What are the differences between Kunming and Dali? I hear the are more foreigners there. is this true? I'm considering moving there but I would like to know any information that anyone could provide. I'm interested in the cost of living for the most part and the ease of finding accommodation.
Have you ever visited /lived in Dali? what's it like?
I purchased a home in Xia Guan, Dali because I really like the area, the climate and especially the Bai People. However, other then travel, there is not much to do in Xia Guan or Dali so it is easy to outgrow the small town life. I do not work, so employment is not a concern for me, but work is not so easy to find unless you are willing to tutor at home and find your own clients.
My wife is going to Yunnan University so we left Dali and now live in Kunming - at least until she finishes school.
Old town Dali is, as HFCAMPO says, very small. There are relatively few expats there, and lots of Chinese tourists. There are also lots of western style bars and cafes.
New town Dali is just another soulless concrete urbanisation, a few kilometers down the road.
Work prospects in Dali are pretty thin on the ground.
The air and general environment are clean.
Kunming is more developed, more job opportunities, and more places to study Chinese (Mandarin). However, the air hear is not pristine, and the environment is being degraded at a noticeable rate.
I love Dali, but I think I would get bored very quickly.
Most foreigners go to Dali just for touring. Visited here two weeks ago. Air is clean and water is sufficient. Besides the cost of living is much lower here. And the Bai people is innocent. So if u are good at Chinese, it would be a great place to live. Otherwise, nope.
