Moon Palace

月亮宫

The Moon Palace is built on the mountainside and was designed by Zhao Qing, a talented man from Dali, for Yang Liping.
It is the private residence of dancer Yang Liping and also a beautiful scenery on the shore of Erhai Lake.
The bluestone arched building is surrounded by Erhai Lake on three sides, and its appearance looks like a half moon rising from the sea.
The spacious seaside terrace, duplex architectural style, and transparent and bright floor-to-ceiling windows are as beautiful as a fairyland.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: Dali Ancient Town, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China (云南省大理白族自治州大理古城)

  • History: Dali Moon Palace is a modern cultural and leisure area inspired by Bai ethnic architecture and mythology. It blends natural scenery with themed gardens and entertainment spaces. It was built to showcase Bai culture while offering visitors a serene and picturesque environment.
  • Architecture: The site features Bai-style architecture with white walls, black-tiled roofs, and intricate wood carvings. The area also includes moon-themed pavilions, gardens, and small performance stages. Bridges, ponds, and open courtyards enhance the visual appeal and create ideal photography spots.
  • Cultural Value: Highlights Bai traditional culture, including architectural style, artistic motifs, and seasonal festivals. Occasional cultural performances showcase music, dance, and folklore from the Bai ethnic group.
  • Other Information: Popular for romantic strolls, photography, and small cultural events. Ideal for those looking for scenic beauty combined with cultural experiences.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 09:00–18:00 daily

  • Ticket Price: Adult 80–120 CNY
    Children/Students 40–60 CNY depending on age/height
  • Best Photo Spots: Moon-themed pavilion, lotus ponds, Bai-style bridges, garden courtyards
  • Time Reference: Allocate 2–3 hours for a full visit

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: Linden Center Boutique Hotel (大理菩提精品酒店)
    Mid-range: Dali Moonlight Inn (大理月光客栈)
    Budget & Boutique: Local guesthouses in Dali Ancient Town (大理古城内民宿)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: Er Kuai rice cakes (洱海糯米饼), Dali fried cheese (大理乳扇), Bai-style cold noodles (白族凉粉)
    Famous Spots: Moon Palace Café (月亮宫咖啡厅), Dali Ancient Town Restaurants (大理古城餐馆)

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Bai-style textiles, wood carvings, Dali local teas, handcrafted jewelry, traditional fans

Transportation

  • How to Get There:
    From Dali Ancient Town center: Walk or short taxi ride (~10–15 minutes)
    Bus lines connecting Dali City to the ancient town can be used, then walk to the Moon Palace
    Private tours often include Moon Palace as a half-day stop

Nearby Attractions

  • Dali Ancient Town Main Square (大理古城广场) – ~1 km, walkable
    Dali Three Pagodas (大理三塔) – ~2 km, taxi or e-bike ride

Tips for Visitors

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking through gardens and courtyards
    Morning or late afternoon visits are best for photography due to softer light
    Bring water and sun protection, especially during summer
    Respect local cultural displays and avoid stepping on flower beds
    Tickets can be bought online or at the entrance

Recommended itineraries

  • Half-Day Cultural Stroll: D1: Dali Ancient Town (大理古城) → Dali Moon Palace (Dali月亮宫) → Local Bai Restaurant → Return to hotel
  • Full-Day Dali Highlights: D1: Three Pagodas (大理三塔) → Dali Ancient Town (大理古城) → Dali Moon Palace (Dali月亮宫) → Sunset at Erhai Lake (洱海)
  • Two-Day Dali Experience: D1: Erhai Lake Cycling Tour (洱海骑行) → Dali Moon Palace (Dali月亮宫) → Dali Ancient Town (大理古城)
    D2: Three Pagodas (大理三塔) → Cangshan Mountain (苍山) → Departure

User Reviews

By Autumn |

The structure of the house is entwined with a tree. Many people stop at this staircase, but we wandered around and found ourselves at the back of the house through a rather unremarkable alleyway. There, we could see Yang Liping's kitchen and the glass corridor that extended out from the house toward Erhai Lake. The kitchen was decorated with freshly picked flowers and fruit, and the various tableware was neatly arranged, indicating that it was inhabited and managed.

By pufferfish |

Located at the end of Yuji Island in Shuanglang, Dali Moon Palace was renovated from the private residence of artist Yang Liping. Built into the reef, the building features a staggered interplay of wooden beams and glass curtain walls, creating a natural harmony with the Cangshan and Erhai Lake scenery. The interior features a spiral staircase and a seaside tea table, each reflecting the shimmering water against the backdrop of the hollow stone walls, creating the illusion of floating above Erhai Lake. Although no longer open to the public, it is still available as the hotel's afternoon tea area. Visiting at dusk is recommended, as the setting sun casts its last rays across the glass corridors, the clouds of Cangshan Mountain are reflected on the water, and every corner is imbued with the spirituality of Eastern aesthetics. Reservations and a purchase are required for admission.

By Tomato and Mushroom |

It's okay, as a tourist you can only walk around the periphery. Such a big house, it's so happy to live in it!

By Zhang Hang |

You can only watch from a distance by boat, and there are too many people, which affects your senses.

By DrZou |

Yang Liping's private residence has a great view. It is probably the best place to see Erhai Lake.

By Kindergarten children |

You can only look outside, you are not allowed to go in, and you have to pay a maintenance fee of 10 yuan per person

By Califer Nature |

Will enjoy it. Will enjoy it. Not bad. Not bad.

By Got a nickname |

I think there is no need to go to the east coast of Erhai Lake!!!

By mewkuma |

Yang Liping's private residence, but you can only view it from the outside, it feels quite ordinary, it's okay if you just come here to check in

By JoJo Jiang |

Teacher Yang Liping's residence is very strict and can only be viewed from nearby. It is a very beautiful building

By Vincent |

In fact, I didn't expect that we would accidentally come to Yang Liping's private residence - Moon Palace

Outside the villa, tour guides often appeared with tour groups dressed in traditional Chinese costumes, explaining that this stone was called the Golden Toad, and that tree was called the Sleeping Dragon... (I forgot what they were called, just metaphorically). Then the tour guides would seriously pull out their silk scarves and take photos with the stones...

By ❤Fly |

I didn't go inside, but it felt quite luxurious. The scenery outside is better.

By Easy to clean |

It is very beautiful from the Erhai Lake cruise. I heard that it is a celebrity's illegal castle that needs to be demolished.

By Li Lianghu |

On Fengqing Island, I looked at the Moon Palace from afar, and used a telescope to spy on the peacock dancer. I actually saw someone dancing at the door of a house that day. It was too far to see clearly, so I don't know if it was me.

By Ted |

The Moon Palace is Yang Liping's private residence, but she basically only comes here during the Spring Festival.

By Quietly burying my head again and again |

Yang Liping's accommodation is built next to Erhai Lake. I have to say that she knows how to enjoy life.

By Doraemon is Peppa Pig |

Dancer Yang Liping's residence is now closed to visitors and can only be viewed from a distance.

By ✨Ben 🎀 |

You can't enter the Moon Palace, so you can only look at it from the outside. The scenery is okay.

By bulging purse |

On the Nanzhao Island, there is also a Sun Palace, which requires a short climb.

By Feng Yan🐳🐳🐳 |

The Moon Palace is designed to be very private. It is blocked by trees so that tourists cannot see what is inside or even the full front view. They can only see the glass balcony where she sits in meditation facing Erhai Lake.

By Lemon is not sour |

The island is very small and there are not many places to visit. You can finish the tour in half an hour. Some shops are decorated in unique ways and some accessories are also very exquisite.

By hyacinth |

I like Yang Liping's dance and her dedication to dance. This one must be a thumbs up

By MIKA |

The view from the boat is from the gate of Yuji Island.

By A sword of blood |

Compared to the "Sun Palace" at the entrance of the alley, the "Moon Palace" is Yang Liping's private residence, a mysterious place so hidden that even a fly would have a hard time getting in. With the sky clear and the distant mountains inky blue, it stands quietly by the Erhai Lake.

Standing on the covered bridge, one can see a small private dock nestled beneath a large tree, the passage Yang Liping took by speedboat home. Amidst the lush greenery, a glass-enclosed corridor overlooking the sea is where Yang Liping practices yoga and meditation. Beyond these two spots, there's no glimpse into what it was like inside the palace, observing the waves and sleeping amidst the wind.

Whether it is sunset or sunrise, here you can sit quietly in the courtyard, enjoy the scenery of Cang Er and enjoy the inner peace.

By abelabel |

Fortunately, I saw it once that year, but now it is said to have been closed?

By LY |

According to local people, because of the Erhai Lake renovation, Teacher Yang has donated the Moon Palace and the Sun Palace to the Dali government. Thumbs up to Teacher Yang!

It is recommended that the Dali government make rational use of them instead of simply demolishing them. They can be transformed into a museum with cultural content, such as a place for public cultural services, to become a new tourist attraction in Dali.

By Yi |

Actually, I just listened to the tour guide and didn’t have the chance to go in.

By Collect a period of time |

The tour guide said that Yang Liping came back by water, so it is rare for ordinary people to see her. Her residence is so secluded that you can only see her back even if you look out into the distance.

By KateKate |

I have to say that Yang Liping is such a good choice of place, the scenery is so beautiful! But every day when people pass by, they will gather around and take pictures. Isn't Yang Liping depressed?

By Green dumplings |

It does not belong to the category of natural scenery. Friends who like to understand culture can go and have a look.

By Cool little old lady |

The Moon Palace is a private residence and can only be viewed from afar, so I later dug out the episode of "Lu Yu Has an Appointment" where Yang Liping was featured, which introduced her home.

By Joey |

Yang Liping's Moon Palace is on the island. It is now a tourist attraction and you need to buy a ticket to see it.

By Travelers Without Borders |

The Moon Palace next to the Nanzhao Style Island is magnificent and has many legends, making it very desirable!

By Old aunt born in the 1990s |

There is Yang Liping's Moon Palace on Nami Island. You can't visit the inside, so we walked around the outside. It can be said that it is one of the most beautiful scenery in Dali Town.

By Cosmos |

Yang Liping's Moon Palace and other celebrity residences occupy prime locations near Erhai Lake. Shuanglang relies on these attractions to attract tourists, but Erhai Lake itself is overwhelmed by the pressure. It's a contradiction, but without a clear Erhai Lake, it would be difficult to attract visitors. It's no wonder that Erhai Lake is renovating its lakefront inns and restaurants to restore visitors to its authentic lakeside beauty.

By Lawyer Bao who loves traveling |

It looks like a high-end hotel, standing at the forefront of Yuji Island.

By 小小 |

The front entrance of the house faces the sea and it is truly stunning.

By Small grapefruit |

The Moon Palace is hidden behind a big banyan tree. The tour guide said: No matter where you are on Yuji Island, you cannot take a full picture of the Moon Palace from any angle.

By People are as quiet as the moon |

Moon Palace is located in Shuanglang of Erhai Lake, with a very good geographical location. We consulted with the waiter, and the waiter seemed very disdainful.

By Xie Xiaowan |

The Moon Palace is on Yuji Island. The ticket is ten yuan, and the fee for the lady who shows the way is included in the ticket. In fact, the island is very small and it will take a while to get there. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to enter now.

By Wang Jinde |

The Moon Palace is built against the mountain and looks like a half moon rising from the sea. It was originally the private residence of dancer Yang Liping, but now it has become an art hotel and a beautiful scenery on the edge of Erhai Lake.

When I went there, Erhai Lake was under renovation and Shuanglang was closed, so I could only see the Moon Palace from a distance on the Nanzhao Style Island.

By Kashima Bird |

When I went there, Erhai Lake was under renovation and Shuanglang was closed, so I could only see the Moon Palace from a distance on the Nanzhao Style Island.

By The passing years |

The environment is very good, the facilities and equipment are first-class, and the service is okay! The key point is that the environment can ignore everything!

By Boss, more vegetables please |

Because Yang Liping is famous, take a boat by the Erhai Lake, usually they will take you to see the Moon Palace and the Sun Palace, which are quite beautiful.

By Mo Xiaoqi |

You can only look at it from the outside and can't go in. I walked around it. It's really a good place to live. It feels like it's surrounded by the sea.

By Siyan LIU |

Last year, I went to Dali and went up to the Moon Palace. The streets were long and narrow, with many buildings on both sides. It looked dusty and the conditions were not very good. I wonder what it has become now?

By Together forever |

It's a lie. I only saw a narrow road and a wall. They charged 10 yuan and said I could see it. I won't come again.

By Avatar |

Yang Liping's house is now a high-end hotel.

By Yili FX |

On the edge of Erhai Lake, opposite is Cangshan Mountain, Yang Liping, Yang Liping, Yang Liping!

By Levy Ou Deli |

Don't go to such meaningless places too deliberately.

By Zhao Yaya |

I want to go, but I can't... Shuanglang is closed.

By  Empty pockets |

I didn't go in and took a look from a distance. It's a bit regrettable.

By 【Build】Take an unconventional approach |

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, hahahaha

By Lovely you |

Yang Liping's residence is mostly blocked by a large tree. Only a corner of the Moon Gate can be seen. You can vaguely see the flowers and plants she planted and the glass meditation platform that extends to Erhai Lake. The outer wall of the Moon Palace has many stone carvings with Bai ethnic characteristics.

By Lazy Girl |

If you have money, go play. If you have money, go play. If you have money, go play.

By Living in Edinburgh |

I paid ten yuan for a ticket and only saw the exterior wall.

By Mo and Qingyou |

The scenery is OK, the tickets are cheap, but it's not interesting

By --Ye Qiangwei-- |

It is said to be Yang Liping's residence, but I have never seen her in person. The scenery is nice, but can only be seen from a distance. The price does not seem worth it.

By Hadron |

Very good, the work of Yang Liping! You can go and visit it

By Blue. |

It is said that the Moon Palace and the Sun Palace are a package ticket for 10 yuan. There is really nothing to see. The beautiful things inside are not allowed to enter. You can walk around without entering in 20 minutes. It is not worth 10 yuan.

By Jijiu Meier |

Living in the Moon Palace is a true paradise, boasting a unique location on a treasure island. The interior design, previously revealed online, is truly breathtaking. The Moon Palace is where Yang Liping resides, and local guides say she stays there when she returns to Dali. Outsiders are not permitted to visit, and visitors can only experience its unique and majestic grandeur from the outside. The Moon Palace's name and design are as enigmatic as the very being itself, blending seamlessly with the pristine natural environment. Nestled against Erhai Lake, amidst the bustling city, it possesses a powerful and mysterious allure.

By bada |

The entrance fee to Yang Liping's Moon Palace is 10 yuan. You can't see much inside, but I heard that you can see the panoramic view by taking a boat.

By Light wind and clear sky |

After putting down my luggage, I went to visit Shuanglang Town. The town is quite big. I visited Yang Liping's Moon Palace and Qinglu. They circled the area and charged 10 yuan for admission, which is quite selfish.

By Miss Som from Thailand |

Yang Liping's Sun Palace and Moon Palace are located on Yuji Island in Shuanglang.

The ticket to the island is 10 yuan.

The Moon Palace is her private residence and is not open to the public;

By Stranded Mamtim |

Yuji Island is not big. It houses Yang Liping’s Sun Palace and Moon Palace, but you cannot enter to visit them. You can only look at the outside.

By Hippo Travels Around the World |

If you have nothing to do, you can also stop by and see Yang Liping's Moon Palace, which has become very popular on WeChat. Of course, you can only look at it from a distance and cannot enter.

By Set out for love |

Very good, but suitable for summer, not suitable for other times

By World Sailor |

The Moon Palace and the Sun Palace are in the same place, belonging to Yuji Fengqing Island

By Han, Wei |

You can only look at it from the outside and cannot enter, but you can tell from the outside that it must be very beautiful inside, because the outside is so spectacular!

By It's a nice autumn with cool weather |

Yang Liping's private residence is not accessible to tourists. Visitors can only walk around the perimeter or look out over Erhai Lake from elsewhere. It is beautifully decorated.

By Raging Milk Girl |

The Moon Palace is Yang Liping's home in Yunnan, and its interior design has gone viral online. To see the Moon Palace, you first need to go to Yuji Island, which requires both entrance and boat tickets. Once you're on the island, you'll find the Moon Palace.

By Peach Blossoms |

I went there a few years ago, I don't know what the situation is now, but when I went there I had to buy a ticket. The key point is that after buying a ticket, I could only walk around the outside, there was nothing to see.

By Mr. Yi Shu |

Yang Liping is a Bai ethnic minority, whose hometown is near the Erhai Lake. She built two villas at the end of Yuji Island, the southern one called "Sun Palace" and the northern one called "Moon Palace." It's said that Yang Liping stayed in the Moon Palace when she returned to Shuanglang, and while the Sun Palace is now open to the public, the Moon Palace is her own beautiful residence.

By homeless |

Yuji Island, Yang Liping's territory, is very beautiful

By September |

Yang Liping's private residence... Moon Palace 2222


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