Jiangwei Market Day | Traditional Market in a Town by Erhai Lake

Photography/Editing: Jiang Yiyi 2026.02.14

“There are many markets in Dali, just like in many other places. When I was a child, my hometown had them too. We called it 'Gan Chang' (market day), but they don't exist anymore. At that time, I was too young to understand the lunar or solar calendar, so I don’t remember exactly which days they were held.

I have a faint memory of my mom carrying a bamboo basket on her back and taking me along to go to the market.

After coming to Dali, I still really enjoy going to the local markets. It reminds me of living in the village as a child. Going to the market might be the best way to quickly immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.

The different markets around Dali each have their own unique vibe, even those near the ancient town. Each market has its own distinct character.
       

When we visit some towns and villages in Yunnan, our travels often revolve around exploring different forests and local markets. In Yunnan, people call the market ‘Jiezi Tian’ (Market Day). From the name itself, it seems that on this day, everyone’s life centers around the market, making it an essential part of the local residents’ lives, filled with periodic anticipation.

As long as it’s not in a tourist area, the market remains entirely local, almost devoid of tourists. The people who come are from nearby mountain villages. Since there aren’t established communities or well-developed neighborhoods, everyday necessities for eating, wearing, and using can’t be bought at any time. So, the fixed market is where locals buy daily essentials.

Different villages grow different fruits and vegetables, and the markets reflect these differences in food preparation methods. Depending on the market's lifestyle, you’ll find different clothing and accessories.

In Dali, bean powder turns into gray chicken beans when you get to Fengyu, and it’s mixed with bean dregs, chili, and peanuts. If you like, you can also add rice noodles to mix it up. The fermented black beans from Miaoshan are famous, so you’ll see stalls everywhere making fermented bean paste, accompanied by the rhythmic “thump thump thump” sound of machines grinding chilies.

The market has its own musical rhythm, very charming. When you reach Shangguan market, you finally see potatoes in a purple sweet potato-like color. Although they taste the same when cooked, they look really beautiful. Villages around Shangguan also grow ginseng.
       

Besides seasonal fruits and vegetables, there are also interesting wild products, such as various types of ferns and medicinal herbs. You often read about medicinal plants in books, and though I recognize them in the mountains, it’s only in the market that I see them dried and bundled like vegetables. Local grandmas will tell you, 'Brew it as tea to reduce internal heat,' or 'Boil it to relieve headaches.' That’s when you feel how these things are truly connected to your life.

                                                                                                        -- Li Zhenhao

Why go to the market?

Going to the market allows you to experience authentic local life: what they grow in the fields, what handmade crafts the aunties make, what the mountain folk gather, what they wear daily, and what they eat during market days.

In Dali, from Monday to Sunday, every day there’s a market in different counties and towns. They sell highly local foods, clothing, and specialties, and everyone you meet will be a local.

The market isn’t set up for us; it happens only once a week. Every time you go, you’ll encounter different people and fresh produce available only in that season, offering a glimpse into the real lives of locals, which is exactly what tour leaders love. Even without customers, we’d still go just for fun.

Due to the development of transportation and the evolution of modern life, such traditional markets are becoming fewer, and as time goes on, they may gradually disappear. Therefore, I really want to visit more of them.Like the nature of Cang Mountain, with the changing seasons, the products at the market also vary throughout the year, making each visit fun and rewarding.

Jiangwei

Simple and natural: Compared to the increasingly touristy markets near the ancient city, this one is full of locals, with a relaxed and down-to-earth atmosphere, and an unhurried pace. The Bai ethnic clothing and accessories available at this market are abundant and beautiful, with some new colors and designs. If you happen to want to try buying some, it would be perfect—they're both good-looking and practical.

Convenient distance: 35 kilometers from the ancient city, reachable in 45 minutes.

Beautiful scenery: Just a few steps away from the market flows the thousand-year-old Mi River. With no buildings obstructing the view, you can experience the serene charm of the villages and fields under the majestic Cang Mountain. After visiting the market, take a short walk along the Mi River towards nearby villages. What touches me most at this time are the women returning to their villages after the market: dressed in traditional Bai attire, carrying baskets on their backs while chatting—it's a particularly beautiful sight.

Join us

The items at the market are dazzling and unlike anything seen in modern cities. It’s not just about the items themselves but also the stories behind local customs and specialties. Our guide has knowledge of the mountain produce, plants, and medicinal herbs, often needing to purchase some supplies too. During this process, you can learn about different types of knowledge and the stories behind these local products. Things that might be easy to overlook become vivid, and during this process, you unconsciously form a connection with the land and people here.

Itinerary:

Destination: Jiangwei (35 km from the ancient city, driving time: 45 minutes)

Departure: 10:00 AM

Return to Dali Ancient City: 3:30 PM

We will have lunch at the market (split bill: 30-40 RMB per person, affordable, order dishes according to your preference)

For itinerary inquiries, please add the following team leader's WeChat directly.

After booking, send the order to the team leader, and you will be added to the itinerary group.