Between Ancient Walls and Modern Words: A Literary Escape in Gucheng

#discoverchina #dali #yunnan #myitinerary In the middle of a centuries-old town, I found something unexpectedly modern—a bookstore that feels like a breath of fresh thought. Dafang Bookstore (Gucheng Branch) doesn’t compete with the charm of the ancient city. Instead, it complements it—quietly anchoring tradition with contemporary elegance. You step in from stone-paved alleys, and suddenly, the world slows down. The scent of paper, soft jazz in the background, natural light streaming through clean architectural lines—a quiet contrast to the busy streets outside. And then there’s the staircase—not just a design feature, but a gathering place. It’s where solo travelers sit with poetry, couples flip through photo books, and locals chat over coffee. It feels communal, yet personal. The kind of place where you come to get lost on purpose. In a city known for its history, Dafang is the future gently placed in the past—a bookstore where time folds softly, and inspiration waits on every shelf.