Tales of Dali: Life May Be Mundane, but in Dali, Romance Can Be Eternal

Dali and Lijiang are the first dreams of many young people about faraway places.

Aside from Tibet and Xinjiang, which demand tremendous physical stamina,

and the refreshing yet bustling seaside scenes,

it must be Yunnan, with its pleasant climate and mountains, lakes, and seas.

In winter, on Dali's Erhai Lake, seagulls fly in from Siberia,

the sunset becomes clear, and the rainy season has long passed.

To visit Dali without following the beaten path,

avoiding the crowded popular attractions,

I spent a long time searching for information

and planned a niche romantic trip for myself.

Life may be mundane,

but in Dali,

romance can be eternal.

General transportation: Shanghai to Dali (direct flight), then rent a car and drive yourself upon arrival.

Main itinerary: Dali Old Town, Windmill Mountain, Zhemo Mountain, Xingsheng Bridge, Panxi Village...

1. [Zhemo Mountain — Retro Modern Style like Hong Kong Movies]

This place I discovered only after searching for a long time.

It is said that local wedding photographers in Dali first found it,

and indeed, I encountered many vehicles from photography studios on the road,

making me quietly feel that I had come to the right place.

The view at sunset is particularly fantastic,

with the afterglow of the setting sun interweaving with the distant lights of the city,

and nearby, lovers in white wedding dresses and suits embrace tightly,

creating an instant atmosphere.

At a spot like this,

you only need a telephoto lens to get the illusion of "I'm in LA" or "I'm in HK."

Location: Zhemo Mountain, Xiaguan, Dali

Notes: Best to arrive around 6 PM, when Yunnan starts to enter evening, the sky gradually darkens, light becomes soft, and photos will have a soft coastal feel. City lights have just turned on, and the wind in Dali is still fierce, but the romantic atmosphere brought by travel is instantly highlighted.

2. [Panxi Village — A Small Kamakura Without Leaving the Country]

Many tourists who have been to Dali complain that the west Erhai lakeside road leads nowhere.

This year, the government built a new 10km Erhai eco-corridor,

where motor vehicles are not allowed.

It is a cycling and walking corridor,

making it a very safe environment for photography.

It is great for shooting at sunrise, sunset, and night.

At night, you can see the moon rising above Erhai Lake,

giving a feeling reminiscent of Edward and Bella's honeymoon destination in Twilight.

The clouds in Dali are exceptionally beautiful,

and in winter, seagulls also come from Siberia to Yunnan to escape the cold.

Watching the sunrise in such a place is truly romantic and serene.

Location: Erhai Eco-Corridor (navigate to Panxi Village Panxi Ferry Parking)

Notes: Sunrise in the morning, sunset in the evening, and moonlit nights. These three times are least likely to encounter backlighting, with soft light. If you can get up early, it is highly recommended to come and take sunrise photos. By the morning lakeside, there are very few people, allowing you to quietly enjoy the purity and tranquility Dali brings.

3. [Xingsheng Bridge — Strolling by the Seine at Dusk]

On a winter evening, in the urban area along the West Er River in Dali,

a bridge full of European charm stands.

It is also a landmark building in Dali city.

The 235-meter European-style arched bridge

gives the illusion of strolling along the Seine for a moment.

Wear a simple dress,

tuck unruly strands behind your ears,

the wind by the river dims the light,

the stone bridge reduces the saturation of the eyes,

and at this moment, the entire city presents a Morandi-style retro elegance.

Location: Xingsheng Bridge, Dali City (navigate to Erhe Forest Park)

Time: Around 11 AM, when the sun in Dali rises above the bridge, avoiding backlighting.

4. [Windmill Mountain — A Scene from Hayao Miyazaki's Anime]

Encountering a shepherd on Windmill Mountain was the first surprise of this trip.

It is very much like a scene from Miyazaki's The Wind Rises.

The mountain is not as bustling as Erhai Lake or Dali Old Town;

far from the main tourist areas, Windmill Mountain truly feels like a place of seclusion.

Windmill Mountain was originally a wind power station,

so there are many wind turbines on the mountain.

Combined with Yunnan's unique blue skies and white clouds

and alpine meadows, it is simply wonderful.

Here, you hear no roar of cars,

no dazzling neon lights, only herds of cattle and sheep on the mountains,

making you feel as if you have suddenly traveled to the beautiful world created by Hayao Miyazaki.

Life may be mundane, but in Dali, romance can be eternal.

Location: Dali Windmill Mountain (navigate to Wulongba Meadow)

Notes: Since it is in the mountains with winding and twisting roads, it is not recommended for novice drivers to drive themselves; you can hire a car. The mountain wind in Dali is really strong, so dress warmly. Be sure to prepare a heavy coat. Ladies, while taking photos is beautiful, take care of your health during the trip.

5. [Dali Old Town — Good Mood on Renmin Road Comes from the Earliest Dali]

Dali became popular because of early "internet-famous" spots like Yangren Street and Renmin Road.

But times have changed, and people often complain about how commercial they are now.

Yet we must admit that without the old town, Dali would have no soul.

Beautiful scenery is hard to find,

but it is the people,

they give meaning to travelers.

Dali Old Town was once called a "utopia,"

nurturing the soul of the band Painful Youth,

and with more than six hundred years of accumulation,

the old town has cultivated the true character of the people of Dali.

We cannot forget the original intentions hidden beneath the town's ground because of its prosperity.

Before homestays became widespread across the country,

the earliest group of people who opened inns in Dali and Lijiang

built small houses with passion and sincerity to shelter travelers' souls.

Some of these old-fashioned names,

like "I Am Waiting for You in Dali,"

actually house interesting souls.

The inn "Fangzhou Muzhai" (I Am Waiting for You in Dali)

is a guesthouse with warmth that I encountered.

It is rare to find a boss in such a trendy travel destination who still takes the time

to talk with you about what "old Dali" was like.

From him, I learned about the old town's vicissitudes,

saw the weathered and glorious history beneath the frequently trodden ground,

and came to understand even more why Dali is so beautiful today.

Hotels to stay in are everywhere,

but a sincere boss with experience is rare.

Location: No. 545, Lower Section of Renmin Road, Dali Old Town, I Am Waiting for You in Dali Fangzhou Muzhai Inn

Notes: The boss is very talkative, so remember not to forget to go back to your room early.

In addition, there is another surprise:

the mundane worldly pleasures that even poets would praise

— eating and drinking.

Wild mushrooms are another treasure left by heaven for the people of Yunnan,

so scarce that other regions can hardly enjoy such delicacies.

Looking up, you can see a sign with big characters:

"An Ambition Far from the Madding Crowd"

which perfectly captured the essence of my niche trip away from the world.

In Dali, romance can survive,

but perhaps a mundane life is everyone's ideal.

Yet few can achieve it,

so few that in our own cities we dare not even mention the word "ambition."

I suspect that this interesting boss hopes that at his dining table,

any traveler can freely discuss ideals,

making me appreciate the beauty of this city's charming humanistic background.

From the big city to a small shop's owner,

they can give you the courage to rediscover life,

reminding you that pursuing romance is not shameful.

The restaurant with clean windows is relaxing,

the steaming hot pot provides endless warmth.

Take a sip of the broth, and freshness and warmth fill your mouth and heart.

Even the most aloof poet cannot resist the world's delicious food.

Location: No. 498, Lower Section of Renmin Road, Dali Old Town, I Am Waiting for You in Dali · Fangzhou Fat Man's Kitchen

Notes: Be sure to order the wild mushroom broth; it will truly change your understanding of mushrooms.

Living a life of infatuation is not easy.

The steel forest of Lujiazui is oppressive and depressing.

Few cities are like Dali,

able to preserve some romance for those weary of making a living.

Winter in Dali is so beautiful it makes you want to shout with joy.

The romantic atmosphere of Zhemo Mountain, the reclusive solitude of Windmill Mountain,

the winding beauty of Panxi Village, the exotic charm of Xingsheng Bridge,

and of course, the cultural atmosphere of the old town...

In Dali's romance, I found the courage to speak of ideals.