Trip to Dali, China 🇨🇳

It was a trip to Dali, China with friends. We started our journey at Erhai Lake, a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains ⛰️ The morning light ☀️ during sunrise (6–7 AM) was magical, with the lake mirroring the soft pink and orange hues of the sky. We explored the quiet lakeside villages like Shuanglang for authentic and tranquil views. I would recommend renting a bike 🚲 to capture multiple angles of this serene setting. Erhai Lake 📍Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China We also explored the cobblestone streets of Dali Old Town, lined with traditional Bai-style architecture. The morning ⛅️ (around 9 AM) is ideal for photography 📸 as the town awakens, with vendors setting up stalls and locals going about their day. The interplay of shadows and sunlight in the narrow streets created perfect compositions. Don’t miss the vibrant city gate for a striking photo backdrop ✨ Dali Old Town 📍Dali Ancient City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China We then visited the iconic Three Pagodas, a symbol of Dali. The golden hour (5–6 PM) was perfect for capturing the pagodas with a warm glow and the reflection in the surrounding pool. We explored the sprawling temple grounds for unique angles, with the Cangshan Mountains providing a stunning backdrop 😍I would recommend taking your time here to enjoy the tranquility and perfect your shots 📸 Three Pagodas of Chongsheng 📍Yunnan Sheng, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Dali Shi, 671003 We also ventured up Cangshan Mountain ⛰️ taking the cable car 🚠 for breathtaking views of Dali and Erhai Lake. The hike along the Jade Belt Road was filled with lush greenery and misty mountain ⛰️ scenery, perfect for wide-angle shots. Late morning (10–11 AM) was best as the skies cleared, revealing panoramic vistas. I would recommend packing a good pair of shoes 🥾 and plenty of water 💦 for this adventure. 📍Cangshan Scenic Area, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China For a quieter and less touristy experience, we visited Shaxi Ancient Village, a hidden gem 💎 with well-preserved Bai architecture. The early afternoon (1–3 PM) provided soft light ⛅️ for capturing the village’s charm, from the iconic stone bridge to the intricate wood 🪵 carvings of the old houses. I would recommend staying a little longer to enjoy the slow pace of life here 🙌 📍Shaxi Town, Jianchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China #chinatrip #travel #vacation