Discussing whether Dali is a substitute for Chiang Mai, do you agree?

Happy times are always fleeting, and it's been half a year since I returned to Chiang Mai. I've heard before that Dali is a substitute for Chiang Mai, so I specifically spent three months in Dali and really liked it, but I always felt something was missing. I came across several posts online discussing whether to choose Dali or Chiang Mai for a short-term stay, and since one is domestic and the other is abroad, there wasn't much to compare. However, with Thailand's recent visa exemption (which might become permanent), this topic has become worth discussing. Based on my personal experience, I'll help you analyze the pros and cons⭐️ 1⃣️ Climate☁️ The conclusion might surprise you, Dali's climate is far superior to Chiang Mai's. Chiang Mai is too hot, even now in January, I need to use air conditioning to sleep, and by March or April, it's unbearably hot, while Dali is especially cool in summer and not too cold in winter. Dali wins in air quality, as Chiang Mai suffers from smog during the burning season, which is well understood by those who have experienced it. 2⃣️ Scenery🌳 Speaking of natural scenery alone, Dali has the upper hand with its Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, and the poetic scenery of wind, flowers, snow, and rain is not just for show. Chiang Mai is relatively monotonous with just mountains, and its few lakes are very small compared to Erhai Lake (this refers to natural landscapes, if we include cultural arts, then Dali falls short, as I will explain below). 3⃣️ Cost of Living💰 For basic living, the two cities are similar. I spend about 2000-3000 per month on living expenses in both places, including rent, food (half-cooked), entertainment, etc. The convenience of domestic delivery and online shopping is also an advantage. (Some might argue this point, but I'm talking about everyday life, not comparing the costs of staying in luxury hotels and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants while traveling, which I will ignore). 4⃣️ Culture🎨 This is where Chiang Mai's charm lies. As an international 'big village,' it attracts people from all over the world, allowing you to experience a variety of different cultures. Additionally, Chiang Mai's artistic environment is excellent, with various craftsmen and artists. There are plenty of markets, and a myriad of events happen every year, never dull. Moreover, the people of Chiang Mai are generally more simple and honest, while Dali, well, hehe😂 5⃣️ Quality of Life💃 Chiang Mai wins hands down. As mentioned earlier, you can get by on two or three thousand a month, but if you want to live a bit more luxuriously, spending your days in a coffee shop and your nights clubbing, then the cost of living in Dali shoots up, while in Chiang Mai, you only need to spend a little more to live very comfortably (those popular spots in Dali are nothing compared to Chiang Mai). In conclusion, both places have their pros and cons, and language is also an unavoidable topic. If you're okay with English, then choosing Chiang Mai is the right decision. If you don't speak English and don't like socializing, then it's better to stay in China. Lastly, I have to complain that the public transportation in both places is terrible, and without your own means of transport, it's almost impossible to get around. Who would you pick for a short-term stay?