Coming to Dali, don't miss the Dali International Hotel and experience its amazing views

## **Dali International Hotel: A Time Capsule by Erhai Lake** When I arrived at Dali International Hotel, it was dusk. The sunset's glow bathed the hotel's cream-white exterior walls, casting a soft golden hue that complemented the shimmering waters of nearby Erhai Lake. The hotel's architectural style blends the traditional Bai minority "three courtyards and one screen wall" layout with modern minimalist lines, preserving ethnic charm while maintaining an elegant international character. ### **Lobby: The First Breathtaking View Between Mountain and Lake** Pushing through the revolving glass doors, I was greeted by a nearly ten-meter-high lobby where massive floor-to-ceiling windows framed Erhai Lake like a moving painting, with distant Cangshan Mountain faintly visible in the twilight. Front desk staff dressed in Bai-style uniforms offered warm smiles and a welcome drink—local specialty rose honey tea with a subtle floral fragrance that instantly soothed my travel fatigue. One side of the lobby displayed Bai tie-dye crafts and silverware, while the other featured an open book bar focusing on travel, art, and Yunnan culture. I casually picked up "Dali Almanac," settled into a window-side sofa, and could faintly hear the waves of Erhai Lake—time seemed to slow down here. ### **Guest Rooms: Dreams Cradled by Erhai Lake** I stayed in a deluxe lake-view room, and upon opening the door, I was stunned by the view—through floor-to-ceiling windows, Erhai Lake was just steps away, with sunlight scattering across the water like millions of diamonds. The room featured cream and light wood tones, complemented by Bai-style embroidered cushions and handwoven carpets—comfortable yet culturally rich. The high-quality Egyptian cotton bedding felt like sleeping on clouds. The bedside table held a smart control panel for one-touch adjustment of lights, curtains, and air conditioning. Most delightful was the bathtub facing Erhai Lake, allowing me to soak while watching distant fishing boats, as if immersed in a traditional ink painting. ### **Dining: Dali on Your Palate** The hotel's **"Erhai Pavilion" Chinese restaurant** specializes in Yunnan cuisine, with chefs combining local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. I recommend trying the **matsutake mushroom steamed chicken** and **Dali spicy and sour fish**—rich, flavorful dishes with a lingering aftertaste. The breakfast buffet offers diverse options, including Western breakfast staples alongside authentic local snacks like **Xizhou baba**, **milk fan**, and **ersi noodles**, introducing Dali's flavors from early morning. The **rooftop Sky Bar** is perfect for evenings. I ordered a cocktail made with Cangshan snow tea, sat on the terrace with Erhai's night breeze gently blowing, gazed at the stars above, and glimpsed the distant twinkling lights of the ancient town—utterly romantic. ### **Facilities and Services: Warmth in the Details** The hotel's infinity pool is a highlight—designed to visually merge with Erhai Lake, creating the illusion of swimming toward the lake when you reach the edge. The gym features premium equipment with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Cangshan Mountain, making you feel like you're running through the mountains. The hotel staff's attitude is refreshingly warm. Whether it's the concierge helping plan routes around Erhai Lake or housekeeping staff leaving handwritten cards and goodnight sweet soup during turndown service, everything makes you feel completely at home. ### **Conclusion: A Dream You Don't Want to Wake From** My two days at Dali International Hotel felt like an immersive vacation experience. It's not just accommodation but a space-time station connecting Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, allowing guests to touch Dali's authentic soul while enjoying modern comforts. Upon departure, the front desk presented a small gift—a handcrafted tie-dye coaster embroidered with the "wind, flower, snow, and moon" pattern. I believe this captures Dali's charm, which Dali International Hotel perfectly embodies.