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Erhai Lake Facts & Map
Chinese name: 洱海
Location: Northwestern part of Dali City, Yunnan Province
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, especially spring and autumn
Recommended Duration: Half-day to one day
Opening Hours: All day
Ticket Price: 30 yuan
Popular Ways to Explore: Boat cruises, cycling, public transportation, hiking
Top Attractions: Xizhou Village, Zhoucheng Village, Shuanglang Ancient Town, Nanzhao Fengqing Island
Erhai Lake, located in the northwestern part of Dali City, is a superstar attraction in Dali. Resembling an ear in shape, it stretches from north to south and is narrow from east to west. Covering an area of 250 square kilometers, Erhai Lake is the second-largest plateau lake in China. However, what truly sets Erhai Lake apart is its stunning mountainous surroundings. Nestled between Cangshan Mountain and Jizu Mountain ranges, the combination of mountains and water creates breathtaking scenery.
Erhai Lake is also steeped in rich mythology and folklore passed down by the Bai ethnic group who reside in the region. According to legend, a giant dragon caused floods, but the villagers built temples to appease the dragon's anger, leading the floodwaters to recede and revealing the sparkling Erhai Lake. These legends add a fascinating layer to the experience of visiting Erhai Lake.
Top Attractions & Things to Do in Erhai Lake, Yunnan
Dali Erhai Lake is a stunning natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over. Its top attractions are concentrated along the eastern and western shores. On the east, you'll find the ancient town of Shuanglang and picturesque islands like Nanzhao, Putuo, and Santorini. The western bank offers serene lakeside views and charming rural villages. At the southern tip, Erhai Park provides a breathtaking vantage point. With its natural beauty and cultural treasures, Erhai Lake is a must-visit destination in Yunnan.
West of Erhai Lake: Xizhou & Zhoucheng Village, Ecological Corridor
A dual delight of Yunnan's nature and culture! The western shore of Erhai Lake offers captivating Bai ethnic villages, making it an ideal destination to explore local culture, life, architecture, and the art of tie-dye. The most famous villages in this area are Xizhou Village and Zhoucheng Village. For nature enthusiasts, the Haixi Ecological Corridor will take you up close to Erhai Lake, where you can enjoy the beauty of the lake, its wildlife, and plants in a leisurely and relaxed manner.
Xizhou Village: Experience Bai Ethnic Daily Life
Xizhou Village (喜洲村) is an ancient Bai ethnic town with a history of over 1,000 years and is a must-visit destination for tourism around Erhai Lake and Dali. For visitors interested in the architectural heritage of Yunnan's ethnic minorities, don't miss the opportunity to explore the over 100 well-preserved Bai ethnic residential buildings that date back to the Ming Dynasty.
Xizhou Village is also an excellent place to experience the daily life of the Bai people. Start your exploration of their daily life from Xizhou's morning market, which can be considered one of the largest in Dali. Taste the extraordinary Three-Course Tea at Baochengfu and Yan's Compound, where the first cup is bitter, the second cup is sweet, and the third cup is memorable. Take a stroll through the center of Xizhou Town, Sifang Street, and experience the lively local life.
Zhoucheng: Try Traditional Tie-Dye Art
Want to try the fascinating art of tie-dye? Zhoucheng Village (周城村), located about 7 kilometers from Xizhou Ancient Town, is the perfect place for you. It is the birthplace of tie-dye art, and the streets are adorned with colorful and diverse tie-dye works. Why not step into a small shop and personally dye a piece of canvas?
Ecological Corridor: Serene Pathway
The Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor (海西生态廊道) in Haixi is a paradise for nature lovers and a place of tranquility for the soul. The full length of the Haixi Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor is about 50 kilometers, from Xiaguan Yangnanxi to Haishe Park, including famous attractions such as Sansheng Island, Caicun, and Haishewei Park. Here, you can admire the beautiful Erhai Lake up close, as well as the distant Cangshan Mountains. The crystal-clear lake, adorable seagulls, lush green grasslands, and azure sky await you.
Typically, popular cycling trips around Erhai Lake often take place in this section.
East of Erhai Lake: Shuanglang Town and Beautiful Island
Shuanglang Town - A Lakeside Paradise
Shuanglang Town (双廊古镇) is where romance meets the breathtaking beauty of Erhai Lake. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and bordered by water on the other, this town offers breathtaking views of the lake. A charming cobblestone road runs through the town, with hidden alleys leading to the lakeside at regular intervals. Hence, there are numerous seaside accommodations in this area, attracting tourists to stay here and enjoy the scenic views of the sea.
The southern part of Shuanglang Town is especially captivating, with a waterfront promenade adorned with vibrant flowers. The sunlight dances on the lake's surface, creating an enchanting and picturesque sight.
While exploring Shuanglang Town, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Sun Palace and Moon Palace, which belong to the renowned Chinese dancer, Yang Liping. Remember to make an appointment one day in advance to experience the artistic beauty within these establishments. For a panoramic view of Shuanglang Town, head to the Shuanglang Coastal Road Viewing Platform and marvel at the entire ancient town spread out before your eyes.
Beautiful Islands: Nanzhao Folk Island, Little Putuo Island & Jinsuo Island
On the eastern side of Erhai Lake, 3 captivating islands are waiting to be explored: Nanzhao Folk Island, Putuo Island and Jin Suo Island. To reach these islands, you can hop on a boat from the pier and embark on an exciting island adventure. Among them, Nanzhao Fengqing Island is the most popular choice for boat trips on Erhai Lake.
Nanzhao Folk Island (南诏风情岛) is known as one of the most enchanting islands on Erhai Lake and is often referred to as the "Island of Love." Just a short 5-minute boat ride away from Shuanglang Town, this island offers a glimpse into traditional Nanzhao architecture and captivating ethnic dance performances.
Putuo Island (小普陀岛), although the smallest of the islands, is a favorite spot for photography tours in Yunnan. Located near Nanzhao Fengqing Island, its temple houses a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva and is a site of vibrant incense rituals. When the mist rolls over the lake, Putuo Island transforms into a mystical wonderland. While you can choose not to disembark, taking a boat trip around the island is the most popular way to experience its beauty.
Jin Suo Island (金梭岛) provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local way of life, witnessing fishing activities and exploring the Dragon Palace, all away from the commercialization found elsewhere.
South of Erhai Lake: Erhai Park (Best View Point Of Erhai Lake)
Craving panoramic Erhai Lake views? Head south! Erhai Park (洱海公园), nestled on Tuan Mountain, offers the undisputed best vantage point. Hike to the peak and be mesmerized by the lake's shimmering expanse framed by the majestic Cangshan Mountains. The Wanghai Tower (望海楼) offers the highest viewpoint where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding buildings and the southern part of Erhai Lake. It is an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts to capture breathtaking shots.
Explore Erhai Lake By Cycling – Best Way to Explore Erhai Lake
If you're looking for an amazing adventure in Yunnan, China, consider taking a bike ride around the stunning Erhai Lake. It's a popular choice among locals and travelers alike to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of this enchanting lake.
The cycling path around Erhai Lake is well-established and covers a distance of about 126 kilometers (78 miles). It's the perfect opportunity to soak in the serene atmosphere and discover the hidden gems along the lake's shores. It's often recommended to go clockwise for a smoother ride with fewer uphill challenges. With a leisurely pace, you can complete the entire circuit in just 1-2 days, giving you plenty of time to explore the picturesque surroundings.
Route 1: Cycling along the Western Bank of Erhai Lake (50km, 4 h)
Dali Ancient City - Longkan Pier - Cai Village - Xizhou Village - Haishe Park - Zhoucheng Village
If you're looking for a more relaxed and leisurely cycling experience, the Haixi route is the way to go. It's about a 50-kilometer ride along the Haixi Ecological Corridor, taking around 2-4 hours, depending on your pace.
Kick off your ride in the early morning from Dali Ancient City and catch the stunning sunrise at Longkan Pier. Along the way, you'll pass by Dali's iconic Three Pagodas and Cai Village. Take a break in the charming Xizhou Ancient Town and Haishen Park, and wrap up your adventure by exploring the fascinating Zhoucheng Village.
Route 2: Cycling around Erhai Lake (126 km, 10 hours)
For adventure enthusiasts, embarking on a 126-kilometer, 10-hour cycling journey around the entire Erhai Lake allows you to deeply explore its beauty. You can take on this challenge in a single day or split it into two days.
Day 1: Ride along the western coast (Dali Ancient City - Longkan Pier - Cai Village - Xizhou Village - Haishe Park - Zhoucheng Village - Shuanglang Town).
Day 2: Explore the eastern side (Shuanglang Town - Wase Town - Jinsuo Island - Haixi Village Highway - Dali Old City).
Erhai Lake Cruise – Relax Way to Enjoy Erhai Lake
Taking a boat cruise is a popular way to explore the scenic beauty of Erhai Lake in Dali. You can board the boats at Dali Port, Shuanglang Pier, and Xigui Temple Pier to indulge in the unparalleled views of Erhai Lake. The duration of the boat trips varies depending on the route you choose, typically ranging from 1 to 3 hours.
The 3-hour cruise from Dali Port to Shuanglang Pier, which connects the northern and southern parts of Erhai Lake, is particularly popular. For time-constrained visitors, the Dali Port and Shuanglang Port round trips offer more frequent departures.
Moreover, some boat cruises offer the opportunity to taste the Bai ethnic group's three-course tea, enjoy captivating ethnic dance performances, and visit Nanzhao Fengqing Island. These colorful onboard activities will provide you with an unforgettable experience on the Erhai Lake cruise.
Dali Port Address: 59 Erhai South Road
Shuanglang Pier Address: Shuanglang Ancient Town Scenic Area
Xigui Temple Pier Address: Intersection of Huanhai West Road and Jinxi Road
| Cruise Route | Time | Duration | Price (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dali Port - Nanzhao Folk Island - Shuanglang | 9:00 - 12:00 | 3 h | 142 |
| Shuanglang - Nanzhao Folk Island - Shuanglang | 10:30 - 11:30 | 1-1.5 h | 218/288 |
| 14:00 - 15:30 | |||
| 16:00 - 17:00 | |||
| 19:00 - 20:00 | |||
| Round trip to Dali Port | 11:30 - 12:30 | 1 h | 120/142 |
| 13:30 -14:30 | |||
| 15:00 - 17:00 | |||
| Shuanglang - Nanzhao Folk Island - Dali Port | 15:00 - 18:00 | 3 h | 142 |
Erhai Lake Bus – A Good Choice for an Alternative
You can hop on the double-decker Erhai Lake Bus for a convenient tour around the lake, allowing you to explore different towns and attractions along the shores. The buses operate about from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, with departures every half an hour to an hour.
The Erhai Lake Bus has set up 13 stations along the lake's route, including Dali Ancient City, Yangnanxi, Dali Port, Erhai International Eco-City, Ideal City (Santorini)/Jinsuo Island, Luoquan Peninsula, Wenbi Village, Baimaxi Coast, Xiaoputuo, Shuanglang Ancient Town, Cang'er Garden, Xizhou Ancient Town, and Butterfly Spring Park. You can hop on and off at any of these stations (note: it's unlimited!).
The Erhai Lake Bus offers both 24-hour and 72-hour cards, which provide the same benefits but differ in duration:
- 24-hour card: 88 yuan/person if purchased on the same day, 78 yuan/person if purchased one day in advance.
- 72-hour card: 138 yuan/person if purchased on the same day, 118 yuan/person if purchased one day in advance.
Best Time to Visit Erhai Lake, China
No matter when you choose to visit, Erhai Lake offers natural beauty and a serene atmosphere that makes it a delightful destination, providing a charming experience throughout the year.
The best time to explore Erhai Lake is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and pleasant. In spring, from March to May, you'll witness vibrant flowers and lush greenery, while autumn, from September to November, offers stunning fall foliage and clear skies. These shoulder seasons provide ideal conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and lake tours.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, traditional festivals of the Bai ethnic group such as the Torch Festival in June and the Shibao Mountain Music Festival in August provide excellent opportunities to visit Erhai Lake. Witnessing these vibrant cultural events can truly enrich your understanding of the region.
Best Time to Visit Dali: Dali Weather, Climate & Travel Tips
How to Get to Erhai Lake, Dali
By Air
Dali Airport (DLU) serves as the primary gateway to Erhai Lake. Located just 20 kilometers from the ancient city of Dali, the airport offers direct flights from major cities within China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming. Upon arrival, you can easily reach Erhai Lake by taxi, private car, or shuttle bus.
By Train
Dali Railway Station connects to Kunming, the provincial capital, via a Yunnan high-speed rail line. The journey takes about 2 hours, offering scenic vistas of the Yunnan countryside. Once you arrive at Dali Railway Station, taxis, private cars, and public buses are readily available to transport you to Erhai Lake.
By Bus
Intercity buses connect Dali to various cities within Yunnan, including Kunming, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. The bus ride from Kunming to Dali takes around 4 hours, while the journey from Lijiang is about 6 hours. Upon reaching Dali, you can easily transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach Erhai Lake.
Kunming to Dali Train (Bullet Train): Schedules, Tickets & Price
Within Dali
Once you're in Dali, getting to Erhai Lake is a breeze. The ancient city and the lake are just a short distance apart, and various transportation options are available:
Taxi: Taxis are abundant in Dali and offer a convenient and comfortable way to reach Erhai Lake. The fare from the ancient city to the lake is typically around 10-15 yuan (approximately $1.50-$2.00).
Public Bus: Public buses are a budget-friendly option for reaching Erhai Lake. Bus routes 3, 4, 8, and C2 connect the ancient city to various points around the lake. Tickets cost around 2-3 yuan (approximately $0.30-$0.50).
Bicycle: Renting a bicycle offers a fun and eco-friendly way to explore Dali and the surrounding areas. You can cycle from the ancient city to Erhai Lake in about 30-45 minutes, enjoying the leisurely pace and the picturesque scenery along the way.
Private Car: If you prefer the flexibility and comfort of your vehicle, you can rent a car in Dali. Driving to Erhai Lake takes around 15-20 minutes from the ancient city.
How to Plan a Dali Erhai Lake Tour
Combining a visit to Erhai Lake with other notable attractions in Dali creates an enriching and well-rounded travel experience. With three days, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical charm of the region. Here’s a detailed three-day itinerary to help you make the most of your Dali adventure:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Dali Ancient Town
Day 2: Discover the Beauty of Erhai Lake
Dedicate this day to exploring the captivating Erhai Lake. Begin with a leisurely boat ride, which allows you to appreciate the lake’s expansive beauty and the surrounding mountain vistas. Afterward, rent a bike and cycle along the scenic trails that hug the lake’s edge, passing through charming fishing villages and lush landscapes. Visit the Butterfly Spring Park and the serene Jinsuo Island to experience the local flora and fauna. End the day with a visit to the fishing village of Shuanglang, known for its artistic vibe and stunning views.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion in Xizhou and Zhoucheng
Delve deeper into the Bai culture by visiting Xizhou, a village famous for its well-preserved Bai architecture and vibrant markets. Explore the traditional Bai homes and learn about their unique customs and traditions. Continue to Zhoucheng, renowned for its traditional tie-dye techniques. Participate in a hands-on workshop to create your own tie-dye masterpiece, which makes for a memorable souvenir. This day will provide a deeper understanding of the local culture and crafts, enriching your overall experience.
How to Plan a Trip to Dali, Yunnan (2024/2025)
Extending Your Journey to Other Yunnan Destinations
To fully appreciate the diverse attractions of Yunnan, consider extending your trip to include other major destinations such as Kunming, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. A 6-8 day trip covers the highlights, while a 10-12 day itinerary allows for a more immersive exploration, including visits to the Yuanyang Rice Terraces and Xishuangbanna.
Kunming (1-2 days)
Start in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, known as the "Spring City" for its pleasant climate. Explore the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site with towering karst formations. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Dianchi Lake and take a leisurely stroll through Green Lake Park, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss the bustling Flower and Bird Market for a taste of local life.
Lijiang (2-3 days)
Next, head to Lijiang, famed for its ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Lijiang Old Town, visit the picturesque Black Dragon Pool, and take a side trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for breathtaking views and a chance to experience the local Naxi culture.
Shangri-La (2-3 days)
In Shangri-La, explore the majestic Songzanlin Monastery, often referred to as the "Little Potala Palace." Discover the natural beauty of Pudacuo National Park, with its pristine lakes, meadows, and forests. The old town of Dukezong offers a glimpse into Tibetan culture and history, while Napa Lake provides a tranquil natural retreat.
Optional Destinations:
Yuanyang Rice Terraces (1-2 days): Visit the Yuanyang Rice Terraces for spectacular views and an insight into the traditional agricultural practices of the Hani people. The terraces are particularly stunning and provide excellent photo opportunities.
Xishuangbanna (2-3 days): Journey to Xishuangbanna to experience its tropical climate and rich biodiversity. Explore the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, visit Dai minority villages, and enjoy vibrant cultural performances and markets.
How to Plan a Trip to Yunnan: 10 Easy Steps (2024/2025)
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Explore Dali, Yunnan
Travel to Dali with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty and rich culture of Yunnan. As a trusted travel partner with over a decade of experience in the region, AOT offers a wide range of customizable Dali tour packages to cater to the preferences of every traveler. Whether you're seeking a family adventure, a romantic getaway, or a deep dive into the history of Dali and Bai minority culture, AOT has the expertise to create the perfect itinerary for you.
Popular Attractions: Ancient Dali Town, Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake, Xizhou Village
Tour Packages: Dali Tour, Kunming Dali Tours
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Asia Odyssey Travel and explore the beauty, culture, and warm hospitality of Dali. Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation.
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