Real-life Monument Valley! Complete 3-day 2-night guide to the mysterious White Island in Yunnan

1. Quick Core Information
📍Location: Huanhai East Road, Dali City, 30 km from the Old Town (about 50 RMB by taxi, direct bus "Haidong Express Line" available)
🎫Tickets: Free (but some cliff hotel areas are only accessible to guests)
⏰Opening Hours: 10:00-17:30 (Best times: before 9:00 or after 16:00, soft light, fewer people, great for photos)
👗Dress Suggestions: Bright-colored long dresses (red/yellow), straw hat, sunglasses; avoid shooting under strong midday sunlight

2. Must-Visit Spots & Hidden Activities
1. Pure White Staircase & Archway Corridor
Location: Main entrance staircase, with Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake as the backdrop
Tips: Shoot from below to avoid crowds, wear a long dress and capture dynamic shots while moving
2. Blue-domed Church & Circular Viewing Platform
Location: Near Songyun Banshan Hotel, overlooking the full view of Erhai Lake, prime sunset spot
3. Nine-bend Flower Street & Cactus Garden*
Bougainvillea + lavender flower wall, paired with white walls for effortless Moroccan-style photos
4. Cliff Consumption Area (Recommended for budget travelers)
Boji Hotel afternoon tea (around 100 RMB per person ☕️), unlock infinity pool + Erhai Lake viewing platform
5. Secret Quarry
10-minute hike from the back mountain trail, rust-red rock walls + wild cacti, a niche ruin photo spot

3. Suggested Itinerary
Half-day tour (best for photo lovers):
Arrive at 9:00 AM → Pure White Staircase → Blue-domed Church → Flower Street & Cactus Garden → Leave before 11:00 AM (avoid crowds)
Deep tour (stay 1 night):
Day 1: Photoshoot at Ideal Bang + sunset → Stay at cliff hotel (recommended Songyun Banshan / Boji)
Day 2: Morning empty shots → Visit Jinshuo Island (1.3 km away, explore Nanzhao Palace) or Wenbi Village (Rainbow Road)

4. Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Transport tips: The scenic area electric cart (5 RMB/person) only saves 5 minutes walking, avoid if unnecessary
Spending tips: Entry to the popular archway/high viewing platform requires purchase (suggest one coffee ≈ 35 RMB)
Accommodation options:
High-end: Songyun Banshan (1000+ RMB per person, private pool)
Cost-effective: Erhai Wake-up Homestay (300-600 RMB per person, 10-minute walk)
Food recommendations:
Inside scenic area: Mainly Western restaurants, suitable for afternoon tea
Nearby: Haidong Eggplant BBQ (local specialty, 5-minute drive)

⚠️Key Reminders:
① Must use sun protection! Strong UV on the plateau, bring umbrella + SPF50+ sunscreen;
② Wear comfortable flat shoes! Many steep stairs;
③ Peak season tours get crowded after 10 AM, early arrival is best

Summary: The core experience at Ideal Bang is photography + sightseeing, 2-3 hours is enough to check in, combined with the East Erhai loop (Xiaoputuo, Shuanglang) for efficiency. Staying at a cliff hotel is expensive but highly rewarding; if on a budget, prioritize early morning and late afternoon golden hours!