After Dali's Misty Rain, a Dreamy Stay at Dream Butterfly Villa
They say Dali is where poetry and faraway dreams make their home, and on this trip, I truly felt it. The journey all started with an enthusiastic recommendation from a longtime friend of mine. As she vividly recounted her Dali honeymoon, I found myself harboring a special longing for the place. This long weekend, I booked a flight and set off for Dali!
Before arriving, I had reserved a hotel online—Beautiful Encounter · Dream Butterfly Villa. After landing, as I exited the airport, I spotted the butler standing by the car. He quickly came over to open the door for me. In the hotel’s car, the butler chatted with me cheerfully, sharing interesting cultural tidbits about Dali—he was so warm and welcoming.
The hotel is near the North Gate of Dali Ancient Town, with views of the entire Cangshan Mountain. The location is excellent—just a 3-minute walk to Dali Ancient Town, so you’re practically stepping right into it. It’s also close to other sights: a mere 5-minute stroll to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple.
When I arrived, the hotel’s exterior and surroundings unfolded before me. Nestled amid the Cangshan Mountain, the view was an expanse of lush green—so refreshing. In the distance, mist-shrouded Cangshan and the serene Three Pagodas stood silently. It’s truly a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city~
The entrance features a ceremonial path with a wooden plaque inscribed with “梦蝶庄” (Dream Butterfly Villa), which I heard was written by Master Nan Huai-Chin himself. Flanked by wooden pillars, the path leads to the lobby with marble floors—understated yet textured. The receptionist checked me in, and my private butler took care of my luggage, then discussed my three-day itinerary with me. This is the signature service of Beautiful Encounter · Dream Butterfly Villa: ‘One Room, One Car, One Butler.’ Every room comes with a private butler and a dedicated car, free to use within a 30-kilometer radius. The hotel also offers personalized concierge services, tailoring travel routes and suggestions to your needs. That’s a big part of why I chose this hotel. After reading many guest reviews online, I trusted that Beautiful Encounter · Dream Butterfly Villa would arrange a worry-free journey for me.
I stayed in the Cangshan Garden · Private Pavilion King Room. The room was spacious, and stepping outside led to a wooden pavilion where I could sip tea—such a cozy life. My favorite part was the bathtub, set against a large window that framed the natural scenery like a painting. Soaking there washed away all the fatigue of travel.
After settling in, seeing it was still early, I called the butler to ask for a nearby spot for a stroll and photos. He immediately recommended the ‘Most Beautiful Road,’ and we set off right away! The road stretches long, giving a great sense of depth. When you take photos, the breathtaking scenery behind you blends seamlessly into the shot. Traffic was light when we went, but do be extremely careful if you step onto the road for pictures!
Early the next morning, the butler drove me to Xizhou Ancient Town, about 20 minutes from the hotel. After walking a bit, we reached a T-shaped intersection. The lanes narrowed, lined with time-worn shops, and the whole town took on an ancient, mysterious air~ We walked on and reached Sifang Street, the town’s hub, the butler told me. It’s formed by the Benzhu Temple and an old stage. The town is full of grand old courtyard homes, very, very ancient. I bought a local snack, Xizhou baba, and munched as I wandered—it was delicious. Xizhou has many tie-dye workshops, which I adore. They’re affordable with beautiful patterns. I picked out several scarves to bring home for family and friends.
After returning to the hotel, with daylight still left, the butler suggested a stroll to the nearby Three Pagodas Reflection Park. Just a 13-minute walk away, the park, built in the 1980s, centers on a large pond. Pergolas, marble tables and stools, and marble benches surround it, with a brook encircling the water. The weather was clear, so I saw many visitors capturing the reflection of the Three Pagodas—blue sky, white clouds, and the pagodas perfectly mirrored in the emerald lake. The scene was stunning~
“Moon reflected on Cangshan snow, Xiaguan wind blows Shangguan flowers.” That couplet truly captures the essence of Dali Ancient Town. Nestled between the majestic Cangshan and the graceful Erhai Lake, its thick city walls and ancient wooden houses evoke endless nostalgic reverie.
With the hotel so close to Dali Ancient Town, after breakfast, my butler and I walked over. We strolled the flagstone lanes, past shops brimming with everything from exquisitely carved jade to Bai-style tie-dye, each piece a work of art. The South Gate, the largest entrance, is said to bear the characters ‘大理’ (Dali) in Guo Moruo’s calligraphy. We soaked up the ancient charm and artistic vibe.
Back from the town, with a free afternoon, I slipped into the hotel’s lounge bar. I ordered some dainty pastries and a cup of coffee, flipped through a magazine, and basked in the warm sunshine—the leisurely afternoon drifted by.
On the last day, the butler took me to the shores of Erhai Lake. When we arrived, the sky was still a little hazy, the lingering misty beauty from last night’s drizzle. By the lake, a gentle breeze stirred the rippling water, seagulls fluttered up and down, and all was peaceful. Then the sun burst over the hills, the landscape sharpened, and a million rays of light painted a stunning scroll of mountains and water.
After the Erhai excursion, I returned to the hotel to pack, still enamored with this land. Wandering around Beautiful Encounter · Dream Butterfly Villa, I noticed how thoughtfully designed and landscaped it is—lush greenery everywhere, white walls and gray tiles, with little bridges over flowing streams—a perfect photo spot. I went back to change into a Republican-era cheongsam, grabbed an oil-paper umbrella, and strolled with my butler, snapping elegant photos that oozed old-world charm.
Time to head home, but the ‘One Room, One Car, One Butler’ service continued—the butler drove me to the airport. I was extremely satisfied with his itinerary planning over the days. This trip let me experience Dali’s timeless beauty. Just as my friend had said, the sunshine was warm, time moved slowly, and everything felt perfectly peaceful.
