Dream lifestyles in Dali end in disappointment

Heavily in debt

Wang Yan, a businesswoman from Chengdu, capital of neighboring Sichuan province, moved to Dali in 2014. She is among thousands of newcomers who operate guesthouses around Erhai Lake, which offers stunning views that provide an escape from urban life.

The 50-year-old, who now wants to leave the city and return to her hometown, said her decision to operate guesthouses in Dali had turned out to be a mistake, as it had left her heavily in debt.

She ran a garment company in Chengdu before moving to Dali, and the annual revenue from this business was about 400,000 yuan. She and her family lived quite a good life, she said.

Like many of her peers, Wang was attracted by the scenery around Erhai Lake, and used her capital to open a lakeside guesthouse business by leasing land from local farmers to build her own premises.

In 2014, she invested 6 million yuan in an 18-room guesthouse in Shuanglang township close to the lake.

Her business enabled her to live her dream; every morning she opened the windows, breathed clean air, and the surroundings were often bathed in sunshine, with beautiful flowers dotting the lake as waterfowl paddled on the surface.

However, in 2017, the local government ordered all 2,400-plus hotels, guesthouses and restaurants around the lake to close until they had been checked and the authorities confirmed they had all the permits required.

With the tourism industry expanding rapidly in Dali, wastewater and garbage were often found being disposed of directly into the lake due to insufficient or dilapidated facilities on the shore, creating one of the lake's major sources of pollution.

Since October, a widespread environmental campaign has escalated and more than 1,800 lakeside properties within the protection zone - including 540 guesthouses - have been demolished.

As the premises Wang operated were within the protection zone, which lies within 15 meters of the shoreline, they were demolished, and she will be compensated by local authorities. However, Wang said she does not believe the money can make up for her losses.

She has debts of 3 million yuan - mostly borrowed from relatives and friends. She said she regretted moving to Dali to pursue an idyllic life.

While some are not happy that they moved, others are glad they made the transition from big-city life.

Yang Yi, 48, who operates a restaurant in Dali's ancient walled city, arrived eight years ago from Chongqing after falling in love with the city on a visit. He bought a house and settled down.

"I have traveled to a lot of places, both at home and abroad, but I was overwhelmed by the natural beauty of Dali, a place that can calm you. I feel this city is the most pleasant one I have been to, and it is where my heart is now," Yang said.

For decades, many tourists have fallen in love with Dali's beautiful weather, stunning mountains, lakeside scenery and vibrant ethnic culture.

The city has abundant sunshine and a mild climate all year round. Tourists can explore the old town, hike amid the clouds, cycle around the lake and enjoy bustling street festivals.

Before he settled in Dali, Yang worked for a bank in Chongqing, his hometown. After moving, he started a business selling hand-made traditional costumes of the local Bai people, one of the ethnic groups in China. Many people from the group live in communities in Dali.

A year after he arrived, Yang opened his small restaurant, which serves spicy Chongqing cuisine. He has developed a close relationship with his customers.

"I cook the food on my own for my customers, most of whom are tourists. When I serve them, I often sit and chat with them and listen to their stories," he said.

"In my spare time, I go with friends to climb Mount Cangshan, or cycle around Erhai Lake alone. This is exactly the life that I want to live - having no pressure, but inner peace and freedom."