@abcd: a fair-enough general definition, I think - but times have changed and I think many backpackers today are little different from the tourists that previous generations of backpackers looked down upon. I'm not claiming any of the attitudes or goals are necessarily justified, but there seems to be a diminishing percentage of people with backpacks who have the characteristics mentioned in the definition, and an increase in what should probably be called backpacker tourism.

Anyone have an idea what a taxi from the train station to the old town will set you back these days?

it's half the price of the overnight train ticket. take the bus.

Dali train station to dali old town should be around 60 rmb. (If it's from the north bus station is 50 rmb)

Do not take a taxi directly to OLD Town!!!

Take bus #8 from the train station directly to Old Town. Or

Take a taxi to the #4 Bus Terminal and take bus Bus #4 to Old Town.

Thanks hfcampo, even though im staying out of town, the number 8 bus sounds like the way to go. Its our 1st time there, so geels nice to be a bit prepared :)