Dali: A Cycling Journey Through the Internet-Famous Fanxi Village

I set out on the road to Fanxi Village, a place that has recently gained fame for its "S-curve" - a lakeside path that has become a social media sensation along Erhai Lake. I've always been intrigued by these new tourist hotspots, and didn't need any local friends' invitation to make the trip. Fanxi Village isn't far from Dali Ancient City, about ten li away. The road starts flat, with lush green fields on both sides. Gradually, more tourists appear, walking in small groups, all heading in the same direction. By the time I reach Erhai Lake's edge at Fanxi Village, there are already quite a few visitors. I watch enviously as young couples and groups rent various bicycles and slowly ride along the famous S-curved cycling path. The morning mist hasn't fully cleared yet, casting a silvery-gray sheen on Erhai Lake's surface, with distant hills appearing faintly through the haze. Bicycle wheels creak softly against the wooden boardwalk, startling white egrets and wild ducks by the shore, their wings brushing the water surface, creating fleeting ripples on the calm lake. This S-curve became a popular photo spot because it perfectly captures Erhai's beauty. The cycling path follows the lake's natural curves, creating an elegant S-shape. Standing in the middle of the curve, you see the sparkling lake on the left, traditional Bai minority houses with white walls and gray tiles on the right, the distant Cangshan Mountains like painted eyebrows, and swaying reeds nearby. A young couple poses for photos at the prime spot near some old trees, with the girl in traditional Dali ethnic costume creating a vivid scene against the blue sky and clear waters. Chongsheng Temple's Three Pagodas, built during the Nanzhao period, stand in a triangular formation. The main Qianxun Pagoda, at 69.13 meters tall with sixteen tiers of dense eaves, glows a rustic beige in the sunlight against March snow on Cangshan Mountain. Xizhou Ancient Town offers a different atmosphere from Fanxi Village's artistic vibe, preserving more authentic Bai minority lifestyle. In Sifang Street, elderly locals play chess under big green trees, while colorful tie-dye fabrics hang in every alley. I spot a Bai grandmother at a street stall and raise my camera. She honestly says, "Buy my baba and you can take all the photos you want!" So I order some "Xizhou Baba," watching the dough rise over charcoal fire, releasing an enticing wheat aroma. Taking a bite of the crispy-outside, tender-inside baba while stealing glances at the Bai grandmother who must have been a beauty in her youth - this is the most authentic taste of Xizhou. Santorini Dali - "Ideal Town" is a blue and white hillside town with Mediterranean flair. White walls, blue domes, and winding stairs create perfect photo opportunities everywhere. From the highest viewing platform, you can see all of Erhai Lake. Fanxi Village's S-curve is visible in the distance, like a silver ribbon along the shoreline. Dali's charm lies in its perfect blend of historic sites, traditional village simplicity, and Instagram-worthy spots, where every turn might reveal a different view. Looking at Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, I suddenly understand: people can't forget Dali not just for its picturesque scenery, but because here, time passes slowly and beautifully.