Lying in Shuanglang and not wanting to leave! The romance of this hotel is hidden in every window

Before coming to Dali, I read 100 travel guides, but only when I arrived in Shuanglang did I realize: if you stay in the right place, you don’t need to squeeze into the popular check-in spots! I stayed at Akatiya for 3 days, waking up every day to the call of seagulls, opening my eyes to the gradient blues of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Here’s a “lazy vacation guide” for those of you wanting to escape the city～ 🏨 Why is this hotel the top choice in Shuanglang? 📍 Location wins big: It’s right on Yujidao Island, the core of Shuanglang, just a 5-minute walk to Yang Liping’s Sun Palace. The balcony faces Nanzhao Style Island. No need to fight crowds; you can shoot panoramic views of Erhai Lake right from the boardwalk at the hotel entrance. At sunset, the shadow of Cangshan Mountain slowly seeps into the water, stunningly beautiful. 💫 Details that make you not want to leave: The rooms are named after artists, which really hits me! I chose the Picasso room; opening the balcony door reveals a 270° unobstructed sea view. In the morning, sunlight filters through the sheer curtains, casting light spots on the floor. With Orlon toiletries + soft bedding, the housekeeper remembers your favorite tea and even helped me book a car to Xizhou when I checked out—pure joy for the lazy. The hotel’s floating staircase is a must-photograph! Looking up, you see the outline of Cangshan Mountain; looking down, you see the sparkling light on Erhai Lake. Wearing light-colored clothes guarantees perfect photos. 🍽️ How healing is dining by Erhai Lake? ▫️ No need to rush for breakfast: you can come down anytime before 10 am. Enjoy eggs Benedict with the sound of waves, the coffee cup reflecting the snowy mountain, and the sunlight warming the bread. Even the air tastes sweet. ▫️ Afternoon tea hidden in the pool: trays float on the water, surrounded by flowers and desserts revolving around Erhai Lake. Group photos with friends need no editing; the background is the bluest filter. ▫️ Dinner is all about the atmosphere: the restaurant’s lines flow like water. Sitting by the window, watch the lights on the opposite shore slowly come on. The aroma of truffle hotpot mixes with the evening breeze, and occasionally the band’s songs drift by. This is what a vacation should feel like. 🌅 You can have a full day of fun at the hotel ✔️ Don’t sleep in! Sit on the terrace chair and watch the morning glow dye Erhai Lake orange. Seagulls fly right past you—more healing than any alarm clock. ✔️ Practice yoga with the instructor before sunset, moving with the rhythm of the waves, relaxing body and mind. ✔️ Outdoor cinema at night shows classic movies; wrapped in a blanket, watch the starry sky. Occasionally, the evening breeze gently shakes the screen, like a dream. ✔️ Families with kids can relax! The children’s playground lets kids run wild, and baking classes let you make flower cakes together while parents enjoy a coffee break. 🌿 How to explore Shuanglang Ancient Town without pitfalls? (If you stay at Akatiya, no need to rush; strolling slowly through the ancient town is the way to go) ▫️ Best route: enter from the north gate → shoot old buildings at the ancient theater stage → feed seagulls at Erhai Wetland Park (seagulls from November to March!) → admire architectural aesthetics at Sun Palace → walk the waterside boardwalk on Yujidao Island → wait for sunset at the ferry dock ▫️ Don’t drive: parking is difficult in the ancient town; taxis are more convenient. It’s an hour from Dali Ancient City, and the driver will drop you right at the hotel door. ▫️ Hidden gem: take the 5-yuan ferry at dusk, watch the lights on both sides of Erhai Lake come on from the boat—much more comfortable than squeezing into popular photo spots. 💡 I’ve tested these pitfalls for you ❌ Don’t buy the ancient town pass! The Sun Palace exterior is beautiful enough for photos; inside, you can’t see the full view. ❌ Don’t believe in “Shuanglang commercialization”: avoid the main street and head to the seaside, where many local small restaurants serve amazing cheese and Sachima with tea. ❌ Stay at least one more night: the morning mist and evening glow of Erhai Lake are two completely different beauties; one day is never enough. On the day I left, the housekeeper said, “The romance of Dali is letting time slow down.” Indeed, during my 3 days at Akatiya, I didn’t check my phone or rush anywhere, just watched clouds drift and listened to the waves. Turns out the best trip is really living your days like poetry～