Dali, a place of poetry and distant dreams amidst wind, flowers, snow, and moon.
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"The wind of Xiaguan, the flowers of Shangguan, the snow of Cangshan, and the moon over Erhai Lake"—the beauty of Dali unfolds like a slowly unfurling landscape painting, each stroke brimming with poetry and romance. This city in western Yunnan attracts countless tourists seeking its beauty with its unique natural scenery, profound history and culture, and rich ethnic customs.
Erhai Lake: A Dreamy Blue Ribbon
Erhai Lake is the soul of Dali, a high-altitude lake resembling a blue ribbon nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and the earth. You can choose to rent an electric scooter or bicycle and ride along the western ring road around the lake. When passing Longkan Wharf, be sure to get up early to watch the sunrise over Erhai Lake. As the first rays of sunlight fall on the lake, the golden light and shimmering water reflect each other, creating a breathtaking scene. The S-curve of Panxi is a perfect spot for taking photos; the soft afternoon light, paired with a vintage bicycle, makes it easy to capture stunning, Japanese-style photos.
For even more magnificent scenery, the Haidong Highway is a must-see. Rent a convertible and drive along the cliffside road, with the vast Erhai Lake on one side and steep cliffs on the other. Stops along the way at attractions like the Rainbow Road in Wenbi Village and Xiaoputuo are worth taking photos at. Xiaoputuo, in particular, is a popular spot in winter when seagulls flock there; you can take a boat to the island and interact closely with these adorable creatures.
Dali Ancient City: A Legacy of a Thousand Years of Life
Dali Ancient City is a cultural city steeped in a thousand years of history. Stepping into the ancient city, the majestic city towers and imposing walls seem to whisper tales of the past. The city is laid out in a chessboard pattern, with crisscrossing streets and antique buildings lining the cobblestone paths.
Renmin Road is the soul of the ancient city. By day, it's filled with unique shops selling handmade tie-dye, traditional Chinese paper-cutting, and other crafts, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Dali's artistic atmosphere. At night, it transforms into a folk music and bar street. Find a bar, order a local beer, and listen to the songs of wandering singers—time seems to slow down. "Tangka" on Foreigners' Street boasts the best viewing terrace in the ancient city. Enjoy a cup of Yunnan small-bean hand-drip coffee here, with panoramic views of the Cangshan Mountains' snow-capped peaks and the ancient city's tiled roofs.
Cangshan Mountain: A Secret Realm Above the Clouds
Cangshan Mountain, also known as Diancang Mountain, boasts nineteen peaks stretching endlessly, its snow-capped summit being one of Dali's "Four Scenic Wonders" (wind, flowers, snow, and moon). The Ximatang Cableway provides direct access to the summit at an altitude of 3920 meters. From May to June, alpine rhododendrons bloom in abundance, creating a breathtaking sea of flowers across the mountains, like a magnificent painting. November and December are the best time to appreciate the snow scenery. After reaching the summit, hike along the wooden boardwalk to Ximatang, where the glacial lake and snow-capped peaks create a truly enchanting experience.
If you prefer a less strenuous hike, the Jade Belt Cloud Trail is a great option. This gentle 18-kilometer trail connects attractions such as Qingbixi Creek and Qilongnv Pool. You can ascend via the Gantong Cableway and then stroll along the trail, passing through fir forests and rhododendron fields, and perhaps even encountering adorable squirrels. When you arrive at Jizhao Temple, you might as well stop and have a bowl of vegetarian food, and enjoy a moment of tranquility surrounded by succulent gardens and hydrangea walls.
The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: The Solemnity and Sacredness of the Buddhist Kingdom
The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are one of Dali's iconic landmarks. Standing majestically, the three pagodas are not only architectural gems but also symbols of Dali's history and culture. At the Three Pagodas Reflection Park, there's a prime spot for photographing the pagodas' reflections in the water. The best time to capture the light is before 9 AM or after 4 PM. Using a wide-angle lens and shooting from a low angle at these times will frame the pagodas alongside the Cangshan Mountain, creating a picturesque scene.
Entering Chongsheng Temple, you can stroll along the central axis to explore the Bell Tower, the Yutong Guanyin Hall, and the Grand Hall of the Great Buddha. The blend of Tang and Song dynasty styles evokes the solemnity and sanctity of this Buddhist temple. The golden statue of Avalokitesvara in front of the Grand Hall is the temple's most prized possession; bathed in the setting sun, its golden body and glazed tiles reflect a dazzling light.
