Shuanglang Ancient Town, Dali: A Kaleidoscope of Seasonal Colors

[Dali Shuanglang] Geographical Location: Shuanglang Ancient Town is located on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake, on Huanhai East Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is approximately 50 km from Dali Ancient City and 35 km from Xiaguan urban area. Famous Features: Known for its stunning views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Shuanglang boasts the picturesque Yuji Island and Little Jinsuo Island, which resemble a pair of mandarin ducks floating on the azure waters. The 17-meter white marble statue of Guanyin on Nanzhao Island, the architectural artistry of Yang Liping's Sun Palace, and the intangible cultural heritage of Bai tie-dye and silverware create a unique cultural landscape. Historical Allusions: Originally named "Shuanlang," the town's name was changed to "Shuanglang" during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty due to the similar pronunciation of "two islands" and "two curves." The new name symbolizes "a pair of birds flying together." 🕘 [Opening Hours] Ancient Town: Open 24 hours. It is recommended to visit in the morning or evening to avoid crowds. Nanzhao Island: 8:30 am–5:00 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm). Yuji Island: Open all day. Separate tickets are required (CNY 10/person). Little Putuo: Round-trip boat CNY 20/person. Boats stop running at 5:00 pm. 💴 [Ticket Prices] Shuanglang Ancient Town: Free. Nanzhao Island: CNY 50/person (no recent price changes). Yuji Island: CNY 10/person. Discounts: Discounts are available for certain attractions with a student ID, senior citizen ID, etc. ⛺ [Activities] Nanzhao Island: Take a ferry to the island, visit the Guanyin statue and the Erhai Daughter sculpture, and climb to the top for a panoramic view of Erhai Lake. Yuji Island: Visit Yang Liping's Sun Palace and Moon Palace, and check in at traditional Bai dwellings. Little Putuo: Feed Siberian seagulls from November to March and visit the Ming Dynasty Guanyin Pavilion. Cycling around Erhai Lake: Rent an electric scooter (CNY 50/day) or a bicycle (CNY 30/day) and cycle 15 km along the road towards Wase Town to the hilltop viewing platform. Tie-dye Experience: Create your own Bai ethnic clothing at the tie-dye workshops in the ancient town. 🚌 [Transportation Guide] Dali Ancient City → Shuanglang: Shared car: Approx. CNY 30/person, about 1 hr. Bus: Depart from Dali North Bus Station, CNY 13/person, about 1.5 hrs. Chartered car: Offers greater flexibility, suitable for families or groups. Xiaguan Urban Area → Shuanglang: Taxi ride takes about 40–50 min, costing CNY 150–200. Transportation around Erhai Lake: Within the ancient town, only walking or cycling is allowed. Rental locations are concentrated at the north entrance parking lot. 👉 [Itinerary] One-day Trip: Nanzhao Island in the morning → Lunch at a seaside restaurant → Yuji Island + cycling around Erhai Lake in the afternoon → Sunset at Little Putuo in the evening. Two-day Trip: Day 1: In-depth tour of Shuanglang Ancient Town (Kuixing Pavilion, Yang Liping's Sun Palace) → Sunset at Haijie Street → Check in to an Erhai lakeside guesthouse. Day 2: Rent a car and tour around Erhai Lake (Wase Town → Little Putuo → Xizhou Ancient Town) → Return to Dali Ancient City. Accommodation Recommendations: High-end: Dali Listening Flower Island Seaview Garden Inn (270-degree sea view rooms), Dali Xishang Shuanglang Hotel (Top 50 Boutique Guesthouses in China). Cost-effective: Dali Shuanglang Near Water Inn (rooms with bathtubs), Dali Pomegranate Seaview Inn (balcony facing Erhai Lake). 🧡 [Pre-trip Preparations] Documents: ID card, student ID (for discounts). Clothing: Short sleeves, light jacket (large temperature difference between day and night), sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, sun hat. Equipment: Sunscreen (SPF50+), power bank, umbrella (changeable weather), sports shoes. Other: Cash (some small shops do not accept electronic payments), mosquito repellent, stomach medicine (spicy food). Tips: The ancient town has many stone-paved roads, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The UV rays are strong at Erhai Lake, so sun protection is needed throughout the day. Pay attention to safety when cycling around Erhai Lake, and slow down on downhill sections. Best photo spots: Shuanglang Viewing Platform, guesthouse terraces, Little Putuo Pier. With this guide, you can experience the natural scenery and cultural heritage of Shuanglang in depth, and feel the poetic dwelling of "wind, flowers, snow, and moon."