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.