Meeting a Different Dali in Hai Dong Town
Though belonging to Dali, it carved its own path, and after thousands of years of time passing, it was much more low-key, even quirky, compared to other towns around it. This is Dali Hai Dong Town, a solitary existence that has quietly guarded the eastern coast of Erhai Lake for over a thousand years.
Compared to the nearby ancient city of Dali, it is slightly quieter and more elegant, with much less commercial atmosphere. It is the settlement of the Bai people, where most of the ancient Bai culture and traditional skills can be found.
Compared to the restlessness of Lijiang, it is less dusty; and compared to the solemnity of Tibet, it has a little more liveliness. It can only be said that this land has its own 'pure' stubbornness.
When you come to this Bai town, you should not rush to search for the 'hot spots' you have in mind, because this 'purity' – even if you just relax in a seaside hostel, basking in the sun and daydreaming – will feel beautiful.
Hai Dong Town has many hostels and hotels, but I most recommend 'Ideal Bang·Seascape No.1 Inn'. There, you can sleep in every day, naturally, even if the sun has already climbed onto your bed. Open the sheer curtains at the front of the large windows, brew a cup of coffee or tea, and lie down halfway on the private balcony, or just take a good book and let time pass.
If, you have leisure and elegance, and are planning to bathe in the sunshine on the Erhai coast, or cruise on Erhai Lake, then you can start from the inn, which takes only 3 minutes' walk to satisfy you. The inn is right next to the pier to Jinsho Island, which is 250-600 meters from the eastern coast of Erhai Lake. It takes 5 minutes by boat to reach the island.
Jinsho Island is the largest island in Erhai Lake and one of the famous attractions in Erhai Lake. When you step on Jinsho Island, you can enjoy the Erhai Lake scenery, the breeze blows cool, and you feel refreshed. In the distance, the mountains are covered in green, and the quiet fishing villages are nestled among them; nearby, the sea surface is dotted with silver sails, and seabirds play at your feet, and fishing songs linger in your ears. There are over 100 Bai fishermen on the northern side of Jinsho Island. The fishing village has a row of houses with Bai architectural features, with fertile fields and beautiful flowers, and green trees, which add a lot of scenery to Jinsho Island. When the smoke rises from the Bai houses, it's truly like being in a painting full of vitality.
In the Ming Dynasty, Li Yuan Yang once praised Jinsho Island:
Naturally, strange stones are like golden needles, wanting to weave silver waves on the water.
One tree of coral hides the seabed, the moonlight connects Zhong Yue.
The Southern Viet Nam Dynasty once built a retreat here and named it 'Shelly Water City'. Shelly Water City has red walls and yellow tiles, which is magnificent. At the same time, there are also a sea-view pavilion, a fishing platform, and a garden.
There are several caves on the island, and the longest one is over 500 meters, connecting the east and west coasts. Inside the cave, there are stalactites for viewing. The famous 'Dragon Palace' is also here.
