Nestled between the majestic Cangshan Mountain and the shimmering Erhai Lake, the G348 East Ring Road is more than just a highway—it’s a golden ribbon weaving through Yunnan’s timeless landscapes. This route bridges Dali’s ancient heritage with its modern charm, where the legendary "Xiaguan Wind, Shangguan Flowers, Cangshan Snow, and Erhai Moon" converge into a living painting.
Travelers along this road are treated to breathtaking views: the glistening waters of Erhai Lake beside them, the 19 peaks of Cangshan Mountain towering ahead. Iconic landmarks like the ancient Dali Old Town, the mystical Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, the tranquil Xizhou Ancient Town, the romantic Ideal State, and the trendy Shuanglang Town all become effortlessly accessible thanks to this "tourist highway."
**A Road in Harmony with Nature** The G348 East Ring Road is no ordinary highway—it’s a model of sustainable tourism and a testament to human-nature coexistence. Over three years, the Dali Highway Bureau invested 22.99 million yuan in seven specialized projects, including road repairs and structural upgrades, treating 136,000 square meters of pavement damage. Environmental protection was prioritized, with eco-friendly techniques like cold-mix paving and pollution-free construction ensuring the road serves as an extension of Erhai Lake’s "ecological barrier."
Beauty here lies in the seamless blend of road and scenery. Guided by principles of "greening, enrichment, and aesthetics," the Dali government and highway bureau spent 98.18 million yuan planting 101,000 trees—including Yunnan cherry blossoms and jacarandas—alongside 1.6 million shrubs and 92,000 square meters of turf. The result? A 68-kilometer stretch of vibrant greenery framing the lake.
**Romance on the Road** Dawn on this route transforms the highway into a ribbon of poetry, where the morning mist of Cangshan meets Erhai’s ripples. Bai-style homes with white walls and upturned eaves dot the landscape, whispering tales of centuries past. By day, the snow-capped peaks mirror in the lake, while sunset paints Ideal State’s walls gold. Come night, moonlight bathes the water, weaving silver threads across the road—a scene that has captivated travelers for millennia.
**Tourism and Economy in Sync** Beyond its scenic allure, the G348 East Ring Road is a catalyst for tourism growth. Linking Erhai’s ecological corridor, Fengyangyi’s cultural courtyards, and Shaxi Ancient Town, it has become a "pearl necklace" of attractions. In 2023, Dali welcomed 61.97 million visitors, generating 108.53 billion yuan in revenue—a 74.69% and 123.77% surge from 2022, respectively. By mid-2024, arrivals hit 32.75 million, with revenues at 53.09 billion yuan.
"Business is booming," shared Mr. Zhang, a Shuanglang homestay owner. "The road’s upgrades—colorful guardrails, lush plantings—have drawn more tourists than ever."
**Safety Meets Scenery** Safety is paramount. The Dali Highway Bureau invested 12.09 million yuan in precision upgrades, installing 184 meters of A-grade wave barriers and 160 meters of Bm-grade ones. Its standout feature? 21,180 meters of five-colored cable barriers along lakeside stretches, blending safety with unobstructed views.
**A Cultural Tapestry** This road carries more than traffic—it bears the nostalgia of Dali’s "hometown culture." Traditional Bai villages, with their "three-room-one-screen-wall" architecture, line the route. The old town’s Ming-Qing grid layout and inscribed family mottos like "Farming and Reading Heirlooms" speak volumes of local heritage.
As Ming scholar Yang Shen once wrote, "The town sits between mountain and sea; towers rise above the clouds. Fragrance fills the road, intoxicating all who pass." Today, the G348 East Ring Road embodies this poetic vision—a bridge not just between places, but between reality and dreams.
In the coming years, Dali aims to transform its highways into economic and tourism assets, weaving a network that fuels rural revitalization and regional growth. Here, building a road means crafting a legacy—one where prosperity, beauty, and culture travel hand in hand.
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