As ever, be prepared to bargain when shopping in Dali. See Yangshuo#Tourist_stuff for advice on prices in Chinese tourist towns.
Dali has a number of famous local products.
Fried cheese
You might want to try the local rushan that is a crispy snack often wound around bamboo skewers. available at many restaurants or from street stalls.
Marble
Dali has exquisite marble a little difficult to carry which is carved into all sorts of products: vases, ashtrays, carved animals and more. the marble stone can also be cut and polished revealing pictures on the surface. these are known as chushi and can be bought framed and make beautiful wall decorations. many people can mistake them for traditional chinese paintings. cheaper chushi generally the white and grey type will sell for ¥60+ per item. more expensive and colored stone with clear mountain landscapes can be priced at ¥10,000+. the chinese word for marble is dalishi or dali stone, indicating just how famous dali marble is throughout china.
Tie-dye
The local tie-dye fashioned from dye and wax is also popular and cheap. one of the main production places is the bai village zhoucheng, about 40 minutes ride from dali. this village also has a nice daily small afternoon market and some nice old bai houses as well.
Embroidery
You can also purchase beautiful minority embroidery generally miao minority from guizhou province at a number of shops. the embroidered items include baby carriers, clothing or decorative patches that were attached to traditional costume.
Teahouse
Dali has great teahouses. relax in a teahouse regularly, buy a little tea and you will be welcome to come back at any time, with friends, usually for free. sample new teas and as long as you buy something every so often, you will be welcomed again and again.
Antiques
There are many antique shops very close to each other on yã¹'är lã¹ ç洱路. start at the intersection of yäy㺠lã¹ å¶æ¦è·¯ and walk west. it can be very interesting to browse here. even if you're not a regular collector you will probably be tempted to buy something when you see how badly some of these treasures are being handled and stored.