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Wenxian Tower is located about 1 km south of Dali Ancient Town. It is the first landmark building when entering the ancient town and is known as the "First Gate of the Ancient Town". Inside the tower, there is a plaque hanging that reads "Wenxian Mingbang", which means that Dali has produced many talents and has a rich collection of classics. It is an important symbol of Dali's history and culture. The tower has a simple and elegant style, with overhanging eaves, brackets, and painted beams and rafters, which set off each other perfectly with the surrounding natural landscape and cultural environment. Climbing to the top of Wenxian Tower, you can overlook the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, feel the magnificent scenery and profound cultural heritage of Dali, and it is a window to understand Dali's history and culture.
Wuhua Tower is located in the middle of Fuxing Road in Dali Ancient Town. It is the geographical center and landmark building of the ancient town, and is known as the "First Tower in South Central China". Wuhua Tower was first built in 856 AD (the tenth year of Dazhong in the Tang Dynasty). Originally, it was the "State Guesthouse" of the Nanzhao Kingdom, used to receive VIPs from various countries. After many renovations, it still retains its simple and unsophisticated features. Wuhua Tower is a double-eaves 歇山顶 building, three floors high, with overhanging eaves and upturned corners, looking very imposing. Standing on the Wuhua Tower, you can overlook the entire Dali Ancient Town, enjoy the chessboard-style streets, Bai ethnic dwellings, and the beautiful scenery of the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake. It is one of the best places to take panoramic photos of Dali Ancient Town.
Shuanglang Ancient Town is located on the shore of Erhai Lake in the northeast of Dali City, Yunnan Province. It is the location of the National 4A-level tourist attraction Nanzhao Style Island. The town is surrounded by mountains and the lake, with beautiful scenery, and it is known as the reputation that "the scenery of Dali is in Cang'er, and the scenery of Cang'er is in Shuanglang". After being listed as a "Historical and Cultural Town in Yunnan Province", with the publicity through backpackers, online media, and the Kaihai Festival, in recent years, more and more tourists at home and abroad have come to visit and experience the local life, and the town's tourism has shown a blowout development. There are currently more than 70 characteristic inns in Shuanglang, and the average daily reception capacity exceeds 3,000 people. Among them, sea-view inns often have a situation where "there is not a single bed available".
Xizhou Ancient Town is located about 18 kilometers north of Dali Ancient Town, on the west bank of Erhai Lake. It is home to well-preserved clusters of Bai ethnic dwellings, represented by Yan's Courtyard and Dong's Courtyard, which showcase the unique "Three-Courtyard-One-Screen-Wall" architectural style of the Bai people.
Outside the ancient town, there are vast stretches of rice fields that present different scenery with the seasons—green waves in spring (with rapeseed flowers in bloom) and golden hues in autumn (when the rice is ripe). Here, you can experience traditional handicrafts such as tie-dyeing and hand embroidery. You can also taste the local snack Xizhou Baba (a savory or sweet baked flatbread).
Main Attractions: Corner Tower (landmark building), Xilinyuan (Internet-famous wall with rice field views), Haise Park (a nearby ecological wetland by Erhai Lake)
Ideal State, also known as "Dali Santorini", is located on the east coast of Erhai Lake. It is a romantic creation with the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake as the backdrop and Mediterranean style as the brushstroke. The buildings here are mostly pure white, with arc-shaped roofs, clean lines, and archways and corridors everywhere. They form the most classic "blue and white match" with the blue sky and the Erhai Lake. There are also carefully designed gardens with lavender, succulents, and bougainvillea, adding a touch of color to this pure land. It is not only a "photo - taking punch - in place" but also a comprehensive resort community with boutique hotels, restaurants, and cultural and leisure activities.
Wenbi Village is located on the east bank of Erhai Lake, along the East Ring Road, adjacent to Ideal State. Originally a Bai ethnic fishing village, it has gained popularity in recent years due to the rise of photography bases and cafes.
The village boasts various photo-worthy spots, including a white church, coastal railings, and sloping roads. Many couples also choose to take their wedding photos here. Compared to Shuanglang Ancient Town and Ideal State, Wenbi Village has fewer tourists, making it an ideal place to quietly enjoy the view of the lake and relax.
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