It's Not Abroad, It's Dali's Santorini (Lixiangbang)

Dali Lixiangbang Travel Guide: Basic Information about Lixiangbang - 📍Location: Haidong Town, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, about 30km from Dali Ancient Town - 🎫Admission: Free (but some high-end hotel areas are only open to guests) - ⏰Best Time to Visit: - Season: March-May (spring flowers), September-November (pleasant autumn weather) - Time of day: Before 9:00am or after 4:00pm, when the light is soft and there are fewer tourists - 🚗Transportation: - Self-driving/car rental: Navigate to "Lixiangbang Tourism Resort Town," convenient parking available - Taxi: About 40-60 yuan from Dali Ancient Town (Didi/taxi) - Bus: Take the "Haidong Line" to "Lixiangbang" station Must-Visit Spots in Lixiangbang 1. White Stairs & Arched Corridors - The most iconic photo spot, with Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain as the backdrop, perfect for "pretending to be in Santorini" style photos. - Tips: Wear bright-colored long dresses (red/yellow/blue) for better photos, avoid strong midday light. 2. Blue-Domed Church & Circular Viewing Platform - Located at a high point, overlooking the panoramic view of Erhai Lake, ideal for sunset photos. - Best shooting spot: Near the Songyun Hillside Hotel area. 3. Flower Avenue & Cactus Garden - Lined with bougainvillea, lavender, and other flowers, paired with white buildings, creating a romantic atmosphere. 4. Cliff Hotels & Cafes - High-end boutique hotels like Songyun Hillside Hotel and Boji Hotel offer afternoon tea (100+ yuan per person), with infinity pools and Erhai Lake views. 5. Erhai Lake Viewing Boardwalk - A mountain-side walkway that leads to the lakeside, perfect for capturing reflections of Erhai Lake and buildings. Visiting Recommendations 1. Suitable for: - Young people who enjoy taking photos, couples, and friends traveling together - Tourists looking for high-end lakeside accommodation experiences 2. Recommended Visit Plans: - Half-day tour: Come in the morning or at dusk for photos, combine with the East Erhai Lake route (can visit Xiaoputuo and Shuanglang along the way). - Overnight stay: Choose a cliff hotel to enjoy the sunset and starry sky (recommended if budget allows). Nearby Attractions (East Erhai Lake Route) 1. Xiaoputuo (10 minutes by car from Lixiangbang) - A mini island in Erhai Lake, with seagulls in winter, great for photos. 2. Shuanglang Ancient Town (30 minutes by car from Lixiangbang) - An artistic town, recommended spots include Yang Liping's Sun Palace and Nanzhao Island. 3. Wenbi Village (15 minutes by car from Lixiangbang) - Rainbow Road + Erhai Lake S-curve, ideal for cycling and photography. Accommodation Recommendations - High-end resorts: Songyun Hillside, Boji Seaview Hotel (1000+ yuan per person) - Value options: Dali Erhai Wake Up Inn, guesthouses around Lixiangbang (300-600 yuan per person) Food Recommendations - In Lixiangbang: Mostly Western restaurants and cafes, suitable for afternoon tea. - Nearby recommendations: - Haidong Eggplant BBQ (local specialty, 5 minutes by car from Lixiangbang) - Shuanglang Fisherman's Courtyard (Erhai fish hot pot) Lixiangbang is perfect for a short photo trip, best combined with the East Erhai Lake route, with 2-3 hours being sufficient. For a deeper experience, consider staying overnight at a cliff hotel to enjoy the tranquility and romance of Erhai Lake.