Deer Retreat: A Tranquil Hideaway in Dali Old Town

Deer Retreat: A Tranquil Hideaway in Dali Old Town (Dali Ancient Town Branch) Travel Journal: Finding a poetic retreat between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake Location: No. 125, Group 3, Yuexi Village, Dongmen Village Committee, Dali Town, Dali City Nestled outside the East Gate of Dali Ancient Town in Yuexi Village, Deer Retreat is like an untouched prose poem. Just a 10-minute walk from the bustling streets of the ancient town, it offers a serene escape. Backed by the misty Cangshan Mountain and facing the shimmering Erhai Lake, this retreat is hidden behind the white walls and blue tiles of Bai-style architecture, where a wooden door opens to a "second home" for travelers. Morning Awakening: Open the Window and Converse with Cangshan Awakened by the first rays of sunlight and birdsong, you open the wooden lattice window to see the nineteen peaks of Cangshan spread out like an ink painting. Mist lingers on the mountainside, seemingly within reach. In the courtyard, bougainvillea climbs over bamboo fences, hydrangeas droop under morning dew, and a stone path winds to the tea room. A Bai woman serves freshly baked flower pastries, their flaky crust infused with the fragrance of roses, paired with a pot of Pu'er tea, creating a tranquil moment. Photography Inspiration: - On the second-floor terrace, use Cangshan as a backdrop. Lean against the railing, letting the mountain breeze play with your hair, capturing natural moments. - Hold a cup of coffee and stroll through the courtyard. Use a telephoto lens to blur the floral background, emphasizing the harmony between the subject and the environment. Afternoon Leisure: Light and Shadow Play in a Bai Courtyard Deer Retreat preserves the "three courtyards and one screen wall" layout of Bai-style architecture, with intricate craftsmanship hidden in its eaves and brackets. In the afternoon, sunlight slants across the screen wall, creating flowing shadows like piano keys. Sit in a rattan chair in the courtyard, flip through a book, or chat about Dali's romantic scenery. Photography Inspiration: - Utilize the screen wall's light and shadow. Position the subject at the intersection of light and shadow, capturing the layers of light on their face. - Take close-up shots of tie-dye fabrics, highlighting the contrast between indigo patterns and white walls. Adjust post-processing to enhance a film-like texture. Twilight Secrets: Hidden Spots by Erhai Lake Though not directly by Erhai Lake, Deer Retreat offers "hidden perks" as the host shares lesser-known hiking routes. A 15-minute walk leads to a secluded wetland, where reeds sway in the breeze, Erhai sparkles in the distance, and Cangshan's reflection scatters like silver shards. At dusk, the sky transitions from pink-purple to deep blue, perfect for silhouette photography. Photography Inspiration: - Capture the subject walking towards Erhai with their back to the camera. Use a wide-angle lens to elongate their shadow, darkening the background in post-processing to highlight the subject. - Photograph the symmetry of water reflections and the sky, adding dynamic elements like birds or boats. Night Stay at Deer Retreat: Poetic Living Under the Stars At night, the retreat's lights glow warmly like fireflies. The rooftop star-viewing room is a favorite for couples or friends, allowing you to gaze at the Milky Way from bed. For a more grounded experience, gather around the fire pit, listening to Bai elders recount tales of "wind, flowers, snow, and moon." Roast a piece of milk fan cheese, its sweet and salty flavor a unique memory of Dali. Photography Inspiration: - Use a tripod in the star-viewing room for long-exposure shots of the starry sky and interactions with the subject (e.g., holding a lantern or gazing upwards). - Around the fire pit, use warm lighting to capture candid smiles during conversations, enhancing light and shadow contrasts in post-processing. Practical Tips: - Transportation: 30 minutes by car from Dali Airport. Contact the retreat in advance for airport pickup. - Outfit: Opt for light-colored cotton and linen dresses paired with ethnic accessories to complement the setting. Postscript: Spending three days and two nights at Deer Retreat feels like a dream you don't want to wake from. Here, there's no rush to check off popular spots, only mountain breezes, floral scents, tea aromas, and slowed-down time. If you're tired of cookie-cutter trendy retreats, come to Yuexi Village and let Deer Retreat be your exclusive memory of Dali. Address: No. 125, Group 3, Yuexi Village, Dongmen Village Committee, Dali Town, Dali City Booking: Search "Deer Retreat" on major homestay platforms Suitable for: Couples, friends, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking a deep experience of Dali's slow-paced life.