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.

Attractions Location: Yuji Island Scenic Area, Shuanglang Town, Baishi District, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

Opening hours:
09:00-16:00 (Monday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st)

Transportation:
Self-driving: Start from Dali Bus Station - Ring Road East - Dali Expressway - End

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Moon Palace tours

1-Day Itinerary

Discover Dali Moon Palace, a beautiful cultural and natural attraction combining traditional Bai architecture and serene lake views. This day trip focuses on exploring the palace and nearby scenic spots.

  • Morning: Arrive at Dali Moon Palace by taxi or local bus from Dali Ancient Town (approx. 15 km, 30 minutes by taxi).
  • Explore the Moon Palace grounds, Bai-style gardens, and lakeside scenery.
  • Afternoon: Visit nearby Erhai Lake shore for a relaxing walk or boat ride (walking distance or short taxi ride, about 10 minutes).
  • Evening: Return to Dali Ancient Town.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town; enjoy local Bai cuisine such as Dali cheese, Erhai fish, and rice noodles.

Souvenirs: Bai embroidery, traditional silver jewelry, local pottery, and dried herbs.


2-Day Itinerary

Combine cultural exploration of Moon Palace with other iconic Dali attractions for a richer experience.

  • Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary.
  • Day 2 Morning: Visit Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (about 8 km from Dali Moon Palace, taxi or local bus, 15-20 minutes).
  • Day 2 Afternoon: Explore Dali Ancient Town’s old streets and markets (walking or short taxi ride).

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town; try Bai-style grilled fish, mushrooms, and fresh local vegetables.

Souvenirs: Handmade paper fans, Bai-style batik fabric, tea leaves, and ethnic jewelry.


3-Day Itinerary

Explore more natural and cultural sites surrounding Dali Moon Palace and Erhai Lake.

  • Days 1-2: Follow the 2-day itinerary.
  • Day 3 Morning: Cycle or take a taxi to Xiaguan Old Town (about 12 km, 20 minutes taxi ride).
  • Day 3 Afternoon: Visit Butterfly Spring Park near Dali city (about 5 km, 10 minutes taxi or bus).

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town or Xiaguan area; sample Dali-style noodles and fresh lake fish dishes.

Souvenirs: Local tea cakes, herbal medicines, wood carvings, and traditional Bai hats.


4-Day Itinerary

Combine cultural and natural highlights with local village experiences around Dali Moon Palace.

  • Days 1-3: Follow the 3-day itinerary.
  • Day 4 Morning: Visit Zhoucheng village for Bai minority culture (approx. 18 km, taxi about 30 minutes).
  • Day 4 Afternoon: Return to Erhai Lake for a boat cruise or lakeside walk.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town; enjoy Bai minority special dishes such as smoked ham and local cheese.

Souvenirs: Bai silver ornaments, woven baskets, hand-painted umbrellas, and local honey.


5-Day Itinerary

Expand your journey to include nearby scenic areas and cultural sites beyond Dali Moon Palace.

  • Days 1-4: Follow the 4-day itinerary.
  • Day 5 Morning: Day trip to Shaxi Ancient Town (about 70 km southwest, taxi or bus, approx. 1.5-2 hours).
  • Day 5 Afternoon: Explore Shaxi’s ancient market square and traditional Bai architecture.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town or Shaxi guesthouses; sample Yunnan mushrooms and local rice wine.

Souvenirs: Handwoven textiles, stone carvings, ethnic silverware, and local spices.


6-Day Itinerary

Deepen your exploration of the Dali region’s natural beauty and ethnic culture.

  • Days 1-5: Follow the 5-day itinerary.
  • Day 6 Morning: Visit Cangshan Mountain for hiking or cable car ride (approx. 10 km from Dali, taxi 20 minutes).
  • Day 6 Afternoon: Explore the Cangshan Mountain scenic spots such as Qingbi Stream and temples.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town; try local wild vegetable dishes and mushroom hot pot.

Souvenirs: Mountain herbal teas, handcrafted walking sticks, embroidered bags, and Bai-style clothing.


7-Day Itinerary

A full week to immerse yourself in the natural landscapes and cultural richness around Dali Moon Palace and the greater Dali region.

  • Days 1-6: Follow the 6-day itinerary.
  • Day 7: Leisure day in Dali Ancient Town for shopping, relaxing at cafes, or revisiting favorite spots.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Bai performance or outdoor market atmosphere.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town; savor Bai rice wine, grilled fish, and traditional snacks.

Souvenirs: Bai silver jewelry, hand-painted scrolls, traditional clothing, and local teas.


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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