Dali---A Wonderland on the Earth

09,2007 Editor:at0086| Resource:AT0086.com

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Dali's location between the Cangshan Mountain and the alpine lake-Erhai Lake, makes it one of the most beautiful and relaxing places in China. It is a great place to escape the congested traffic, stress, work and pollution. People in Dali seem to live in an ideologically isolated world and they keep their traditional way of lifestyle. They work from dawn to sunset, live in their traditional houses, celebrate their own festivals and never worry about being fired.

 
History

Historically, Dali was the political and cultural center of Yunnan and is therefore endowed with many cultural sites and historical heritage. The ancient town itself and the Three Pagodas, a religious site dating back to China's ancient Tang Dynasty over 1,000 years ago, are great evidence of the city's historical importance over centuries. The reflection of the three pagodas in the nearby lake is considered to be a most beautiful scene for photographers. Do not miss it, if you have a chance to visit.
 
Erhai Lake
Looking from the sky, you will find Erhai Lake is just like a crescent lying quietly between Cangshan Mountain and the Basin of Dali. Erhai Lake was created by the sinking of fault in the earths crust. The water is so clear that you can see the lake bed. Erhai Lake has been called the "flawless and beautiful jade lying among mountains" from the ancient times. Legend says that a very big jade cabbage grows on the sea bed and the clear water is in fact the jade fluid coming from the heart of the cabbage.
 
Cangshan Mountain
The Cangshan Mountain, also known as Dian Cang Mountain or Holy Golden Eagle Mountain, stands east to the Erhai Lake facing west to the Black Hui River. There are 19 major summits on the Cangshan Mountain, most of which have an altitude of over 3,500 meters. The stretching summits are like a sleeping dragon lying from north to south. One of the main summits, the Malong Peak, has an altitude of 4,122 meters, thus it is covered with snow all the year round. It is said that the snow will not melt even in the hottest days of summer.
 
Ancient Dali Town
Embracing Erhai Lake in the east and adjoining Cangshan Mountain in the west, Dali was first established in the early period of the Ming Dynasty. The magnificent towers, peaceful streets, historical riches, small but exquisite courtyards, colorful flowers, bring people back to an ancient time of serenity and peace.
 
The Three Pagodas
They are situated on the ruins of Chongsheng Monastery at a distance of one km in the northwest of Dali. In the time of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, Chongsheng Monastery was the largest in this area and the Three Pagodas were only part of it. Now the monastery has disappeared for long and what only remain are the Three Pagodas which stand magnificently like there giant swords piercing into the sky.
 
The Butterfly Spring
At the foot of Yunnong Peak of the Cangshan Mountain there is the Butterfly Spring. In late Spring and early Summer, a host of butterflies dance above the water and chase each other around the red plum trees and the with pavilions and mansions around. All these add to the charm of the Butterfly Spring. "Wuduo Jinhua"(The Five Golden a film screened in the Flowers), 1960s, featured this scenic spot and made it more famous.
 
Throughout its years of development, local endeavors for advancement have been rewarded with a great rise in area living standards. Nowadays, Dali is a tourist destination replete with every convenience in transportation and public facilities, making it accessible for visitors from home and abroad.
 

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