1. Dali was the administrative center of Yunnan in history. Nanzhao and Dali both take Dali as their capital. After the Yuan Dynasty destroyed Dali, in order to weaken Dali's influence, the administrative center was moved to Kunming. Because of the weak ability to transform the natural environment, the ancients were far more particular about the choice of living environment than modern people, that is, the problem of geomantic omen. Since the ancients always chose Dali, think about it, the simpler way is to choose Dali.
2. The climate and water resources in Dali are the best in Yunnan. Although Yunnan has four seasons like spring and the overall environment is good, there are still differences among cities. For example, Lijiang has a good environment, but it is very cold in winter, and its altitude is higher than Dali, which is prone to plateau reflection; Kunming is a spring city, but the pollution and water source problems of Dianchi Lake in Kunming have been difficult to solve. Xishuangbanna is a good place, but it's too hot there. This is a tropical area. While Dali is about 2000 meters above sea level, Erhai water source is basically maintained at Grade 2 or above, Cangshan spring water is definitely Grade 1, with spring-like seasons and excellent air (below PM2.5).
3. Dali is dominated by Bai people and is called Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Bai nationality is a kind and honest people. Their lifestyle is very casual, it is easy to communicate and integrate with them, and it won't make you feel like you are in a foreign land.
But Dali's economy is underdeveloped, it is not difficult to live there, but it is not easy to make big money. Moreover, Dali is a tourist city and the price is not cheap.