Shuanglang(双廊) Village: China's Hidden Gem

Many of you may know of the tourist-thronging Lijiang in Southwest China's Yunnan Province. But few of you may have heard of Shuanglang Village. With poetic scenery and tranquil guesthouses, the small fishing village has become a favourite escape from urban living for those-in-the-know.

Shuanglang is a small town to the northeast of Dali and it has a honorable title: the most scenic town around Lake Erhai. This small town, or rather a fishing village, doesn’t have many sights to offer but it is no less charming due to that tranquil, slow-pace and peaceful life it leads. It is beautiful all year around. In spring, flowers come into blossom and temperature is comfortable. In summer, it is cool and a good place to beat the heat. In fall, there is very little rain and blue sky and white clouds can be seen every day. In winter, it is the heaven to soak up the warm sunshine.

In a sunny afternoon, it is ideal to treat yourself to a cup of coffee while getting seated lazily on a terrace overlooking the Lake Erhai. You couldn’t help noticing the blue at the intersection of the lake and sky is so much alike that there is no apparent horizon line. And when you are simply absorbed in the soothing tranquility of the pleasant moment, the breathtaking sunset scene suddenly catches your eyes. The setting sun generously casts its last rays on the surface of the water, lending it an orange tint.

Apart from this, you may also go fishing on a small boat with the villagers who live mainly on this or take a nice stroll around the village and the nearby small islands such as Yuji, Jinshuo and Small Putuo, which are also very scenic.

For over a thousand years, the local Bai Minority people here made their living fishing in the lake. But the past 10 years have brough in a change to life. The small tranquil village is now popular with visitors looking to unwind and enjoy a slower tempo.

Old alleys and traditional architecture make for pleasant wanders. And it's easy to take a boat out on the lake or just kick back and do very little.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Shuanglang village hugs the scenic Erhai lake. The weather here always seems perfect, making it a great retreat anytime of the year. It is also home to some of the most romantic boutique guesthouses in China. Baxun is the head of the village and the owner of the first guesthouse here.

There are more than 120 guesthouses now, offering much choice for a comfortable stay. Most face the lake and have decks providing breath-taking views.