Yunnan province is such a lovely place that is often cited as the most liveable area in China. It’s an ideal place for learning and touring, but where is the best city to stay for learning Mandarin?

Besides Kunming city, many students also intend to learn the Chinese language in Dali city, the state capital of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Before traveling to China for Mandarin Study, lots of foreigners have never heard about this place. Generally, it’s more well-known for touring rather than Mandarin learning. Now, let’s have comprehensive cooperation between these two cities. Which one is more suitable as your learning destination?

Location & Transportation

Dali has a long history dating back to the kingdom of Nanzhao in the 8th century. It sits on the edge of the beautiful Erhai Lake. Therefore, it’s also one of the most attractive touring destinations, both domestic and international.

Due to its special location in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, it’s very time-consuming and difficult to get to this city even you start from Kunming. Now, as its rapid growth in tourist, you can take a one-hour flight trip or a two-hour express train to get there. However, it’s still a pain for only 2 to 3 shifts of flight and train to Dali. The location of Dali makes its transportation still in a relatively poor condition, especially when you plan to visit these south-eastern Asian countries that border or next to China.   

Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan province. It boasts the fifth largest international airport in China. It’s easy to travel from Kunming city to other big cities in China and convenient to reach the tropical southern Asian area.  

Even just within the city of Kunming, you will be benefited from a more convenient transportation system here. You can enjoy all kinds of transportations easily. Subway, bus, taxi, public sharing bicycle, and scooter are all available and easy to approach. Any modern transportation can be reached if you’re good at using mobile apps.

If you want to know more about Why you should learn the CHINESE language in Kunming, check the post on Keats Blog about this topic.

Mandarin Learning Resources

Kunming takes an absolute advantage in this aspect, for the biggest and best private Chinese language school is located in Kunming. It is Keats School. No matter what kind of language program you want to join, a one-on-one Chinese program, a small group Chinese class or HSK preparation course, and an online Chinese course. Keats School will try its best to meet each individual’s learning demand. All course content will be delivered with tailor-made materials. And the learning plan can be adjusted as time being and according to the student’s learning progress.

Keats School accumulated rich practical teaching experience in Chinese language teaching, all kinds of problems like How to learn Chinese characters easily? how to learn Chinese program efficiently? How to practicing Chinese speaking? Keats School will bring the best solution for you.

Living cost

Some may say that the living cost must be much cheaper in Dali. I have to say that you’re wrong about this.

As a popular touring destination, Staff price in Dali is almost as same as in Kunming now. It’s even higher sometimes, especially during the holiday season. Its tranquillity and beauty will all be gone at the same time when all you can see are tourists on the streets or at the park.

Kunming, however, also popular as a touring destination, benefits from the city scale, and its well-developed facilities and construction will never make you feel this way.

Stuff price maintains a steady and reasonable level in the long term. When it’s related to the housing price, this advantage gets even more obvious. The rents for a flat in these two cities are almost the same. But you can enjoy a more convenient life in Kunming with all kinds of restaurants, convenience stores, and shops, as well as supermarkets and pubs for the night event.

If you’re a people person who wants to enjoy a colorful social life, Kunming is undoubtedly the best place you should go and stay. Except for bars and pubs, you can also choose to attend the language exchange event held by Keats School every Wednesday night to meet new friends and practice Chinese speaking simultaneously.

Things to do in Kunming VS Things to do in Dali

Though there are many great things to do in Dali. These interesting events and activities are more like things to do for a traveler who only plans to spend a few days here temporarily.

Dali museum houses some great examples of ancient artifacts found in the surrounding region. By visiting the museum, you will have a wonderful insight into the history of Dali.

The surrounding mountains are a paradise for a hiker. Spending a hiking weekend with your friends here would be a wonderful time.

The ancient town of Xizhou is famous for its woodwork and historical architecture. If you’re interested in design, history, and buildings, then you can enjoy a lovely tour here. As you can see from above, Dali city looks more like a place for you to spend a long weekend or short-term holiday. You can explore a bit of this city each time you visit and change the noisy mind you got from industry-like city life.

On the contrary, Kunming is more proper to combine study and life. By following the best private language school, Keats school, you will get the best instruction on Mandarin from the most professional teaching team. Out of your class, as a student at Keats School, you can also enjoy the free weekend excursion provided by Keats School too. Check the post to know more about: which place you can visit in Kunming for the weekend and Things to do in Kunming.

In summary, Kunming city is a better place for learning the Chinese language, and Dali is a better destination for spending a weekend or a short-term holiday. You may take Kunming as your base in Yunnan province and then take the express train or airplane to visit various touring attractions distributed in different directions.