[2025 Dali Restaurant] Travel Guide for DREAM ISLAND Restaurant (Updated Aug)

"Moonlight shines through the pines, clear springs flow over stones" Finally understood the poetic essence this hotel aims to convey! After staying, I immediately added it to my list of lifetime favorite hotels—I’d return to Dali countless times just for this place✨ 🌿 Why choose it? Controversial but worth the romance Before arriving, I saw polarizing reviews—some called it pricey, others praised its value. But booked it solely for its reputation as "Shuanglang’s unobstructed sea-view pinnacle!" After staying, I can only say: The scenery and ambiance truly justify the price! A boutique design hotel with just 12 rooms, so serene it’s therapeutic. Blending Eastern Zen with modern minimalism, every corner is aesthetically flawless～ 🏨 Must-experience heartwarming details Uninterrupted sea-view relaxation My 180-degree sea-view king room was legendary! Lying in bed, I could watch Erhai Lake’s shimmering waves, fall asleep to the sound of lapping water, and wake up to seagulls visiting the terrace for food. Even phone snapshots looked like wallpaper-worthy shots📸 The public terrace is the hidden gem! At sunset, the glistening lake is breathtaking, and the blue hour is pure magic—no need to fight for the perfect shot～ Pampered like royalty service The shoe-changing ritual upon arrival sets the tone, and the cleanliness makes barefoot roaming feel safe. Birthday months come with surprise room decor (though it felt like an anniversary setup—adorable hhh). Pre-sleep warm milk + sweet nightcap, paired with Dyson hairdryers, Marshall speakers, and electric fireplaces. The boutique toiletries were so fragrant I wanted to take them home. Indulge in free treats ✅ 24/7 unlimited afternoon tea! Freshly ground coffee, exquisite French pastries, giant green grapes and figs—coffee lovers rejoice. ✅ Semi-buffet breakfast by Erhai Lake, with rice noodles and erkuai so fresh they’re mind-blowing (though options are limited). ✅ Complimentary red wine + goblets in the room—sipping by the fireplace amps up the vibe. 📍 Practical Tips Location: Next to Shuanglang Ancient Town, walkable for food and exploration. Hidden alleyways hold culinary gems, and the hotel offers tricycle rides to the main road for easy transit. Privacy: Keycard access only—no outsiders, zero crowd worries. Seagull season: Nov–Mar for photos with seagulls (hotel provides feed, but avoid contact—they’re feisty!). Room types: Even standard rooms share the terrace’s beauty. Dark-themed interiors exude luxury, with spacious comfort. Nearby: Adjacent to viral spots "Mountain Cocoon Coffee" and "Wooden Sunset Dali." Though not flawless, days spent watching sunsets over Erhai, listening to waves, and stargazing became the brightest highlight of my trip✨

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.

Muxi Dali · Erhai Hotel: A Poetic Retreat by Erhai Lake Nestled in the serene embrace of Erhai Lake in Shuanglang, Dali, Muxi Dali · Erhai Hotel shines like a lustrous pearl, radiating its unique charm. With the majestic Cangshan Mountains at its back and the boundless Erhai Lake before it, the hotel crafts a dreamy poetic haven for travelers seeking escape from the bustle and a return to tranquility. The hotel's design is a masterpiece of simplicity, with a soothing beige palette that harmoniously blends natural materials like stone, wood, pure linen sofas, and wool carpets, creating an atmosphere of rustic elegance. Stepping inside, the warm, gentle lighting instantly washes away travel fatigue, transporting you to a peaceful sanctuary far from the chaos of the world. With only seven meticulously crafted rooms, each is a sanctuary of privacy and comfort. Egyptian cotton bedding cocoons you in cloud-like softness for a restful night's sleep. Every detail, from smart devices to high-quality toiletries, is carefully curated to ensure an exceptional stay. Open your window, and a breathtaking panorama unfolds: the shimmering waters of Erhai Lake and the towering peaks of Cangshan in the distance. Here, you can wake to the gentle lapping of the lake and fall asleep under a canopy of stars, fulfilling the romantic dream of living by the waves. The courtyard is the soul of Muxi Dali, bursting with seasonal blooms and lush greenery that delights the senses. Stroll through the fragrant gardens, where the scent of flowers and fresh foliage mingles in the air. Find a quiet corner to sit, sip a cup of fragrant tea, and listen to the whisper of the breeze through the leaves as sunlight dances on petals—time seems to stand still, leaving only peace and contentment. The hotel's pastry garden is equally enchanting, with both indoor and outdoor seating offering stunning views of the lake and sky. Here, local fresh ingredients meet Western culinary techniques, creating a unique symphony of flavors. Savor exquisite dishes while soaking in the unparalleled lake views, treating both your palate and soul to a feast. From the moment you arrive, attentive service is ever-present. Warm and professional staff swiftly handle check-in and patiently answer all your questions. They’ll even tailor Dali itineraries to your interests, recommending hidden gems and authentic local eateries, making you feel like you’re guided by old friends rather than staff. The surroundings of Muxi Dali · Erhai Hotel are equally captivating. A short walk takes you into the ancient charm of Shuanglang Old Town, where cobblestone streets, traditional Bai houses, and quaint shops exude rich cultural history. Rent a bike and cycle along the Erhai Ecological Corridor, with the breeze on your face and the lake by your side, immersed in the breathtaking scenery. For adventure, try a boat ride on Erhai Lake, feeling the raw power of nature. Muxi Dali · Erhai Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s a sanctuary for the soul, a romantic dream of peace and beauty in Dali. Here, you can shed all weariness, embrace the majesty of Cangshan and Erhai, and reconnect with your true self. This holiday, let Muxi Dali be the start of your serene escape, creating unforgettable memories by the lakeside.

Here's a travel guide to Erhai Lake in Dali, including route planning, accommodation, food recommendations, and more: Route Planning - One-day tour around the lake: Recommended to go counterclockwise, starting from the Ancient City, passing through Longkan Pier (for sunrise viewing), Xindi Coffee, Chongyi Village, Xingsheng Bridge in Xiaguan, Santorini Ideal Town, Wenbi Village, Little Putuo (lunch), free flower sea swings, Luowo Mountain, Shuanglang, Xizhou (large wheat fields outside the ancient town), and Haishe Park. - Two-day tour around the lake: Day one covers the east side, starting from Xingsheng Bridge, passing through Yunxiang Mountain, Wenbi Village, Little Putuo, Luowo Mountain, and arriving at Shuanglang Ancient Town (stay overnight in Shuanglang); Day two covers the west side, departing from Shuanglang, taking a taxi to Zhoucheng or Xizhou Ancient Town, then visiting Haishe Park, Corridor Bridge, Lower Bopi, Fumeiyou, Majiuyou Village, Cai Village, Longkan Pier, and finally returning to Dali Ancient City. Accommodation Recommendations - Luxury options: Dali Songyun Cliff Hotel, located on a cliff with stunning views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake; Arcadia Anyin Li's Mansion Seaside Resort Hotel, an elegant Chinese-style luxury resort by the lake; Dali Yuewan VILLA Hillside Sea View Hotel, with stylish design and rooms facing the sea. - Budget options: Consider guesthouses around Dali Ancient City, such as Dali Ancient City Cenglin Hotel, a traditional Bai minority residence with authentic local atmosphere. Food Recommendations - Local flavor restaurants: Huotang Impression Wild Mushroom Courtyard Hot Pot (Dali Ancient City Main Store), featuring delicious soup bases made with quality mushrooms; Dali Ark Fatty "I'm Waiting for You in Dali" Store, offering outstanding traditional Yunnan cuisine; Duan Gongzi Condor Heroes Store, a martial arts-themed restaurant with local flavors. - Special snacks: Pangding in Dali Rose Cottage's freshly baked rose flower cakes; Zaihuishou Chicken Rice Noodles (Renmin Road Store 1) for cold chicken rice noodles; Yunnan Braised Chicken Rice Noodles (Dali Main Store) for their signature black chicken rice noodles. - Seaside restaurants: Six Reading Forten Seaside Coffee Western Restaurant (Shuanglang Ancient Town Store), extremely popular with beautiful Erhai Lake views; Dali Muxi Dali Hotel's Muxi Dali Restaurant (Erhai Store), offering quality Western cuisine with views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Attractions Introduction - Dali Ancient City: The ancient capital of the Dali and Nanzhao Kingdoms, where you can stroll through the old city, browse small shops, visit bars, and experience the slow life under Cangshan Mountain. - Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Area: One of Dali's landmarks, featuring three uniquely shaped pagodas that complement the surrounding landscape. - Fanxi: A super popular S-shaped bay, perfect for cycling along Erhai Lake, enjoying the scenery, and feeling the lake breeze. - Shuanglang: Known as "the best of Cangshan and Erhai scenery is in Shuanglang," it's the ancient town closest to the lake in all of Dali. You can visit Yang Liping's Sun Palace and Moon Palace here.

Hotels in Shuanglang are perfect for relaxing and unwinding. After spending a few days in Dali Old Town, we came to Haidong. The Haidong coastline is better for self-driving 🚗 Mainly around Shuanglang with many scenic spots Almost 60 km from the old town, a bit far Shuanglang feels like the perfect place to unwind, with beautiful scenery along the way Lots of nice restaurants and coffee shops ☕ We only visited Shuanglang Ancient Town (recommend Huamanlou rose pastries 🌹 Muxi Restaurant, Gewai Xiaoguan, and Shanjian Coffee) Hotel staff will help with your luggage when you arrive 🧰 They create a group chat for check-in arrangements They also offer afternoon tea and breakfast (both Chinese and Western options, rice noodles and Dutch pancakes 🥞) The front desk has a bar where you can enjoy tea, coffee, and alcohol 🍸 During afternoon tea, the front desk staff even brought me a drink 🥃 In the evening, there's a small cocktail party in the lobby where guests can drink and chat Lying in bed looking at the sea is truly relaxing 🌊 The room is full of thoughtful details The Aesop hand soap smells amazing ⚗️ The cloth bag includes a power bank, umbrella, sun hat, and sunglasses Wet wipes, napkins, La Roche-Posay spray, and Dior lip balm are all complimentary The hotel is close to several popular spots Shanjian Coffee and Muxi Restaurant You can visit Shuanglang Ancient Town in the evening Gewai Xiaoguan and Shanjian Bookstore are both there Shuanglang is better for relaxing at your hotel It's not as fun as Haixi for activities But if you like taking photos, it's still a good choice 📸 📍An Qi Erhai Holiday Hotel, Shuanglang, Dali

⛱️ Must-see attractions: Shuanglang, Haidong and Haixi, Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou 🌄 Travel tips: Shuanglang is a great place to rent a car and drive along the coast, stopping at the attractions along the way. This will take about a day. 🏨 Accommodation tips: We recommend staying one night in Shuanglang and one night in Dali Ancient Town. Many hotels in Shuanglang are right by the sea and have beautiful views. There are many options in the ancient town, including hotels by the sea and hotels with pastoral views. Choose according to your preference. 💗 Other tips: We highly recommend the Muxi Dali Erhai Restaurant. The environment is amazing, the decor is great, and the restaurant is right by the sea under a big tree. It's a great place to relax. We also recommend a local restaurant in Dali Ancient Town: Sifang Snacks. The food is delicious. There's also a great cafe by the sea, Xindi Coffee. The environment is great and their wood-fired pizza is delicious.

📍Detailed address: Dajianpang Village, Shuanglang, Dali (Navigation Muxi Dali Restaurant) 🕙Business hours: Afternoon tea is served from 14:00 to 16:30 Dinner time 17:00-22:00 🎊Reservation: It is recommended that you make a reservation for dinner in the evening, so you can see the sparkling sea and take better photos! Next to the restaurant is the beautiful view that many bloggers have taken photos of. Only hotel guests are allowed to take photos there, and diners are not allowed to take photos there. 🍽Environment: The environment and service of the restaurant are really good. It mainly provides afternoon tea and dinner, focusing on Western food and local specialties. We didn't have high expectations for this beautiful restaurant, but the dishes we ordered all tasted good and we didn't disappoint! Recommended: grilled fish with lemongrass, grilled spring onion 📝Notes: Previously, reservations were required to get a seaside seat, but now it has been changed and reservations are no longer accepted when you walk in to the store. If you want to be by the sea, go earlier. The interior is also beautiful. Many people stayed there from the afternoon until dark. It is also a hotel (Muxi Dali), and hotel guests can directly book a seaside location.