Dali is the ancient capital of both the Bai Kingdom, which flourished in the area during the 8th
and 9th centuries, and the Kingdom of Dali, which reigned from 937-1253. The old town was built
during the reign of the Ming Dynasty emperor Hongwu (1368-1398), and is one of Yunnan's most
popular tourist destinations, both for its historic sites and the "Foreigners' Street" that
features western-style food, music, and English-speaking business owners, making it popular
among both western and Chinese tourists.