightly campfires
Traditional courtyard hostel in Dali Ancient City with nightly campfires
Dali Kingdom International Youth Hostel occupies a traditional courtyard building on Yincang Road, featuring a peaceful green stone yard shaded by magnolia trees with bright red flowers. The hostel offers 4-bed male dorms, 6-bed female dorms, and private rooms across multiple levels, with a rooftop drying area on level 3 that catches the sunrise over Lake Erhai. Each evening, travellers gather around the campfire in the courtyard — a nightly tradition that creates the hostel's distinctive family-like atmosphere.
The hostel sits in Dali Ancient City's narrow alleyways, with glimpses of Lake Erhai visible between the traditional houses. The Three Pagodas Temple stands within walking distance, alongside Wuhua Building and the bustling Foreigner Street. Zi Shou market and weekend bazaars offer local crafts and produce. Cangshan Mountain rises to the west, while Lake Erhai stretches 19km to the east. Public buses stop nearby, connecting to lakeside towns and mountain attractions.
What’s available during your stay.
Western and Chinese breakfast 10-20 RMB, bike rental for ancient city exploration, luggage storage, bus ticket booking, airport transport to Dali Fengyi Airport (31.4km). Travel assistance at reception.
facilities and services
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In-room (may depend on room type)
Flexible, comfortable, affordable.
The hostel provides 4-bed dorms for males only, 6-bed dorms for females only, plus private rooms and single rooms spread across multiple levels. All rooms come with bedsheets and electric blankets for cool mountain nights. Bathrooms are shared, with hot water available throughout the day. The female dorms don't have air conditioning but electric blankets keep guests warm. Each floor has shared bathroom facilities, and the rooftop level 3 features a drying area with sunrise views over Lake Erhai.
Group accommodation includes 4-bed and 6-bed dorms that can be block-booked, plus single and private rooms for group leaders. The exact capacity for groups isn't specified, but the hostel's multi-level layout around a traditional courtyard can accommodate various group sizes. All rooms have electric blankets, with shared bathroom facilities and hot showers. The courtyard and common areas provide gathering spaces for group briefings and activities.
4-Bed Dorm (Males Only)
A comfortable shared dormitory at Dali Kingdom International Youth Hostel. Beds come with personal reading light, power outlet, and secure locker. Linen is provided. Shared bathroom facilities are nearby.
6-Bed Dorm (Females Only)
A female-only dormitory at Dali Kingdom International Youth Hostel, offering a safe and comfortable space. Each bed includes a reading light, power outlet, and personal locker. Linen provided.
Private Rooms
A private double room at Dali Kingdom International Youth Hostel featuring a comfortable double bed. Ideal for couples or travellers who prefer extra space and privacy. Linen included.
Single Rooms
A private single room at Dali Kingdom International Youth Hostel, ideal for solo travellers seeking privacy. The room includes a comfortable bed, storage space, and access to shared or private bathroom facilities.
Dali Kingdom International Youth Hostel welcomes student groups and youth organisations exploring Yunnan's cultural heritage. The traditional courtyard setting works well for groups wanting an authentic experience in Dali Ancient City. Evening campfires provide a natural gathering point for group activities and cultural exchange. The hostel can arrange bus tickets and tours to local attractions like the Three Pagodas, Lake Erhai, and Cangshan Mountain. While specific group capacity isn't stated, the multi-level layout with various room types allows flexibility in accommodation arrangements. The location in the ancient city puts groups within walking distance of historical sites, markets, and cultural experiences.
HI quality-assured
Room mix
Everything your group gets
Accommodation
Group accommodation includes 4-bed and 6-bed dorms that can be block-booked, plus single and private rooms for group leaders. The exact capacity for groups isn't specified, but the hostel's multi-level layout around a traditional courtyard can accommodate various group sizes. All rooms have electric blankets, with shared bathroom facilities and hot showers. The courtyard and common areas provide gathering spaces for group briefings and activities.
Services
Group bus ticket booking, tour arrangements to Three Pagodas and Lake Erhai, luggage storage for day trips. Evening campfire sessions ideal for group bonding.
Activities & experiences
Walking tours of Dali Ancient City, Three Pagodas cultural site visit, Lake Erhai boat trips, Cangshan Mountain excursions, traditional Bai minority village visits.
Food & drink
Breakfast available 10-20 RMB per person, advance booking recommended for groups. Shared kitchen for group meal preparation. Local restaurants can arrange group dining.
Wellness
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Eat, drink & socialise
Ancient city breakfast and shared kitchen amid alley adventures
Western and Chinese breakfast available (fees paid at property). Shared kitchen with cooking facilities. Bar area for evening gatherings. Local restaurants and street food throughout the ancient city alleys.
Breakfast available 10-20 RMB per person, advance booking recommended for groups. Shared kitchen for group meal preparation. Local restaurants can arrange group dining.
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Make the most of your time here.
Three Pagodas Temple and Wuhua Building within walking distance. Zi Shou market for local crafts, Foreigner Street cafes, Lake Erhai boat trips 19km east, Cangshan Mountain cable car to the west.
Walking tours of Dali Ancient City, Three Pagodas cultural site visit, Lake Erhai boat trips, Cangshan Mountain excursions, traditional Bai minority village visits.
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Location
No.17, Yin Cang Road
Dali
Yunnan
China
Directions
Getting here
Dali Fengyi Airport is 31.4km away (58 minutes by car) with airport transport available through the hostel. Dali Railway Station lies 19km from the hostel. Public buses stop within walking distance, providing connections to Lake Erhai, the Three Pagodas, and other lakeside towns. The hostel can be tricky to find — look for the 'Dali Kingdom' sign on the right side of a pottery store on Yincang Road, then follow the arrow and red lanterns through the alley.
Parking info
Off-site public parking is available nearby, though not exclusively for hostel guests. No reservation needed for parking spaces. The ancient city's narrow alleyways mean cars cannot reach the hostel directly — you'll need to walk from the parking area through the traditional streets.
We are working to share all our policies as a part of our commitment to radical transparency and community engagement.
Please contact the hostel directly for any questions or concerns - we will be happy to help.
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