Stayed two nights at "Bu Xia Shan" in Dali and finally understood what it means to "live inside the scenery"

After visiting Shuanglang many times, I finally found a hidden gem with "peace amidst the bustle + a prime lakeside view" — Bu Xia Shan · At Erhai. Six rooms tucked away in the alleys of the ancient town, where you can stroll and eat on foot while enjoying the dawn and dusk of Erhai exclusively. Once you stay here, you won’t forget it. 🌅 How to choose the location? Just consider these points Peace amidst the bustle: Hidden in an alley beside Shuanglang’s main street, a 5-minute walk to the ancient town’s core area (where you can try Rushan cheese Sachima and freshly baked flower cakes), but once the door is closed, the noise of popular shops is completely blocked out. Zero distance to Erhai: Closer to the lake than the neighboring hotels! The room balconies and public seating areas are almost touching the water, where you can watch waterbirds fly by and fishing boats glide across with an unobstructed view. Convenience nearby: Only 50 meters to Mountain Cocoon Coffee and Mu Xi Dali, just a step away if you want a cup of coffee or a creative meal, no need to take a taxi. 🏡 How to choose among the 6 rooms? Full feature analysis Room features: Each room is named after a tea mountain (Mansong, Pu’er, etc.), with a Nordic wooden tone style, paired with smart controls (iPad to adjust lighting and curtains), and well-equipped hardware (Lelabo amenities, B&O sound system). Must-experience highlights: All rooms have balconies facing Erhai, where you can immerse yourself in the sunrise rising behind Cangshan while sitting on the balcony’s rattan chair. The bathtub is a killer feature! Facing the lake, soaking in it at dusk while watching the sunset sink into Erhai is breathtakingly beautiful in the blue hour light. The public area is very photogenic: seating under an old tree, a reception room decorated with century-old pottery, and when the evening lights come on, the atmosphere is perfect. ✨ Must-try service details during your stay Butler service: From pick-up at the parking lot to changing slippers before entering the public area, attentive but unobtrusive service is available on call whenever needed. Dining arrangements: Breakfast offers both Chinese and Western options (highly recommend the rice noodles, the broth is so fresh you’ll want to lick the bowl). Afternoon tea is delivered to your room balcony to enjoy slowly with the lake view. Every night there’s a goodnight sweet soup, alternating between white fungus and peach gum, warm and comforting. Hidden experiences: In the afternoon, enjoy tea in the reception room (Pu’er and white tea available), with the tea aroma blending with the breeze from Erhai, very relaxing. At night, gather around the public area bonfire to chat, look up at the stars, and occasionally catch festival fireworks. Excellent privacy, the public area is only open to guests, so you won’t be disturbed while taking photos or daydreaming. 🌌 24-hour itinerary reference for the most comfortable experience Morning: Open the window before 7 AM to watch the sunrise, the morning light dyes the lake golden red; after breakfast, feed the seagulls on the balcony. Noon: Walk to the ancient town for a bowl of braised pork rice noodles, then return to the room for a nap, open the curtains and switch to "lying down watching the sea" mode. Afternoon: Read under the tree in the public area or enjoy afternoon tea slowly on the balcony; after 3 PM, the sunlight slants into the room, creating stunning light and shadow. Evening: Soak in the bathtub watching the sunset, wait for the blue hour when the lake glows with blue-purple hues, every photo looks like a masterpiece. Night: Either stroll the ancient town’s night scene or chat around the hotel’s fireplace; after 10 PM, open the window to listen to the waves of Erhai. 📍 Address and tips Exact location: Group 2, Village beside Dajian, Shuanglang Ancient Town, Dali Tips: Suitable for those who want to "slow down"; party lovers might find it too quiet. Both the public area and rooms are very photogenic; wearing light-colored clothes matches the blue of Erhai better. After staying here for two nights, I finally understood the meaning of "Bu Xia Shan" — no need to rush your itinerary, no need to squeeze into crowded spots, just live your days as scenery in the place closest to Erhai. This is the right way to experience Dali.