Shuanglong Ancient Town: A Carefree Journey from Erhai Fishing Village to the Art Peninsula

The name of Shuanglong - a naturally beautiful bay
The name "Shuanglang" stems from its unique geographical form. The ancient town is surrounded by the "Double Curves" (Lotus Curve and Luoshi Curve), and the "corridor" refers to a flowing corridor that extends into Erhai Lake. This ancient fishing village has maintained a fishing life rhythm of "working at dawn and resting at dusk" for a long time. Fishermen cast nets to catch fish in Erhai Lake in traditional wooden boats (which are still preserved today), forming a unique culture of coexisting and thriving with Erhai Lake.

The Road of Transformation - From a Quiet Fishing Village to an Aesthetic Town
The modern story of Shuanglang is a romantic chapter about the discovery of the value of natural landscapes and their collision and integration with contemporary humanistic art:
- Fishing Village Years (Before 2010) : A quiet and ancient Bai ethnic village, which made a living by fishing and agriculture, retains its original ecological streets and lanes as well as its way of life, and is little known to outsiders.
- Artist's Eye (Early 21st Century) : Due to its irreplaceable panoramic view of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake and its serene atmosphere, it has attracted painters, musicians, writers and other artists to live and create here. They rented the old house and transformed it into a studio and residence, unintentionally marking the beginning of the "artification" of Shuanglong.
The Rise and Planning Reshaping of Inns (2012-2016) : With the "wind, flower, snow and moon" tourism boom, a number of design-sense seaside inns have sprung up like mushrooms after rain, and the poetic scene of "facing the sea, with spring warmth and flowers blooming" has become a reality here. The local government has also made an overall plan, improved the environment and enhanced facilities.
- Sedimentation and Rebirth (2017 to Present) : After experiencing rapid development and environmental protection rectification, Shuanglang now appears more composed and refined. It is no longer merely a collection of inns, but a composite aesthetic town that integrates high-end resort hotels, independent designer stores, cultural Spaces and local life, becoming a landmark symbol of Dali's travel and residence culture.

> In-depth Understanding: Explore More Lakeside Resorts in China >> [Qiandao Lake, Zhejiang]

Natural creation - the ultimate stage of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake
The core charm of Shuanglong lies in the fact that it offers an invincible stage to enjoy the nineteen peaks of Cangshan Mountain and the vast blue waves of Erhai Lake.

The Soul of Water: Flowing Sapphire
- Sea View: Shuanglong is located on the northeastern shore of Erhai Lake, facing the main peak of Cangshan Mountain and the continuous mountain ranges. In any open area by the water in the town, one can see the magnificent picture of mountains and waters blending into one. The water color of Erhai Lake changes with the light, weather and seasons, from deep blue, dark green to light gold, and it is different at every moment.
Nanzhao Scenic Island: Located on the opposite bank of Shuanglong, it needs to be reached by boat. On the island, there are scenic spots such as the group sculpture of Sha Yimu and the Nanzhao Imperial Palace, which were built according to myths and legends. It is an excellent spot to overlook the entire panorama of Shuanglong Ancient Town, allowing you to take in the outline of the entire peninsula at a glance.

Poem of Light and Shadow: The Ritual of Sunrise and Sunset
- Sunset over the Golden Mountain: At dusk, the setting sun sets behind Cangshan Mountain, and the afterglow dyes the skyline and clouds in golden red and pinkish purple. Erhai Lake sparkles with light, making it the most romantic and photogenic moment of the day in Shuanglong. Yuji Island or the coastal boardwalk is the top choice for watching the sunset.
- Quiet Dawn: At dawn, Erhai Lake is shrouded in a thin mist. Distant villages and mountains are faintly visible. Fishermen's small boats start to move. The atmosphere is serene yet full of vitality. This is a moment exclusive to early risers and photographers.

Humanistic Craftsmanship: A Dialogue between Traditional Bai Ethnic Group and Contemporary Art
The architecture and space here tell how tradition coexists harmoniously with modern design.

Yuji Island: The core island of Shuanglong, surrounded by Erhai Lake on three sides. On the island, there are not only well-preserved traditional Bai ethnic residences but also the private courtyards of renowned artist Yang Liping, namely the "Sun Palace" and the "Moon Palace" (the "Sun Palace" has now been transformed into an art space and is open to the public). This is a window to catch a glimpse of the artistic atmosphere and luxurious reclusive life of Shuanglang.
Behind the bustling main street and coastal areas, there are still primitive Bai villages such as Dajianpang Village and Kanghai Village. Wandering through the winding stone-paved alleys, one can see the typical Bai ethnic gate towers and screen walls, as well as the local residents still in their daily lives, experiencing the bustling market atmosphere of Shuanglong.
- Coastal architectural complexes: From simple fisherman's inns to boutique hotels with a strong sense of design, the buildings along the coast themselves are a scenic line. They make the most of the landscape view, bringing the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake into the room through designs such as floor-to-ceiling Windows, terraces and infinity pools, creating a unique stay experience.
- Alleys and small shops: The main street (Ethnic Culture Street) is lined with shops selling ethnic costumes, silverware, tea, etc. In some side roads and alleys, there are independent designer clothing stores, handmade coffee shops, bookstores and galleries, which are worth exploring slowly.

Photography Secrets:
The viewing platform on Yuji Island is a classic spot for capturing the panoramic views of Erhai Lake, fishing boats and Cangshan Mountain.
The terrace or public area of the coastal inn (even if not a guest, some cafes are also open) is an excellent spot for combining portrait photography with lake views.
On the Huan Hai Dong Road from the ancient town to Wase, there are many bends and open areas, where you can take large photos of the road, Erhai Lake and the sky.
With a telephoto lens, the space can be compressed to capture a layered scene of ships on Erhai Lake and the overlapping Cangshan Mountain.

Five must-do things to Unlock a Complete Tour of Shuanglong
Stay at a waterside inn and enjoy a private view of the sea
The core: Choosing an inn with a waterside terrace or a sea-view room is the soul of the Double Corridor experience. Doing nothing but sitting on the terrace, reading books, drinking tea and daydreaming, watching the clouds roll by and time pass by, is the greatest enjoyment.
2. Ride around a section of Erhai East Road and chase the wind
Route: Start from Shuanglong and cycle south along the East Ring Sea Road to Wase Town. The sea view along the way is expansive and the scenery is picturesque.
- Experience: Rent an electric bike or bicycle and stop at any time to take photos, enjoying the breeze and freedom of Erhai Lake. This section of the road is hailed as one of the most beautiful sections along Erhai Lake.
3. Visit Yuji Island once and feel the pulse of art
- Experience: Climb up Yuji Island and visit the "Sun Palace" art space (reservation or consumption required), and feel the ingenious integration of architecture and nature. Sitting in the cafe on the island offers a unique perspective.
4. Wait for the sunset and the rosy glow to witness Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake
- Time: Check the sunset time of the day and find a good location half an hour in advance.
- Location: Yuji Island, the ancient town pier or the west-facing terrace of the inn where you are staying.
- Experience: Watching the setting sun paint the sky, clouds and Erhai Lake in a dreamy hue is a natural ritual that cannot be missed every day.
5. Taste a table full of delicious lake food and savor the flavors of the Bai ethnic group
Must-order dishes: Spicy and Sour fish (cooked with Erhai Lake fish), silver fish Scrambled eggs, Clay pot loach, seaweed stir-fried taro.
- Snacks: Baked milk fans, rice cakes. It is recommended to choose restaurants that locals often visit or home-style restaurants recommended by the inn butler.

Suggested tour route
One-day "Highlights Quick Overview" Tour (Suitable for Those with tight Schedules)
Arrive in the morning, check in or store your luggage → Walk to Yuji Island for a visit and enjoy the view from the island's viewing platform (1.5 hours) → Stroll along the coastal boardwalk and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery (1 hour) → Have lunch on the main street of the ancient town or at a lakeside restaurant and taste spicy and sour fish → In the afternoon, you can choose to take a boat tour to Nanzhao Scenic Island (1.5 hours) Or rent a car and ride a short distance along Huanhai East Road to the direction of Wase to enjoy the scenery (2 hours) → Return to Shuanglong, find a landscape cafe to wait and enjoy the sunset → leave after dinner.
IntoTravelChina Tips: This itinerary focuses on natural scenery and core landmarks, and is relatively relaxing. Please pay attention to safety and battery level when cycling around the sea.

Two-day "Deep Leisure Residence" Tour (Highly Recommended)
Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon and check into a carefully selected waterfront inn → Leisurely enjoy the private views in the inn, or stroll to Yuji Island and the ancient town's alleys for an initial exploration → Have dinner at the inn or the recommended restaurant → In the evening, you can sit at the bar or just gaze at the stars and listen to the waves on the inn's terrace.
Day 2: Sleep until you wake up naturally and enjoy breakfast at the inn. Then rent a car for a deep bike ride along the Ring Sea East Road, which can go all the way to Xiaoputuo or even further, and stop freely along the way to take photos (in the morning). Return to Shuanglong for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, experience Bai ethnic tie-dyeing or visit an independent designer's store. In the evening, wait for a perfect sunset over Erhai Lake again to bring the journey to a close.
This itinerary allows you to fully experience the essence of Shuanglong's "slow life" and completely relax your body and mind among the mountains and waters.
IntoTravelChina Advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodation for you, arrange the connection of all activities, and provide detailed hiking route maps and safety guidelines.

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina can offer you a private customized itinerary for a deep travel photography tour around Erhai Lake in Dali. With Shuanglong as the core, it connects the highlights of the lake such as Wuse, Xiaoputuo, and Haidong Lixiangbang. Professional photographers will follow you for shooting, and the most distinctive lakeside accommodation will be arranged. >> [Consult for Customization Now]

How to Get There: A Seamless Connection Guide
Shuanglong Ancient Town is located in the north of Dali City and enjoys convenient transportation.
From Dali Airport/High-speed Railway Station: The most convenient way is to take a taxi or book a pick-up service at the airport/station. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. You can also first take the airport bus or public transportation to Dali Ancient Town, and then transfer to a shuttle bus to Shuanglong.
- Starting from Dali Ancient Town:
- Shuttle Bus: At the east gate of Dali Ancient Town (near Fenghua Xueyue Hotel) or the North Passenger Station, take a minibus to Shuanglong. The journey takes about 1 hour.
- Taxi/carpool: About 40 to 60 minutes, more expensive but flexible.
- Cycling around the sea/Self-driving: Drive or cycle along the East Ring Sea Road. The scenery is excellent, but please pay attention to safety and the weather.
- Internal transportation: The core area within the ancient town is a pedestrian street, and vehicles are not allowed to enter. Luggage can be picked up and dropped off by an electric vehicle at the inn, but you need to explore on foot.

Best visiting time
Shuanglong has a mild climate and is suitable for all seasons, but the experience is slightly different.
The golden seasons of spring and autumn (March to May, September to November) : The weather is clear, the temperature is comfortable, and the lake water is deep blue. It is the best season for sightseeing and photography. In spring, there are flowers; in autumn, the sky is clear and the clouds are sparse.
- Summer (June to August) : It is the rainy season, with changeable weather, sometimes sunny and sometimes rainy. With abundant rainfall and lush vegetation, it's possible to see a rainbow. However, it is necessary to pay attention to sun protection and rain protection.
- Winter (December to February) : The weather is dry, with abundant sunshine and a large temperature difference between day and night. You can clearly see the snow on Cangshan Mountain. There are relatively few tourists, making it a good choice for escaping the cold and recuperating. However, the sea breeze might be quite strong.

Accommodation options
- Coastal Boutique Inns/hotels (the top choice for ultimate experience)
- Experience: Truly achieve "open the window and see the sea", with a private terrace or water-friendly area, unobstructed views, and strong privacy.
Suitable for: honeymoon couples, anniversary travelers, and tourists seeking ultimate views and a quiet environment. The price is relatively high and you need to make a reservation a long time in advance.
- Second-tier sea-view or distinctive design homestay (a cost-effective choice) :
- Experience: It may be located on a slope or in an alley. Some rooms or public areas offer a view of Erhai Lake. It has a strong sense of design and relatively high cost performance.
Suitable for: Most tourists who want to strike a balance between the view and the budget.
- Non-sea-view inns in the ancient town (Economy choice) :
- Experience: The price is reasonable. It only takes a few minutes to walk to the seaside, and you can better feel the local life atmosphere of the ancient town.
- Suitable for: Tourists or backpackers with limited budgets.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Suggestions
The sea-view rooms along the front line of Shuanglong are scarce resources, especially those inns with good views and excellent designs. During peak seasons, they are often fully booked. By booking through us, you can not only get real-time room status and genuine reviews, but also be precisely matched and reserved based on your specific needs (such as whether you require a terrace, whether you prefer a certain design style, and whether you have extremely high privacy requirements), ensuring that your residence by Erhai Lake is perfect and without regrets. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

Shuanglong is an artistic pearl where one can experience the scenery of Erhai Lake in person, and it is also an ideal starting point for traveling around Dali and exploring the charm of northwest Yunnan.
4-day Slow Spring Tour by Erhai Lake: This is a specially designed in-depth experience route by Erhai Lake for spring, perfectly combining the lake and mountain scenery, ancient town charm and rural flower fields. The itinerary can be planned as follows: Dali (as a distribution center) → Shuanglong Ancient Town (an art town by Erhai Lake and the sunset) → The eastern route around Erhai Lake (Xiaoputuo and Wise Town) → Xizhou Ancient Town (spring rape flower fields and Bai ethnic houses) → return to Dali. This route takes you from the peaceful sea view of Shuanglong within 4 days, and along Erhai Lake, you can enjoy the different spring scenes on both the east and west banks, immersing yourself in the slow-paced life of wind, flowers, snow and the moon. Check out the 4-day spring tour route around Erhai Lake in Dali

8-day Panoramic Tour from Kunming to Dali (Shuanglong), Lijiang and Shangri-La: This is a panoramic journey covering the golden tourist route of Yunnan, offering a one-stop experience of the magnificent epic of diverse ethnic cultures from plateau lakes to snow-capped mountains and canyons. The itinerary can be designed as follows: Kunming (Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake) → Dali (Shuanglong Ancient Town, around Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple) → Lijiang (Dayan Ancient Town, Yulong Snow Mountain) → Shangri-La (Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town, Pudacuo National Park) → Return to Kunming. This is a classic experience of Yunnan through the gradual change of altitude and culture, and Shuanglong will become the most unforgettable memory in your Dali chapter that is closest to Erhai Lake and full of artistic atmosphere. Explore an 8-day panoramic classic grand loop tour of Yunnan

The story of Shuanglong Ancient Town is about the alternation of fishing lights and starlight, about the dialogue between traditional villages and modern aesthetics, and more importantly, about everyone's inner yearning for a poetic dwelling that "faces the sea, with spring warmth and blooming flowers". IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating in-depth, personalized and worry-free travel experiences in China. Our travel experts can help you
- Tailor-made itinerary: Based on your interests and time, we design a perfect route around Shuanglong in Dali and the northwest of Yunnan Province, balancing the landscape, culture and vacation experience.
One-stop service: Handle accommodation with unique lake views, dedicated vehicles, boat tickets, event reservations and professional travel photography services.
Exclusive Experience: Arrange non-public time visits to Yuji Island, guidance to off-the-beaten-path viewing platforms, visits to Bai family homes, and private sunset dinners, etc.

Let your trip to Shuanglong be more than just taking photos and checking in. It will be a carefree journey to empty your mind and body, immerse yourself in the mountains and waters, and reignite your perception.
Start planning your journey right away
Welcome to contact our professional travel consultants. We will provide you with a customized itinerary plan and quotation within 24 hours. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]