Dali (大理) is a comparatively romantic place in Yunnan. The major inhabitants here is Bai ethnic group (白族) and they are deeply affected by the natural landscape including Cangshan Mountain (蒼山) and Erhai Lake (洱海). In Bai's acclaim, Dali is 'a land of the wind, flower, snow and moon' (風花雪月), which are part of the main theme of Bai group, and 'a town with the landscape of mountains and waters'. This main theme is also shown in the Bai's costume. You will see a picture of a Bai's girl, who is also our tour guide, wearing a hat called Baotou contains these four beauties of Dali. Please guess with your imagination!

Dali Old City (大理古城) had been the capital of ancient Nanzhao Kingdom (南詔王國, 738 - 991AD) and Dali Kingdom (大理國, 937 - 1255AD). The city was designed in chessboard pattern with 9 streets and 19 lanes. The south and north gates can still be seen clearly now.

The Three Pagodas of Chongcheng Temple (崇聖寺) have been the landmark of Dali for over 1000 years. The main pagoda was built at the reign of Quan Fengyou(823 - 859 AD). Two small pagodas was built in the period of Dali Kingdom.

Butterfly Spring (蝴蝶泉) is also a famous sightseeing point in Dali. You can find sakura bloom here. This is my first time to see sakura.

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