A Suzhou Woman's 8 Trips to Dali: 5 Romantic Spots You Mustn't Miss

"If you're feeling down someday, why not head west to Dali? Here you can find answers about life, friendship, and youth."

Yunnan, Dali, wind, flowers, snow, and moon... no matter how many times you go, it never feels like enough. Over the years, almost without noticing, I've been to Dali eight times.

"Dali really isn't that fun, and Erhai Lake isn't even as nice as the lake in my hometown." I once heard a friend say. I smiled; that's just the wrong way to experience it, isn't it?

Dali Ancient Town, Xiaguan, Haidong, Wase, Shangguan, Zhoucheng, Xizhou... I've visited them all, time and again. Often, the mood of the trip and the companions you're with really make all the difference.

As I've gotten to know Dali, there are a few beloved spots I want to share with you — it would really be a shame to miss them.

Can't make it to Santorini in the Greek Aegean? Then head to Dali's very own Santorini! This place is perfect for photos — even a casual snap comes out beautiful.

That day, I hired a car from Dali Ancient Town to tour around Erhai Lake and went to Ideal Land, also known as Dali Santorini.

Located in Haidong, Ideal Land, officially the Ideal Land Cultural Tourism Resort Town, faces Dali Ancient Town across the "sea" and enjoys the same geographical features as the Greek Aegean Bay.

Compared to the ubiquitous glass balls and white staircases that once flooded Dali, this place beats them hands down, letting you capture an Aegean seaside vibe right here in China.

There are many high-end hotels, cafés, and restaurants, and taking photos outside is all free. As you climb step by step, every scene has been carefully crafted.

Just be mindful of sun protection; it really gets too sunny in the afternoon, so it's best to bring an umbrella. I suggest you come in the early evening to watch an Erhai sunset — it's incredibly romantic.

Recently, there haven't been many visitors, so you can take lots of empty shots.

Every little alley is beautiful, and you won't have to worry about getting lost — just follow the path upward.

Blue sky, white clouds, cactuses, and standing high up looking at Erhai Lake, so very blue. If you have time, come here for a cup of coffee!

1. Just navigate to Ideal Land and you'll arrive; even if you're not staying at a hotel, you're welcome to come take photos.

2. The overall color palette is white, blue, and ochre, so choosing the right outfit will give you even better results.

3. There are a few popular archways where lots of people take wedding and portrait photos, so you might have to wait a while. However, there are many spots, and many alleys are beautiful.

Zhoucheng is known as the "hometown of Bai tie-dye." It's the largest natural village in Yunnan Province, home to more than 1,500 households of Bai people, making it the biggest Bai settlement in Dali.

When you go to Zhoucheng in Dali, you must experience Zhoucheng tie-dye at least once.

Those tie-dyed fabrics look simple, but only when you make one yourself will you realize it's anything but easy.

A piece of white cloth, an embroidery needle, and two hours of slow-paced time in Zhoucheng — it's so peaceful.

The lady boss will teach you some basic tie-dye techniques, and you can design your own pattern. So it becomes a one-of-a-kind tie-dye piece in the world.

Looking at this complex one, my piece was truly amateurish.

Putting on gloves with my own hands, watching the white cloth slowly change color, from green to blue — it's really magical.

Although it's simple and not perfect, the whole process is so mindful and joyful.

1. The price for DIY tie-dye ranges from 50 to 100 yuan depending on the size and complexity of the cloth.

2. You can take your finished tie-dye piece home as a keepsake.

3. Zhoucheng has many, many tie-dye experience shops like this; you can just choose any one.

Just under three kilometers from Dali Ancient Town lies a dreamy 10,000-square-meter private garden: Maomi Garden, unknown even to many locals.

Maomi Garden doesn't have lots of cats; rather, it's a garden created by a man as a gift for his wife Mao Mao and their daughter Xiao Mi.

I came here once on a trip to Dali last year, and because I loved it so much, I kept thinking about it and came a second time. The first time was with my bestie, and this time I brought three friends.

Every corner of Maomi Garden is like a painting. A stool here, a swing there — everything is beautifully decorated.

I recommend arriving around one or two in the afternoon, because you can truly spend the whole afternoon here and not want to leave.

In Maomi Garden's white wooden house, I booked an afternoon tea for four.

The 648-yuan set menu includes four drinks of your choice, two exquisitely delicious cakes, a fruit plate, a dried fruit platter, plus a three-color ice cream.

Today I'm not dieting; I broke my rule and had milk tea, cake, ice cream... sometimes you need to indulge yourself.

Dali was drizzling; looking at the flowers blooming all around, listening to romantic music, and chatting with friends — it was utterly enjoyable.

Sharing this with you: lovely food and scenery are all worth capturing, aren't they?

1. The entrance ticket is 98 yuan; you don't have to spend more, and there's self-service lemon water.

2. Even if it rains, there's an indoor café that's also very beautiful.

3. There's also tent camping here; waking up among the flowers, your dreams will be filled with beauty.

4. If you don't have a photographer, they also offer paid portrait sessions that you can book in advance.

"Let farming become a more dignified profession." This sentence written on a wooden fence at Mingli Commune in Dali, Yunnan, left a deep impression on me.

This is a farm created by a couple from Northeast China, about 7 kilometers from Dali Ancient Town, a 10-minute drive.

The lady boss was bustling around, the waitstaff were all local farmers, very down-to-earth. The boss, wearing overalls and a checked shirt, had such style that I dragged him over for a photo.

Coming to Mingli Commune in Dali for the second time, bringing a few friends, we once again soaked in a night surrounded by romance.

As long as it's not raining heavily, you can dine in the garden. After being seated, there's flower tea and fruit, and the dishes are served course by course, with a real sense of ceremony.

The servers are local farmers working here, very genuine. Mingli Commune's tableware is all chosen with great taste.

The food here will surprise you — a farm can actually have such high style.

All the dishes are very healthy; you can finish everything without feeling weighed down.

The main course is grilled chicken leg and grilled Angus steak; you can choose between medium or medium-well. Oh, and here you don't order à la carte — the set menu is fixed.

If you've booked dinner, try to go a bit earlier — there are so many photo spots, all beautifully arranged.

Especially after night falls, when the lights come on, the hills roll, the flowers and plants are fresh, and a bonfire is lit, every scene is filled with love.

Finally, everyone gathers in the wooden tent to roast marshmallows. This is a wonderful place to meet new friends, chatting about Dali, travel, and plans for the next day — it's easy to make like-minded friends.

1. Even though it's outdoor dining, surprisingly there were no mosquitoes.

2. It gets a bit chilly after dark, so remember to bring a jacket.

3. Mingli Commune also offers a lunch set menu; it's best to book in advance.

If you're visiting Dali for the first time, one place you absolutely must come to is Dali Ancient Town, which has a history of over 1,200 years.

Nestled at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, Dali Ancient Town was the capital of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and the Dali Kingdom.

This ancient town, thanks to the involvement of local residents, has a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere.

Wandering along Renmin Road in Dali Ancient Town, you'll find many beautiful restaurants, cafés, and little bars. It's really perfect for a stroll, with flowers blooming everywhere and great for photos.

The roads in Dali Ancient Town are very easy to navigate, from the east gate to the west gate, from the south gate to the north gate. When I get tired of walking, I like to find a café to sit down — that's my way.

Even when it rains, Dali Ancient Town is still lovely. Holding a transparent umbrella, spending 5 yuan on a grilled rice cake (erbai) — perfect.

I love the ancient town in the rain, and that twilight time when it's not quite dark yet.

At night, find a quiet little bar to sit in. A few bottles of 'Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon' beer, chatting idly or just staying silent.

When traveling in Dali, if you have plenty of time, I suggest staying two nights in Dali Ancient Town and two nights by Erhai Lake. The lakeside inns have great views, but entertainment, shopping, dining, and nightlife will be much more limited.

On that trip, I stayed three nights at Yuying Luyue Inn in Dali Ancient Town. The inn is right on Renmin Road, quiet yet central, and extremely convenient — just a minute's walk after getting off the car.

I chose this place partly because the inn is on Renmin Road in the ancient town, making access very easy. And partly because I really love its two courtyards, and the large terrace on the third floor, where you can watch the sunrise over Dali Ancient Town.

In the afternoon, when it's too sunny outside, I'd return to Yuying Luyue Inn to rest, have a cup of tea, or take a short nap.

After staying a while, I gradually got to know the innkeeper, and suddenly it felt like home. Even before leaving, I felt I'd come back again.

About Ruoyousuosi: A Jiangnan girl / global traveler who has reached the North and South Poles / travel self-media.