Everyone has a fantasy about "romantic scenery". And Yunnan, located in the colorful clouds of the south, is where dreams begin. For almost everyone, their longing for Yunnan starts with Dali.
So why not immerse yourself in the gentle moments of Dali, quietly experiencing every inch of the landscape and living a poetic life where clouds come and go? Embark on a journey that falls in love with romantic scenery.
3. Dali Ancient City
Located at the foot of the picturesque Cangshan Mountain, Dali Ancient City was once the capital city of the ancient Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms.
The streets within the city have a typical chessboard layout and serve as the core tourist area of Dali.
Wuhua Tower offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city, and it is most lively at night when the lights come on. Many folk bars fill the air with deep songs, making it a pleasant experience to listen to music and chat in the evening.
The Foreigner Street in the ancient city is an unexpected presence, but here you can taste authentic international cuisine. The people living on this street bring food and culture from around the world.
In a lazy afternoon, sitting in front of a restaurant on Foreigner Street, basking in the sun, tasting authentic tea snacks, ordering an original steak, sipping a glass of rich wine - life should be so enjoyable!
4. Xizhou Ancient Town
Xizhou is an important town inhabited by Bai ethnic group and has preserved some of the best Bai residential buildings.
In spring, golden rapeseed flowers bloom; in summer and autumn, fragrant rice fields sway gently. Don't forget to experience tie-dyeing with an old lady from a tie-dye workshop.
5. Shuanglang Ancient Town
If you have enough time, you can spend a night in Shuanglang. There are many guesthouses near Erhai Lake with good scenery.
After visiting Shuanglang Ancient Town, there is an observation deck along East Road where you can overlook Shuanglang.
Additionally，Yang Liping's Sun Palace and Moon Palace are must-visit spots in Shuanglang.
6. Wase Town
Wase was formerly known as Luchuan and has a long history with beautiful natural surroundings that make it perfect for taking photos.
Wase Waterway is renowned as "Number One Photography Site" and "Photography Holy Land for Wedding Photos".
7. Santa Park
The park is named after its pond water that reflects three majestic pagodas.
The pool water is emerald green and crystal clear; depending on different viewing angles, reflections take on various forms.
8. Haishetai Ecological Park
The surrounding water near Haishetai Point is very clear with good visibility from west，north，and east directions.
Haishetai itself varies in size due to tides; during low tide periods its tip will be exposedand during high tide periods it will be submerged.
The most Instagrammable spots in Haishetai Park are the Couple Trees, Dead Trees, and shallow beaches.
9. Tianjing Pavilion
Tianjing Pavilion is located on the eastern Yuan'an Mountain in Dali Erhai. The mountain extends towards Erhai Lake from here.
Surrounded by water on three sides, with cliffs and a commanding position, it gives the impression of mountains encircling and embracing the sea, resembling a clear mirror-like surface.
10. Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas
Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas is the largest ancient temple complex in Dali's history.
The temple is renowned for its three pagodas - one large and two small - known as the "Three Pagodas of Dali", making it one of China's famous Buddhist pagodas.
11. Jizhao An Temple
Jizhao An Temple is nestled on a mountain surrounded by ancient trees, with a stream flowing through it - an ideal place for meditation and spiritual cultivation.
This little temple is literally a "succulent kingdom," with various species of succulents thriving in this sunlit and Zen-filled place.
12. Gantong Temple
Temples are not meticulously arranged beauty but rather have a bit of vicissitudes and worn-out appearance, yet they exude a sense of liveliness.
Dust-covered spider webs hang from roof tiles, while succulents cover the ground.
Compared to Jizhao An, it may not be as popular, but you can find tranquility here.
13. Xiaoputuo
Xiaoputuo is a miniature island located about twenty meters from the shores of Erhai Lake.
Taking a look at the island and then gazing at the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, feeling the sea breeze, and watching the free-spirited "seagulls" of Erhai Lake soaring up and down, everything feels comfortable.
14. Renmin Road
Renmin Road used to be filled with street stalls, but after renovation, it is now home to many distinctive small shops, taverns, and various kinds of snack bars.
It becomes particularly lively at night, with independent musicians often performing on the streets.
15. Huanhai West Road
The scenery on Huanhai West Road varies in different seasons.
In spring, there are golden rapeseed flowers; in summer, green rice fields create a Japanese-style atmosphere.
16. Food
1) Xizhou Flaky Pastry Baiba
Xizhou Flaky Pastry Baiba is one of the most popular snacks in Xizhou Town. It comes in sweet and savory flavors. The pastry has a crispy outer layer and a soft inner layer with distinct layers.
There are many small shops selling Baiba in Xizhou Town, with Desheng being particularly famous. There are also some stalls and eateries within Dali Ancient City where you can find it.
2) Huoba Rou'er Si (Shredded Pork with Rice Noodles)
It is a unique snack from Weishan Yi Autonomous County.
The meat in Huoba Rou'er Si is cooked until it almost melts in your mouth. The rice noodles themselves don't have much flavor but when combined with pickled cabbage, stir-fried pork sprouts (meat buds), chives, sesame oil, chili oil etc., it becomes a delicious dish.
3) Sour Spicy Fish
The sourness of white papaya combined with its unique fruity fragrance along with slight sweetness and spiciness gives Sour Spicy Fish an endless lingering taste.
For Sour Spicy Fish dish what matters most is the combination of dry chili powder and fermented chili that creates spiciness and sourness respectively.
In addition to these dishes there are also Sandaotea (Three-Cup Tea), Cold Chicken Rice Noodles，Clay Pot Fish，Raw Skin，Bowfin , Rolled Trotter , Pickled Snails...
Those inconspicuous shops hidden away in small alleys often offer authentic flavors.
Dali has always been a place where peoplesimplify their lives. If one day you want to experience the essence of life, feel the inner growth of your soul, then come to Dali.
Facing Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, watching the clouds rise and fall, witnessing the sunrise and sunset, observing people coming and going - experience the gentleness of this land...
