Santorini of Dali – Lixiangban Ideal Town Resort in Dali

The Lixiangban Holiday Town (理想邦度假小镇) in Haidong Town (海东镇), Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省), is one of China’s most romantic destinations. With its whitewashed architecture, cliffside hotels, winding alleys, and panoramic views of Erhai Lake (洱海) and Cangshan Mountain (苍山), it has become widely known as the “Santorini of Dali (大理的圣托里尼)” or the “Eastern Santorini (东方圣托里尼)”.

Designed as a cultural, artistic, leisure, and tourism hub, the town combines European-inspired aesthetics with the natural grandeur of Yunnan. For many visitors, Lixiangban is not just a travel destination, but also a dreamlike escape full of romance, photography opportunities, and poetic lifestyle experiences.

1. Overview of Lixiangban

1.1 Location & Setting

Province: Yunnan (云南省)

City: Dali (大理市)

Town: Haidong Town (海东镇), Nan Village (南村)

Nearby Landmarks:

• Erhai Lake (洱海) – right by the lakeshore

• Cangshan Mountain (苍山) – to the west

• Dali Old Town (大理古城) – ~30 km away

• Dali Airport – ~12 km away

1.2 General Layout

The entire resort spans 220 acres and is divided into three zones:

Aegean-Style Architecture Zone – whitewashed houses and winding alleys reminiscent of Santorini.

Boutique Guesthouse Zone – personalized accommodations ranging from budget-friendly to luxury.

Cliffside Hotel & Commercial Zone – trendy hotels, shops, and cafés perched above Erhai Lake.

1.3 Key Features

Known for wedding photography, fashion shoots, and social media hot spots.

Offers panoramic views of lake and mountains from nearly every corner.

Architecture reflects both romantic European style and local Yunnan aesthetics.

2. Attractions & Experiences

2.1 Architectural Highlights

Whitewashed walls & earth-toned facades mirror the look of Santorini, but adapted to local landscapes.

Buildings are arranged in a tiered “stair-step” style, rising from the lakeshore up the hillside.

Glass-walled hotels create the feeling of floating above the water.

Arched doorways, blue-domed rooftops, and flower-covered balconies evoke Mediterranean romance.

2.2 Scenic Spots

Erhai Lake (洱海): Clear turquoise waters stretching endlessly eastward.

Cangshan Mountain (苍山): Snowcapped peaks forming a dramatic backdrop.

Golden Shuttle Island (金梭岛): A tiny island visible across the lake.

Sunrise & Sunset Points: The best time for photography and relaxation.

2.3 Photography Paradise

Nine-Bend Flower Street (九曲花街): Famous winding street filled with colorful flowers.

Staircase Alleys: White walls, arches, and bougainvillea for perfect Instagram shots.

Glass Spheres & White Table Spots: Popular with wedding photographers.

Sky Ladder Platforms: Terraces that seem to lead into the clouds.

2.4 Romantic & Cultural Experiences

Afternoon Tea with Views:

• Youshan Cave Seaview Afternoon Tea (悠山洞穴海景下午茶) – from ¥56/person.

• Gaiden Party Café (泊及 Gaiden Party) – from ¥80/person.

Cliffside Walks: Enjoy Erhai Lake breeze and mountain views.

Night Lights: At night, the lights of the town reflect in the lake, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

Cultural Fusion: A blend of Greek-inspired design with Yunnan’s natural serenity.

3. Suggested Itinerary

Morning – Explore the Alleys

Enter from the main gate and head upward along the staircases.

Stroll through Nine-Bend Flower Street, filled with blossoms and winding paths.

Take photos at arched terraces and bougainvillea-covered walls.

Afternoon – Tea & Relaxation

Choose a café or tea house with panoramic windows.

Visit small boutiques selling handicrafts and art-inspired souvenirs.

Rest in shaded courtyards while overlooking Erhai Lake.

Evening – Sunset & Night Views

Find a cliffside terrace for sunset views across Erhai.

Stay overnight in a boutique inn or cliffside hotel.

At night, enjoy the soft glow of lights reflecting over the water.

4. Travel Information

4.1 Getting There

By Car: 40 minutes from Dali Old Town, 15 minutes from Dali Airport.

By Taxi: Easy to reach; parking available (¥10/hour).

By Public Transport: Shuttle buses connect Xiaguan (下关) with Haidong (海东).

By E-Bike: Popular option for travelers circling Erhai Lake.

4.2 Entrance & Access

Entry: Free of charge; no tickets required.

Open Areas: Most alleys and viewpoints are accessible to all.

Hotels: Some private hotel areas are for guests only.

4.3 Best Visiting Tips

Time Needed: 3–4 hours for sightseeing, or 1–2 nights for full experience.

Best Seasons: Spring & autumn for clear skies; winter for snowcapped mountain views.

Clothing Advice: Light blue, white, or pastel tones look best in photos.

Practical Tips:

• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats – the UV is strong.

• A small power bank and mini flashlight are helpful for long photo sessions and evening walks.

5. Accommodation

Within Lixiangban

Songyun Banshan Boutique Seaview Hotel (大理松云半山精品海景酒店) – ~¥1200/night.

Bojie Seaview Resort Hotel (大理泊及海景度假酒店) – ~¥1200/night.

Yunshang Tianlai Hotel (云上天籁酒店) – ~¥1200/night.

Jiujian Wuhai Boutique Guesthouse (九涧無海精品民宿) – ~¥700/night.

Outside Lixiangban

Staying near Dali Old Town (大理古城) offers cheaper boutique inns (~¥300–500/night).

Recommended for travelers who want to combine sightseeing in both Dali Old Town and Lixiangban.

6. Why Visit the Santorini of Dali?

Santorini Vibes in China: No need to travel to Greece; similar whitewashed houses, tiered architecture, and romantic sunsets are right here in Yunnan.

Romantic Escape: Perfect for couples, honeymoons, or wedding photos.

Scenic Harmony: A rare combination of lake, mountain, and Mediterranean-style townscape.

Photography Hotspot: Nearly every corner is Instagram-worthy.

Cultural Fusion: A place where Eastern natural beauty meets Western aesthetics.