The City's Balcony: Panoramic Views of Cangshan and Erhai from the Ancient Royal Deer Park

1.The Best: Vantage Point in the Windy City

2.Located at the southern tip of the vast: Erhai Lake and nestled within the bustling Xiaguan district (the modern city center of Dali), Erhai Park, also known as Tuanshan Park, serves as a magnificent urban balcony. Unlike the flat wetlands of the west bank, this park is built upon Tuanshan Mountain, a hill that juts into the lake, offering a unique elevated perspective. From the observation decks here, visitors are treated to a sweeping 270-degree panoramic view. Looking north, the azure waters of Erhai Lake stretch out endlessly, framed by the majestic Cangshan Mountain range to the west. On clear days, the reflection of the mountains in the water and the distant outline of the Three Pagodas create a mesmerizing scene, perfectly capturing the essence of Dali's "Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon."

A Legacy of Nanzhao Royalty

While today it is a public space for leisure, the history of Erhai Park dates back over a thousand years to the Nanzhao Kingdom. It was originally known as "Yang Long Yuan" (Deer Raising Park) and served as a royal retreat and hunting ground for the Nanzhao kings. The geography of Tuanshan, surrounded by water on three sides, made it an ideal natural enclosure. Today, while the royal deer are gone, the park retains a sense of historical grandeur. The landscaping and architectural elements, such as the traditional pavilions and long corridors, echo the aesthetic sensibilities of the past, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of ancient royalty while enjoying the cool breeze of the "Windy City" (Xiaguan).

A Botanical Garden in the Clouds

Ascending the nearly 300 stone steps from the lakeside to the mountaintop is not just a physical exercise but a journey through a vibrant botanical garden. The park is renowned for its rich collection of flora, particularly the Camellia, which is the city flower of Dali. In late winter and early spring, the park transforms into a sea of colors with blooming camellias, magnolias, and azaleas. The meticulously maintained gardens also feature rare trees and plants indigenous to the Cangshan region. This lush vegetation provides a refreshing contrast to the urban environment of Xiaguan, making it a "green lung" where locals come to breathe fresh air, exercise, and practice traditional singing and dancing.

A Hub of Local Life and Leisure

Erhai Park is distinct from the tourist-heavy ancient towns; it is the heartbeat of local life in Dali City. At the foot of the hill lies a swimming area and a promenade that connects to the broader Erhai Ecological Corridor. Here, you will find locals swimming in the lake year-round, fishing, or simply strolling along the water's edge. The park features winding paths, quiet pavilions, and a long corridor painted with ethnic motifs, offering ample space for rest and photography. Whether it is watching the sunrise paint the lake in gold or observing the city lights shimmering on the water at dusk, Erhai Park offers an authentic slice of daily life in Dali, blending natural beauty with the relaxed pace of its residents.