Located in Dali, Yunnan Province, China, Erhai Lake is the second largest plateau freshwater lake in China, formed about 180 million years ago.
It is not only a beautiful natural landscape, but also an important birthplace of Bai culture.
Hundreds of years ago, Erhai Lake was an important transportation hub for the ancient “Nanzhao Kingdom” and “Dali Kingdom”, and was once an important stop on the Silk Road leading to the southwest border.
Today, tourists can still feel the traces of that period of history in the Chongsheng Temple Pagoda, Taihe City ruins.
The Bai people have lived around the Erhai Lake for thousands of years, incorporating its natural beauty into their daily lives.
The villages still retain traditional houses, costumes and lifestyles, as if they were a living history museum.
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The natural and cultural charms of the Erhai Lake
Tranquil and beautiful scenery:
The lake of Erhai Lake is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the Cangshan Mountains on the other side. Each season offers different beauties, such as cherry blossoms in spring, golden rice paddies in autumn, and seagulls flying in winter.
Real Bai life:
in Xizhou Ancient Town, you can see traditional tie-dye cloth fluttering in the wind; in the streets, the fragrant Xizhou poi attracts every visitor; in Shuanglang, artists have transformed ancient homes into spaces full of modern design.
Romantic experience:
you can ride the road around the lake, watch the sunset, and listen to songs by the lakeside bonfire at night, Erhai Lake will impress everyone with its nature and culture.
Recommended Route for 3-day Lake Tour
Day 1: Haixi Culture Line (Combination of nature and history)
Route: Dali Ancient City → Panxi Village S-bend → Xizhou Ancient Town → Haiyue Park → Shuanglang Accommodation
Panxi Village S-bend: a popular place for taking photos and riding, with a lake and idyllic scenery.
Xizhou Ancient Town: learn about Bai architecture and culture, we recommend visiting the Blue Dyeing Workshop and the Corner House, and try the Xizhou Bapa (a Bai specialty snack with sweet and salty flavors).
Hai Tongue Park: a quiet wetland park surrounded by water on three sides, suitable for taking photos and relaxing, with a beautiful cafe “Hai Tongue Coffee”.
Day 2: Haidong Scenic Route (Combination of Nature and Art)
Route: Shuanglang → Deer Sleeping Mountain → Dug color pier → Xiao Putuo → Wenpen Village → Ideal State
Shuanglang: one of the most beautiful ancient towns on the Erhai Lake, with the art space “Sun Palace” right by the lake, perfect for watching the sunset.
Deer Reclining Mountain: a viewing platform on the cliff, a perfect place to take a panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.
Little Putuo: a small island in the lake with ancient temples and flying seagulls, full of Zen.
Ideal State: a white building modeled after the style of Santorini in Greece, great for photos.
Day 3: Lake and Mountain Riding Line (combination of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake)
Route: Shuang Lang → Huanhai East Road Riding → Luotuan Peninsula → Erhai Lake Park → back to the city
East Huanhai Road: start riding from Shuang Lang, all the way you can see the cliffs, reefs and lake scenery, very spectacular.
Luotuan Peninsula: you can climb up to the observation deck and look down on the entire Erhai Lake from a high place, the scenery is especially stunning.
Erhai Lake Park: a beautiful park in the city for walking and watching the sunset over the Erhai Lake.
Must-see Attractions
Dali Ancient City: Historic old town with a lively night market, handicraft market and bars.
Panxi Village S-bend: a nettlesome location for photo riding with pleasant scenery.
Xizhou Ancient Town: with rich Bai architecture, blue dye experience and recommended food.
Hai Tongue Park: a quiet wetland park suitable for photos and afternoon tea.
Shuang Lang Town: a place to watch the sunset and art hits, recommended to stay a night in a lake view B&B.
Xiaoputuo: you can see a large number of seagulls in winter, there are ancient temples on the island, suitable for short trips.
Ideal State: Santorini style white houses and blue pools, perfect for taking photos.
Recommended Experience Activities
Cycling around the lake: There are about 140 kilometers of cycling routes around the Erhai Lake, and the most recommended are the “Haixi Eco-Corridor” and the “East Huanhai Road”, which have extremely beautiful scenery.
Bai cultural experience: Try your hand at tie-dyeing in Zhoucheng Village; or join the March Street Fair, a large-scale traditional festival (March 15 of the lunar calendar every year) that includes horse races, songs, and food.
Camping under the stars: camping near Longshi Pier, watching the Milky Way, barbecuing Bai cheese “milk fan” and listening to locals play and sing.
Useful Travel Tips
Best time to visit: March-May is the flower season, and seagulls can be seen from November-February. Try to avoid the rainy season from July to August.
Transportation: After arriving at Dali Airport or High Speed Railway Station, you can rent a car and drive yourself. The eastern part of the Erhai Lake Ring has more curves, so chartering a car is recommended (about 300 RMB/day).
Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in Shuanglang Lake View B&B (e.g. “Between the Pines of the Moon”) or Xizhou’s Rice Field Inn (e.g. “Between My Countryside – Forest Dance and Bird Cries”).
Note: Many photo props around the lake (e.g. transparent ball, ladder) will charge 10-20 RMB, so please ask in advance; pay attention to safety when riding, especially on the Haidong Road.
Erhai Lake is not just a tourist destination, but more like an experience to slow down the pace of life and heal your body and mind. Here you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the quietness of the landscape.
hether you are a photography lover or a traveler looking for tranquility, Erhai Lake can heal you with its beauty.