Dayan Flower Lane

大研花巷

Dayan Flower Alley is located at the north gate of Dayan Old Town, a renowned tourist destination in Lijiang. Spanning over 30,000 square meters, it is the largest tourism complex within Lijiang Old Town. It encompasses a creative aesthetic district, a landmark leisure plaza, a large-scale visitor distribution center, and a Yunnan specialty food district, offering a one-stop destination for all your travel needs.

1. Lijiang Old Town's new landmark: [Meet Lijiang] Archway Square
It is the most iconic Naxi archway in Lijiang and is currently the largest tourist gathering place in Lijiang Ancient Town.

2. The Eye of Lijiang, the most popular viewing platform in Dayan Ancient Town
The Eye of Lijiang is a must-see landmark in Lijiang Old Town, alongside the Waterwheel and Square Street. From dawn to dusk, the ancient city presents a completely different look. Visitors can simply visit the Dayan Flower Alley Observation Deck to experience the ultimate visual feast of this thousand-year-old city's ever-changing landscape.

3. New-Style Mabang Cuisine, Authentic Jianghu Flavor—Meet the Mabang Cuisine Restaurant
Prepared by a descendant of the imperial chef of the Ma Gang, Lijiang's first long street banquet, "The Return of the Ma Gang," recreates the dining atmosphere of the Lijiang Ma Gang back then. Enjoy hearty bites of meat and wine, authentic Yunnan ingredients, and a unique dining performance. [Meet the Ma Gang Cuisine] takes you back on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and savors the authentic Ma Gang flavors.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: "Central Dali Ancient Town, Dali, Yunnan Province, China (云南省大理市大理古城中心)"

  • History: Dayan Flower Alley is one of the historic lanes in Dali Ancient Town. Traditionally, it was home to merchants and craftsmen and has retained its original narrow streets, old wooden houses, and stone pathways. It reflects the lifestyle of the local Bai community over the past centuries.
  • Architecture: The alley features traditional Bai-style architecture with carved wooden doors, tiled roofs, and whitewashed walls. Small courtyards, hanging flower pots, and decorative lanterns are common. The alley preserves the historical urban pattern of Dali Ancient Town.
  • Cultural Value: The alley showcases Bai folk culture, traditional handicrafts, and local daily life. It is often used for cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals, giving visitors a sense of the living heritage of Dali.
  • Other Information: The alley is narrow and pedestrian-only, making it a peaceful walking area. Local artisans, tea houses, and boutique shops give it a lively yet historical charm.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: "Open 24 hours (shops generally 09:00–20:00)"

  • Ticket Price: "Free to enter
    Individual shop prices vary"
  • Best Photo Spots: Flower-decorated doorways, wooden balconies, traditional lanterns, narrow winding streets, local market stalls.
  • Time Reference: Early morning to capture quiet alleys; late afternoon for warm light and bustling activity.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: "The Linden Centre (大理柳岸精品酒店)
    Hilton Dali Ancient Town (大理古城希尔顿酒店)"
    Mid-range: "Dali No. 51 Hotel (大理51号客栈)
    Dali Old Town Hostel (大理古城青年旅舍)"
    Budget/Boutique: "Blue Sky Inn (蓝天客栈)
    Lazybones Hostel (懒骨头旅舍)"

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: "Er Kuai (饵块)
    Bai-style grilled fish (白族烤鱼)
    Dali yogurt (大理酸奶)"
    Famous Spots: "Fuxiang Restaurant (福湘饭店)
    The Lazy Cat Café (懒猫咖啡)
    Baiguo Restaurant (百果餐厅)"

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • "Bai embroidery, tie-dye fabrics, handcrafted jewelry, small traditional wooden crafts, local teas (Ailao Mountain tea, Pu’er tea)"

Transportation

  • "From Dali Ancient Town main entrance, walk to Dayan Flower Alley (approx. 5–10 min). The alley is pedestrian-only. Bicycles and e-bikes are common for nearby streets, taxis for farther travel."

Nearby Attractions

  • "Dali Ancient Town main square (大理古城广场) – 0.3 km, walk
    Foreigner Street (洋人街) – 0.5 km, walk
    Dali Zhang Family Garden (大理张家花园) – 1.2 km, walk
    Dali Yan Family Courtyard (大理严家大院) – 1.5 km, walk"
    Dali Xiaoputuo (大理小普陀) – 1.8 km, bicycle or taxi"

Tips for Visitors

  • "Wear comfortable shoes for walking narrow streets
    Visit early morning to avoid crowds
    Respect local residents and private properties
    Bring a camera for traditional architecture and flower-decorated doors
    Try small shops and cafes for local snacks and handicrafts
    Check for small cultural exhibitions in the alley
    Evening visits offer good lighting for photography with lanterns"

Recommended itineraries

  • "D1: Dali Ancient Town (大理古城) – walk to Dayan Flower Alley (大研花巷) – explore artisan shops, cafes, and alleyways – continue to Foreigner Street (洋人街) for evening market
    Transportation: Walking"
  • "D1: Dali Zhang Family Garden (大理张家花园) – walk to Dayan Flower Alley (大研花巷) – visit shops and tea houses
    D2: Dali Yan Family Courtyard (大理严家大院) – short walk from alley – afternoon bicycle ride to Dali Xiaoputuo (大理小普陀)
    Transportation: Walking, bicycle, or short taxi rides"
  • "D1: Dayan Flower Alley (大研花巷) morning visit – breakfast at local café – continue to Dali Ancient Town main square (大理古城广场)
    D2: Erhai Lake scenic cycling tour – stop at lakeside villages – return to Ancient Town in evening
    Transportation: Walking in town, bicycle for lakeside trip"

User Reviews

By Eclipse on the Moon |

Dayan Flower Lane is part of Dayan Ancient Town within Lijiang Old Town. Wake up this morning to Lijiang's usual beautiful weather: warm sunshine, a gentle breeze, a filter-like natural blue sky, and fluffy cotton candy clouds. Pack a small backpack and head to Black Dragon Lake, a 4A-level national park, for a stroll. Witness the stunning reflection of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Black Dragon Lake. Black Dragon Lake is incredibly beautiful and peaceful, a popular spot even for locals to exercise, unwind, and simply breathe in the fresh air while admiring the vibrant fish of all colors.



Unlike Black Dragon Pond, Dayan Flower Alley is ideally suited for exploring at night. As dusk falls, the lights come on, casting a golden glow against the ancient town's breathtaking beauty. Entering from the north gate slope, along the narrow alley, it's a perfect place for photos. The 360-degree shots create a sense of grandeur. About two or three hundred meters straight ahead, there's an observation deck offering a panoramic view of nearly the entire Lijiang nightscape: pedestrians, businesses, and bars thrumming with folk music. Standing there might inspire reflection on life, or perhaps simply to simply gaze, absorbed in a world of its own. Lijiang offers many possibilities, and Dayan Flower Alley is just one. Yet, it's also incredibly captivating.

By pufferfish |

Dayan Flower Alley, located at the north gate of Lijiang Old Town, is a comprehensive tourist attraction integrating sightseeing, cultural experiences, and commercial activities. Preserving the Naxi architectural style, it features a cozy atmosphere filled with flowers. Enjoy Yunnan specialties like charcoal-grilled pork rice noodles and enjoy traditional Naxi crafts, songs, and dances. The night scene is even more captivating, with folk singers performing and the lights ablaze. The Lijiang Eye Observation Deck is also recommended for panoramic views of the Old Town, a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

By Metasequoia |

Located at the north gate of Lijiang Old Town, Dayan Old Town's Cedar Tourism Town (Dayan Flower Alley) is an ancient alley integrating Yunnan characteristics, intangible cultural heritage, cultural and creative brands, and in-depth experiences. It is Cedar Culture and Tourism's first themed tourism town in Yunnan. A comprehensive tourist destination integrating sightseeing, entertainment, leisure, cultural experiences, and commerce, the project embraces traditional Chinese culture, integrating modern lifestyles with local history and folk culture. The destination offers visitors a diverse and comfortable experience, allowing them to experience a unique authentic town and appreciate the beauty of a different world.

Dayan Flower Lane, on the basis of inheriting local traditions and authentic culture, builds a bridge of communication between the ancient Dongba culture and modern people, removes the noisy, chaotic commercial phenomena in the ancient city, and incorporates the pure traditional Naxi ethnic crafts, food, singing and dancing, etiquette, tea ceremony, jade culture, etc. into the theme town, integrates management, takes the tourist experience as the core, and deeply creates cultural experience tourism services.

The fusion of traditional culture and modern expression creates a town that embodies a rich tapestry of urban culture and modern fashion, creating a unique and distinctive atmosphere. At the Iris Library, you'll discover that this isn't really a library. The beautifully packaged classics and children's picture books displayed on the shelves are actually filled with carefully selected local specialties from across Yunnan, including Yunnan ham, small-grain coffee, and flower cakes. From the Eye of Lijiang, the largest observation deck in Lijiang Old Town, you can take in the entire old town, experience the leisurely atmosphere of the people living by the small bridges and flowing water, and immerse yourself in the slow pace of life in Yunnan.

By Holding a wasp |

I went to Dayan Old Town in Lijiang with a friend. Initially, I wasn't impressed, but when I arrived at the Dayan Flower Alley Archway Square and saw the archway, I was immediately intrigued! Locals explained that this archway embodies the essence of Naxi architecture, meticulously crafted by top-tier craftsmen. The Naxi wisdom and culture are beautifully showcased in the archway. Furthermore, every night, from the observation deck of the Lijiang Eye, you can see the dazzling nightscape of the entire Lijiang Old Town. Looking down, you can see a picture of the ancient town in all its sprawling sprawl. This truly captivated me, and I longed to stay longer.

By After some autumn and winter |

Of course, you come all the way to Lijiang not just for the scenery and humanities and culture of the ancient city. Lijiang's Naxi cuisine is also worth checking out. The Ma Bang Return Banquet in Dayan Flower Lane and the Ma Bang Restaurant have special foods such as cured pork ribs hot pot. It is said that they are run by a local family of chefs for generations. At the banquet, there are also Ma Bang brothers and Naxi beauties who come to the banquet to persuade people to drink and sing to liven up the atmosphere. It is very lively and worth experiencing!

By |

Before arriving in Lijiang, I often heard the saying, "There's the Forbidden City in the north and the Mu Mansion in the south." I didn't understand the meaning of this phrase until I arrived. It wasn't until I arrived that I realized the Mu Mansion, as it's often called, is actually located here. Locals say this mansion, built in the Ming Dynasty, uses architectural techniques from the Central Plains, Bai, and Naxi peoples, and boasts a glorious history spanning hundreds of years. At night, from the Lijiang Eye Observation Deck in Dayan Flower Lane, you can see the beautiful nightscape of the Mu Mansion complex illuminated, as well as the bustling Old Town of Lijiang. In addition to experiencing the rich history and culture of Lijiang, you'll also find a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

By China-TravelNote users |

"Meet Lijiang"—Eternal Caravan is a must-see stage show in Dayan Flower Alley. This show, themed around local caravan culture, is unlike other stage performances where you sit back and watch. We followed the actors throughout the performance and even got to participate in the interactive elements. The whole experience was incredibly fresh and fun, haha! The lighting effects were also truly stunning. This show was the most memorable part of my Yunnan trip!

By Yi Yunxuelin |

Memories of Lijiang's Dayan Flower Alley beneath the rainbow come flooding back to mind. In an age where "poetry and distant places" are so prevalent, even journeys to the other side of the globe are within reach. Search engines know every location intimately, and you no longer need to shy away from asking locals for directions due to language barriers or shyness. Online maps allow you to navigate the streets and alleys silently, just like a local. Therefore, when visiting Dayan Flower Alley, you can focus on the unique scenic and cultural charm of Lijiang it exudes!

By Screaming Knife |

Dayan Flower Lane seems to be a newly built tourist attraction in the ancient city. It has a good location and you can climb up and have a good view.

By yinuococo |

Dayan Flower Lane is full of beautiful scenery and surrounded by flowers, which makes people yearn for it.

By Zhang Hang |

An alley with flowers everywhere and various flower products for sale. It is really beautiful.

By Kasin_Chan |

I live near Huaxiang, which is quite beautiful, with the sound of birdsong and the fragrance of flowers.

By June Lotus |

A place in Lijiang Ancient Town. There are many things inside. We did not go in to see it, but took photos outside.

By Fat Dog |

In fact, the scenery is quite ordinary, it's just a small alley, but if you are lucky, you can see the "Flower Lane" when you go there at night. I encountered it when I went there, which was like watching a live drama.

By Rainybaby |

The whole alley is surrounded by flowers of various shapes and colors, and being in it makes you feel very happy.

There is only one alley in the ancient city called Huaxiang, but in fact many alleys are full of flowers.

By Passenger Journey |

A street suitable for strolling. Lijiang Ancient Town is not very big, so you can walk there casually.

By Donuts 🍩 |

The beautiful Dayan Ancient Town, with its large waterwheel, memorial archways, and small shops, is very nice against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds.

By Cats and Travel |

Dayan Flower Lane can be regarded as one of the most characteristic attractions of the ancient city. It is located near the waterwheel, on the left side of the road into the ancient city, and no tickets are required.

Environment: The entire Dayan Flower Alley still maintains the Naxi architectural style of Lijiang, and the entire scenic area is full of flowers. Compared with the various shops and crowded people in the ancient city, it gives people a more comfortable feeling.

Food: There is a food street where the owners are all locals. The food is quite good and the prices are quite affordable, but the shops are small and the seating is tight.

Shopping: Here you can find some traditional handicrafts and clothing, as well as unique items like tie-dye, tea, and flower cakes. The prices are similar to those in the ancient city.

Recommended highlights:

1. Street performances tell the story of a caravan, starting from the entrance to the end of the alley, which takes about 20 minutes, just enough to complete the entire Flower Alley.

2. Observation Deck: There is an observation deck called the Eye of Lijiang, which overlooks the entire ancient city and is a must-see for photographers.

3. Gate Archway: This should be the largest gate archway in the ancient city and is of great commemorative significance.

Disadvantages: Because it is located in a popular scenic area, traffic is congested and parking is not very convenient.

Summary: Recommended to check in at Lijiang Ancient Town [strong]

By Want to travel around the world |

This short alley is home to a plethora of internet-famous shops. Their decor and style are key, so why not give yourself a try?

I believe that Dayan Flower Alley will become a new internet-famous street in the near future. In addition to the vigorous promotion of the ancient city, the beauty of this place will also attract more and more tourists to visit. I am very confident about this place.

By Suzhou mild fever |

There is a national folk museum, some original brands, and cultural and creative shops, which are quite literary and fresh.

By Yingzi girl |

Dayan Flower Lane is a particularly quiet place suitable for taking photos. It is literary, fresh, and all the beautiful words seem to be applicable to this place. It is a must-visit place for young ladies who like taking photos.

By Woody grass |

Dayan Flower Alley is a lane newly renovated in recent years in Lijiang to attract tourists. I didn't think it was much to see, so I just walked past it. But then the navigation system told me I had to go through it on my way home. At night, I saw only a few flowers, and the lane wasn't very long. There were a few bars on either side, and a female singer played in a pavilion. The 100-meter walk was quick, and at the end, there was a flight of stairs leading up to May Day Street, the ancient city's most important street.

By please.Ge Xiaonuan |

Dayan Flower Lane has recently opened in Dayan Ancient Town. Judging from the sign next to it, it seems to be open on the 27th, which happened to be the day I came.

I had lunch at Dayan Huaxiang. A large piece of beef noodles cost 12 yuan and tasted pretty good. Actually, I wanted to try rice noodles, but they were out of it.

By Painter JACK |

It's a real estate project under development and attracting investment, not a tourist attraction. The developer is promoting it heavily to attract investment. It's located in a remote area and rarely sees tourists. Don't go there; it's not a tourist attraction!

By Pink_Pt |

I took a detour to Dayan Flower Lane because I'd read online that it had tons of colorful daisies perfect for photos. However, when we arrived, the vendors said they'd been removed after winter, when they're at their peak, leaving only a few in front of various shops. But I thought they were still blooming beautifully! The stairs in Flower Lane were also incredibly beautiful, and even the elderly couldn't wait to take a picture. Up the alley, there's an undeveloped area that's deserted and photogenic, with only a few businesses scattered around, but business seems slow. I can't help but worry about whether they're profitable. Some businesses were closed, but a peek inside revealed they were all set up, so I wondered if they were even open. The flowers outside Flower Lane were actually in full bloom, a truly stunning sight. Instead of expecting anything, it was a pleasant surprise! Perhaps without the pressure of KPIs, the flowers in Flower Lane are blooming even more happily. Of course, we have to thank the shop owners for their dedication.

By Green dumplings |

An interesting alley in the ancient city, with many shops and a variety of things to buy

By China-TravelNote users |

There is a nice Tianyan Observation Deck where you can overlook the entire ancient city. It is full of new shops that have not yet opened and is deserted. It is a great place for fresh and refreshing photos.

By Queen_Queen |

There are not many tourists in Dayan Flower Lane, and it is still a place worth taking pictures. I waited here for almost ten minutes, and the beautiful woman who had been posing for pictures was willing to leave.

By Sunflowers bloom in summer |

The ancient town under the night, the singing in the bar, the lights in the city, couples passing by in twos and threes, the most beautiful thing in life is foresight, may we be well...

By Time is singing |

This is the only place in Lijiang that is not so crowded. It seems very quiet. When you climb to the top of the slope, you can see the Lion Mountain and the ancient city in the distance. But for some reason, there are still many shops that are not open or abandoned.

By Eryan loves to laugh |

It's much quieter than Lijiang Old Town. The shops are very artistic and petty bourgeoisie, and the commercial atmosphere is also quite strong, but the advantage is that there are fewer people!!!


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