Located on the northeast bank of Erhai Lake and backed by green mountains, Shuanglang Ancient Town is famous for its beautiful scenery, rich history and the unique culture of the Bai ethnic group and a variety of other folk cultures in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.
A sunrise is captured in the skies above Shuanglang Ancient Town in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. /CFP
The ancient town used to be a fishing village, where the Bai ethnic group settled and spent a thousand years gradually building up their homeland. Recently, more and more people have been attracted to the area by the stunning views surrounding this small village. Locals took the chance to turn the village into a popular tourist spot and present its wealth of history and culture.
An undated photo shows the beautiful scenery at Erhai Lake, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. /CFP
The landmark Ethnic Culture Street runs from the north to the south of Shuanglang Ancient Town. The 3,000-meter-long street featuring dozens of alleyways form a fishbone-shaped block in the ancient town, offering local delicacies, specialties, accommodation and supporting tourism facilities to visitors. Visitors can find many relics at the town, including the ancient Kuixing Pavilion which is a local sacrificial temple.
This small town also features a strong artistic vibe. Many shops sell local handicrafts and offer visitors the chance to discover local intangible cultural heritage items, such as the beautiful costumes of the Bai ethnic group and intricate local embroidery work. Many artists have set up workshops there as the location offers inspiration and a new way of life.
Chinese dancer and choreographer Yang Liping, the renowned "Peacock Princess," is an artist who has mastered the peacock dance thanks to her fluid movements and flexibility. The award-winning artist has performed over 1,000 shows and toured more than 30 countries and regions, gaining her a global reputation. Over her lifelong career, Yang has devoted her time to promoting the peacock dance and the traditional culture of the Bai ethnic group. She opened a workshop in the town to encourage people to learn about the dance and to create a performance space where she can interact with her fans.
An aerial photo shows the workshops of Chinese dancer Yang Liping and other artists at Shuanglang Ancient Town in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. /CFP
Visitors who come to the town can escape the hustle and bustle of a metropolis and enjoy a slower pace of life. Lakeside cycling is a popular way for visitors to appreciate the beauty of the town and its surrounding landscape. Visitors can also row across Erhai Lake to explore neighboring islands.