Dali University covers an area of 2,500 mu (about 410 acres) located in China's historical and cultural city Dali (Ancient Town). It has two campuses, one is at Gucheng (Ancient City campus) and the other one is at Xiaguan (Water Lily Campus). The Ancient City campus is located in the foothills of the Cangshan mountains, overlooking the Erhai Lake and the city of Dali. The Water Lily Campus is located in downtown.