Shuanglang

The "First Town" of Cangshan and Erhai Scenery

1.Located on the northeastern shore of Erhai: Lake, facing the majestic nineteen peaks of Cangshan Mountain across the water, Shuanglang Ancient Town is widely celebrated as the "First Town of Cangshan and Erhai Scenery". Approximately 40 kilometers from Dali Ancient City, this town sits at a prime location where the mountains meet the lake. The name "Shuanglang" (Double Corridors) originates from its unique geography, where two curvaceous bays resemble corridors stretching along the coast. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Dali Ancient City, Shuanglang offers a blend of a traditional Bai fishing village and a modern artistic retreat. It has evolved from a quiet fishing community into a vibrant "Artistic Town," attracting artists, architects, and travelers seeking the most poetic views of the plateau lake.

Islands of Art: Yuji and Nanzhao

2.The charm of: Shuanglang is anchored by its two famous islands: Yuji Island (Jade Table Island) and Nanzhao Folk Island.

• 3.Yuji Island: Shaped like a jade table or a peninsula stretching into the water, this island is the heart of the town's artistic transformation. It is home to the iconic Sun Palace and Moon Palace, architectural masterpieces built by the renowned dancer Yang Liping. The Sun Palace features a roof designed to resemble a peacock spreading its tail, dancing with the changing light of the lake, while the circular Moon Palace captures the romance of the moon reflecting on the water. These structures have become symbols of the harmonious blend between avant-garde art and the natural environment.
• 4.Nanzhao Folk Island: Accessible by boat, this island offers panoramic views of the "Double Corridors" and showcases the history of the Nanzhao Kingdom, providing a perfect vantage point to see the town nestled against the water.

A Millennium of Fishing Culture

5.History in Shuanglang dates back to the Tang: Dynasty. During the Nanzhao Kingdom era, it served as a vital ferry crossing and fishing hub. For centuries, the local Bai people lived by the water, building their homes—distinctive for their cyan tiles, white walls, and exquisite gate towers—along the coastline. Today, visitors can still wander through the narrow, stone-paved alleys of the ancient village, where traditional fishing boats are moored by the shore and fishing nets dry in the sun. This "fire and smoke" (living atmosphere) of the Bai fishing families contrasts beautifully with the modern boutique hotels and cafes that have sprung up, creating a unique cultural landscape where fishing traditions meet modern aesthetics.

Cycling the Coast and Chasing Sunsets

6.One of the most popular activities in: Shuanglang is cycling along the Erhai Lake corridor. Visitors can rent electric scooters or bicycles to ride along the shoreline, feeling the cool sea breeze and admiring the reflection of the snow-capped Cangshan mountains in the azure water. The town is also arguably the best spot in Dali for watching the sunset. As the sun dips behind the Cangshan peaks, the lake surface turns into a shimmering field of gold, creating a silhouette of fishing boats and the Sun Palace that is a favorite subject for photographers.

A Sanctuary for Slow Living

Shuanglang is the epitome of the "slow life." It is a place to sit on a terrace with a cup of coffee or local tea, watching the clouds drift over the mountains. Whether it is exploring the "Sea Street" filled with artistic shops or simply staring at the ripples of the lake, the town offers a therapeutic escape from urban noise, allowing travelers to touch the pulse of a life lived in harmony with nature.