The Tile Cat Perched on Eaves, Dali's Millennial Guardian

On the blue-tiled rooftops of Dali, the tile cats crouch. Their clay bodies, forged in fire, arch with raised heads, wide mouths grinning ambiguously. These guardian deities of Dali's households have kept watch for a thousand years. The tile cat is not a cat, but a tiger. Bai craftsmen molded clay in tiger's likeness, yet named it "cat". This paradox embodies Dali's spirit—where Erhai's winds soften edges and Cangshan's snow tempers resolve. The tile cats devour misfortune and exhale tranquility across the city. When sunlight slants, their shadows dance on weathered walls. Tourists' footsteps rouse the ancient town from slumber, yet the tile cats remain silent. They've witnessed tea-horse caravan traders, heard Nanzhao palace melodies, and now guard coffee-scented alleys. Come to Dali. Feel the cobblestones of Sifang Street, savor the sweetness of rushan cheese, then look up—the not-quite-tiger tile cat holds Dali's soul within its enigmatic smile. 🏨【Stay Recommendation】 Dali Fantasy·Unheard Mountain Homestay | Fantasy Beauty Stay | Fantasy Winter Sheng Average ¥100+/person, prices vary by location 📣【Address】: 384 Wenxian Road | 65 Guangwu Road | 87 Shangpingdeng Road 🌟【Highlights】: Free parking | Home theater | Erhai sunrise | Log-style decor @CommunityBenefits @CtripTravelogue @Fantasy·UnheardMountainDesignerResort(DaliAncientTown) @CtripCustomerService