Hidden Gardens That 99% of People Don't Know About

### **Dali "Ideal Garden" Travel Guide: A Dreamy Wonderland by Erhai Lake** Dali's "Ideal Garden" is a popular online destination in recent years, located in Santorini Ideal Land on the east bank of Erhai Lake, and is known as "Dali's Monet Garden." Built on a hillside and facing Erhai Lake, it brings together romantic scenes such as a sea of flowers, white steps, an infinity pool, and a cactus garden. Every shot is a blockbuster! This guide will take you through this dreamy garden. --- ## **📍 Basic Information** - **Address**: Haidong Town, Dali City, about 100 meters north of Dali Songyun SKYLINE Seaview Resort Hotel on Huanhai East Road - **Transportation**: - **Plane**: Fly directly to Dali Fengyi Airport, about 30 minutes by taxi - **High-speed train**: Arrive at Dali Station and take a taxi or bus (about 40 minutes) - **Self-driving/cycling**: You can visit the east line around Erhai Lake along the way, and the scenery along the way is beautiful - **Tickets**: CNY 68 per person (online ticket purchase may be more favorable) - **Best time to visit**: - **Season**: March–October (sea of flowers in full bloom, sunny weather) - **Time**: 9–11am or 3–5pm (soft light, fewer people and better photos) --- ## **🌺 Must-see Attractions** 1. **Meadow Flower Border** - The colorful sea of flowers on the plateau slope is like walking into an oil painting, suitable for taking French pastoral photos. 2. **Cloud Mirror (Baishuitai)** - The pure white terraced fields reflect the blue sky, like a fairyland, the Dali version of "Pamukkale." 3. **Infinity Pool** - "Connected" to Erhai Lake, take photos with a sense of island vacation, it is recommended to wear bright swimsuits. 4. **Iris Chapel** - Pure white building + arched porch, romantic wedding venue, popular wedding photo location. 5. **Cactus Garden** - Full of tropical style, with small wooden houses, take photos with a Mexican style. 6. **Gugu's Nest (Observation Deck)** - The highest point of the garden, overlooking Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, is beautiful at sunset. --- ## **📸 Photo Tips** ✅ **Dress Suggestions**: - Solid color long dress (white, red, and yellow are the most popular) - Accessories such as straw hats, woven bags, and sunglasses add to the atmosphere ✅ **Best Location**: - Overlooking Baishuitai (wide-angle lens is more shocking) - Edge of the infinity pool (shoot the "floating" effect from a low angle) - Flower Sea Path (running or catching a back view) ✅ **Props Recommendation**: - Transparent umbrella, bouquet, book (increase the sense of literature and art) --- ## **🍽️ Recommended Local Food** - **Ideal Land Cafe**: Order a cup of coffee and stare at Erhai Lake - **Haidong Town Restaurant**: Try Bai ethnic spicy and sour fish and Rushan soup - **Shuanglang Food**: Yang Liping Sun Palace Afternoon Tea (reservation required) --- ## **🚗 Recommended Itinerary** **Day 1: Ideal Land + East Line around Erhai Lake** - Morning: Take photos of the Ideal Garden - Afternoon: Stroll around Santorini Ideal Land - Evening: Watch the sunset in Wenbi Village **Day 2: Dali Ancient City + Xizhou** - Morning: Stroll in Dali Ancient City - Afternoon: Xizhou Rice Field + Tie-dye Experience --- ## **⚠️ Precautions** - Sun protection! The ultraviolet rays in Dali are strong, so it is recommended to use SPF50+ sunscreen + sun hat. - It is windy, wear a windproof thin coat (especially in autumn and winter). - Try to avoid holidays, otherwise you will have to wait in line for photos. --- ### **✨ Conclusion** "Ideal Garden" is the epitome of romance and dreams in Dali. Whether it is a couple, a girlfriend, or a parent-child tour, you can find your own fairy tale moment here. Take this guide and meet the sea of flowers and sunshine by Erhai Lake! **📌 More Dali Play Recommendations:** - Mao Mi Garden (over 10,000 square meters of private garden) - Mingli Commune (farm dinner + bonfire party) - Shaxi Ancient Town (the way Lijiang looked 20 years ago) I hope every day you spend in Dali is as beautiful as a garden! 🌸