Rebirth: My roommate and I saved up half a month's pocket money for a trip to Dali.

Ever since starting college, I've been dreaming of visiting Dali, and finally, we had the time to make it happen. My roommates and I planned the trip in advance and did tons of research. We visited many places, and today we arrived at Niu Street Town, famous for its hot springs. Here, we discovered a hidden gem of a guesthouse! Initially, we thought combining hot springs and surfing would be expensive, but after splitting the cost, it turned out to be super affordable—perfect for students! As soon as we reached the entrance, we were amazed—the newly renovated courtyard was spotless, without the musty smell of old guesthouses. With wooden swings and colorful string lights hanging around, we immediately dropped our backpacks and started taking group photos. Our social media posts instantly got over 20 likes! The room was a four-person setup with two bunk beds, surprisingly spacious. The highlight? It came with a private hot spring pool! After finishing our homework (yes, we brought assignments to work on), the four of us squeezed into the pool, chatting about our courses and venting about professors. The water temperature was perfect—not too hot—and left our skin feeling silky smooth, saving us the need for hand cream. The sulfur spring was absolutely divine! The next day, we went surfing. It was our first time trying out surfboards, and the coach, seeing we were students, generously offered extra free teaching time! My roommate Xiao Wang fell off the board three times, making us laugh until our stomachs hurt, only to realize we were even worse when it was our turn! Eventually, we managed to stay balanced for a few seconds, and the four of us posed with our surfboards for goofy yet joyful group photos. In the afternoon, we visited the public sulfur hot spring pool. The water had a faint milky white color, and under the sunlight, it looked stunning! We brought a selfie stick and went crazy filming videos, even joining other student tourists for a playful water fight—it felt so natural and fun. Nearby, there were smaller soaking pools with fewer people, perfect for dipping our feet while chatting about summer plans. The breeze made it all the more relaxing. By evening, we opted for paid barbecue at the camping courtyard, and after splitting the cost, it was just a few dozen yuan per person! The sizzling pork belly and chicken wings were mouthwatering, and the owner even treated us to free sour plum juice. We ate, played Werewolf, and as night fell, the string lights in the courtyard lit up, creating the perfect ambiance. Tips: 1. Students can carpool to save half the cost compared to taking a taxi. 2. Go surfing after 3 PM for fewer crowds and less sun exposure. 3. Bring some snacks to share with your roommates—it’s super fun! Students visiting Dali, this is the place to stay! Affordable and fun, it’s the ultimate way to create unforgettable memories with your roommates! Siloah Luxe Natural Sulfur Hot Springs • Tidal Surfing Camping • Ocean-Themed Smart Hotel (Niu Street Branch)