Dali’s Green Promise: A Rising Eco-Destination in Yunnan

Dali wetlands

A City Reimagined Through Wetland Conservation

Dali, a scenic jewel nestled in the mountains of Southwest China’s Yunnan province, is redefining what it means to be a sustainable travel destination. Already beloved for its temperate climate and dramatic views of Erhai Lake, the city is now pledging deeper commitment to environmental protection, following its recent accreditation as an international wetland city under the Ramsar Convention.

This global recognition, announced at the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention in Victoria Falls, marks a new chapter in Dali’s pursuit of high-quality, eco-conscious urban development.

 

Preserving Wetlands for Future Generations

With over 26,700 hectares of wetlands—including rivers, marshes, meadows, and lakes—Dali boasts a wetland coverage rate of 15.4 percent. It exceeds the national requirement for international accreditation and reflects a deliberate shift in policy and planning that prioritises wetland protection.

One of the cornerstones of this effort is the restoration of ecosystems surrounding Erhai Lake. The creation of a 129-kilometre ecological corridor has reversed degradation and helped rehabilitate native habitats. By banning harmful agricultural practices and promoting organic farming, Dali has not only preserved its wetland ecosystems but has also improved local livelihoods through sustainable development.

 

From Mines to Meadows: A New Landscape for Dali

Dali’s transformation has gone beyond water protection. The city has closed 57 non-coal mines and encouraged the transition away from chemical-heavy garlic farming in wetland-adjacent zones. These moves aim to reduce pollution in Erhai Lake and support clean, low-impact farming alternatives such as cultivating non-polluting aquatic plants.

The shift toward organic methods is creating new opportunities for the local economy while ensuring long-term environmental health—a model for sustainable rural revitalisation in other parts of China.

 

Nature’s Return: Wildlife Thriving Once More

Dali’s wetlands are not only cleaner—they are now thriving with life. The return of the purple swamphen, once thought extinct in the region, is a vivid sign of ecological recovery. Additionally, conservation efforts in the Jianhu Wetland Nature Reserve are aiding the breeding of rare and endangered birds like the glossy ibis.

To date, Erhai Lake alone has recorded 263 species of birds. Across the wider Dali region, 170 species of terrestrial wildlife under national protection now reside—evidence of the region’s rising ecological importance.

 

Eco-Conscious Urban Planning in Action

Dali

Dali’s mayor, Wang Jian, emphasises that the city’s wetland strategy is about more than ecology—it’s also about reimagining urban and rural spaces for balanced, people-first development. With more than 1,800 households relocated for ecological preservation and urban planning now tied closely to green goals, the city is actively crafting a future where nature and people coexist.

As tourism continues to grow, Dali’s wetland protection story offers travellers a chance to explore a destination that honours its natural legacy while embracing modern sustainability. Whether walking the Erhai corridor, birdwatching at sunrise, or discovering organic farming villages, Dali invites visitors to engage with nature responsibly—and return home inspired.

For eco-tourism updates, travel guides, and visitor information in Dali, visit:
Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism: https://www.visityunnanchina.com/

For more information about Mekong tourism and regional updates, visit:
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
Website: www.mekongtourism.org
Email: info@mekongtourism-mtco.org

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