Shuanglang Ancient Town
Shuanglang Ancient Town has a long history and is one of the cradles of Neolithic and Bronze Age civilizations in the Dali region. It was also an important military stronghold during the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms in the Tang and Song dynasties. The town preserves intact historical and cultural streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as numerous traditional Bai ethnic dwellings, making it rich in ethnic charm. The cobblestone streets run through the town, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Bai ethnic cultural atmosphere. Guesthouses and homestays built along the water offer stunning views of Erhai Lake at dawn and dusk. The town is also known for its local specialties, such as rushan (a type of cheese) and stewed plums, which are definitely worth trying.
Cangshan Mountain
Cangshan is one of the iconic landscapes of Dali, consisting of nineteen peaks stretching from Dengchuan in Eryuan to Tian Sheng Bridge in Xiaguan. Its highest peak reaches an altitude of 4,122 meters. Cangshan is renowned for its magnificent natural scenery and rich historical and cultural heritage. The mountain’s summit is perennially covered with snow, one of the four famous scenes of Dali’s “Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon.” The snow glistens under the sunlight, creating an exceptionally spectacular view.
Butterfly Spring
The spring here is as clear as a mirror, with a tall ancient tree beside it. Every spring, thousands of butterflies gather here, forming a unique natural landscape that is one of Dali’s romantic symbols. Every spring, the Butterfly Spring Festival is held, attracting numerous visitors to admire the spectacular sight of butterflies dancing in the air.
A long time ago, in the village of Yangjiao at the foot of Yunlong Peak of Cangshan Mountain, there lived a beautiful Bai ethnic girl named Wengu. On Yunlong Peak, there was a brave and kind young Bai hunter named Xialang, and the two were a happy couple in love. The prince in the royal palace took a fancy to Wengu and had her abducted into the palace. One night, Xialang infiltrated the palace and rescued Wengu. They fled to the edge of the Bottomless Pond, where they were surrounded by the pursuing soldiers. Xialang fought valiantly, but outnumbered, he had no choice but to hold hands with Wengu and jump into the pond together.
After the soldiers withdrew, the rooster crowed, the sky brightened, the wind ceased, the rain stopped, and the sky was filled with rosy clouds. At that moment, a pair of colorful butterflies flew out of the Bottomless Pond, chasing each other and never parting. Countless butterflies flew in from all directions, dancing gracefully. In memory of Xialang and Wengu, the Bai ancestors renamed the Bottomless Pond as Butterfly Spring and designated the day of their tragic love, the fifteenth day of the fourth lunar month, as the Butterfly Festival.
