Dali is home to the Bai people, but Mandarin is what you will hear in shops, on signs and on the radio. Guesthouses and cafés that host foreign travellers often have some English. Drivers and small restaurants usually don't.
Where you stay makes a difference. The old town is walkable, while staying by Erhai Lake means you will rely on drivers more.
Is Dali English-friendly for independent visitors?
The Bai people live mainly in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. The Bai language is spoken alongside Chinese, and modern Bai people generally use Chinese, including Mandarin, for radio, television and news. Source: Wikipedia: Bai people (en.wikipedia.org).
For a visitor, that means Mandarin in written Chinese characters is the practical choice. You do not need to learn Bai, although a greeting is appreciated.
English is more likely in guesthouses and cafés that serve international guests than with drivers or at markets.
Common situations in Dali
| Situation | What to prepare | When help is worth it |
|---|---|---|
| Staying in the old town | Save the guesthouse name, gate and lane in Chinese. | Your guesthouse is hard to find and you arrive late. |
| Going around Erhai Lake | Agree the route, stops and price with the driver in writing. | You want a local to plan a lakeside day with stops. |
| Ordering local dishes | Ask about spice and ingredients one at a time. | Someone in your group can't eat chilli, pork or another common ingredient. |
Before you go out in Dali
Save your guesthouse's Chinese name and the nearest old-town gate, because lanes inside the walls can be hard to find at night. If you are planning a day around Erhai, agree the route, stops and total price with the driver in writing first.
For payment apps and mobile data, see our China travel tips and the guide to activating an eSIM bought through Alipay.
Old town or Erhai: where you stay changes the conversation
Staying in the old town means walking and short taxi rides; staying by Erhai means more reliance on drivers. Compare both in our old town or Erhai stay guide.
- 请送我到这个客栈。: Please take me to this guesthouse.
- 从哪个门进去？: Which gate do I enter by?
- 环洱海总共多少钱？: How much in total to go around Erhai?
- 请在这里等我们。: Please wait for us here.
Altitude and pace
Dali sits at high altitude, so plan a relaxed first day. If you are travelling with older family members, ask a driver for routes with fewer steps: 有没有不用爬台阶的路线？
When a Dali local is worth it
Most independent travellers manage Dali on their own. A local is useful for a full day around Erhai with stops that suit you, or if you are travelling with older family members and want an easy pace at altitude.
You can browse Dali locals and use the message below to explain what you need.
Quick answers
What language do people speak in Dali?
Mandarin is widely used; many residents also speak Bai. Written Chinese characters are the reliable choice.
Is English common in Dali?
In some guesthouses and cafés. Drivers and small restaurants usually work best with written Chinese.
Do I need a driver to see Erhai Lake?
Not necessarily, but if you hire one, agree the route and price in writing.
More ideas for your trip are on the Dali city page.
A first message for Dali local help
Fill in the brackets and delete anything you don't need.
Hello, we are [number] English-speaking visitors in Dali on [date]. We need help with [finding our guesthouse, a driver around Erhai Lake, or ordering a meal] near [area]. We would like support for [duration], finishing by [time]. Can you help in English, and what relevant experience do you have? Please confirm availability, your fee, the meeting point, and any expenses not included.
Ready to compare people in Dali?
Look through the profiles and message the person who seems the best fit. Agree on what they will help with, for how long and at what price before you meet.
Compare Dali local supportPublished October 26, 2026. Phrase translations are our own. Check transport and venue details with the official sources named above before you travel.