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One of the most popular scenic spots near Erhai Lake, Caicun Wetland Park offers stunning views from both the front and back, including sunrise and sunset. Located west of the lake, Caicun Wetland Park boasts Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, along with irreplaceable pastoral scenery. Here, you can ride a local bamboo raft and experience the true beauty of being surrounded by mountains and water.
Attraction Location: Caicun Village (才村), northwest shore of Erhai Lake (洱海), Dali (大理), Yunnan Province, China
History: Caicun Village is one of the oldest Bai ethnic villages on the shore of Erhai Lake. The wetland was formed naturally due to the lake’s ecosystem and later developed into a scenic wetland park to protect the ecology of Erhai and provide a peaceful sightseeing and photography spot for visitors.
Architecture: The park itself has no traditional architecture, but nearby Caicun Village retains Bai-style houses with white walls, black tiles, and decorative murals, blending natural wetlands with cultural scenery.
Cultural Value: The area reflects the Bai ethnic group’s harmonious relationship with Erhai Lake. Fishermen, traditional boats, and village life along the wetlands give visitors a glimpse into authentic local culture.
Other Information: The wetlands are particularly famous for sunrise and sunset views over Erhai Lake, making it a hotspot for photographers and nature lovers. During winter, migratory birds can also be observed here.
Opening Hours: Open all day (24 hours, free access)
Ticket Price: Free
Best Photo Spots: Lakeside wooden paths and piers, fishing boats on the water, sunrise over Cangshan Mountain (苍山), sunset reflecting on Erhai Lake.
Time Reference: 1–2 hours for a short visit, 3–4 hours for photography and walking around the wetlands.
Entering Caicun Wetland Park, the leisurely pace becomes even more pronounced. On one side of the park lies a still lake covered in duckweed and green algae, with several old trees and vines scattered throughout, a typical wetland park setting. On the other side lies Erhai Lake.
To see the vast Erhai Lake, you need to walk to the end of the park. Along the way, you will see many open-air barbecue stalls. The auntie who greeted them said that they were grilling fish from Erhai Lake, but we just looked at them. But if the temperature really got a little higher, I really want to sit here, eat, and lazily watch the cotton candy in the sky and the rolling mountains opposite. It is definitely an experience of slow life.
The viewing point at the end of the bend is the most crowded place in the entire park. It would be a loss not to take a set of postcards in front of the beautiful scenery.
The rocks along the seafront are a popular spot, sometimes even queuing up if you see a wedding dress team. Nearby, ducklings paddle in the water, looking adorable. However, while posing, be mindful of safety, especially since the rocks are uneven and slippery. Bumping into them or slipping into the water can be disastrous.
The scenery on the other side of the corner is different. The traditional Bai houses behind it look particularly simple and peaceful. From a distance, you can see the daily life of the local residents in the houses, which is really peaceful and comfortable.
It's a short walk to the right of the pier. There is also a sewage treatment plant inside. There are very few parts of Erhai Lake, only two or three gaps. When you come out, it's a mess everywhere. There is really no need to come. It's boring to take a walk after dinner.
The mudflats near Caicun Pier are a great place for a leisurely stroll, especially in winter when there are a lot of seagulls. Locals set up stalls nearby to sell grilled fish and shrimp.
Caicun is still worth visiting, especially Caicun Wetland Park!
There is no maintenance and no entrance fee. The sea view is pretty good and you can pick up shells.
It is quiet. Friends who visit the inn in Dali will run here in the morning. Many locals swim here. I can see it from the room I stayed in.
Near Cai Village, you can go for a walk in the morning and evening to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Cai Village has a great environment. It is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and beside Erhai Lake, and the farmland is lush and green.
The vegetation in the wetland park is so good, and the animals and plants are very active.
The area is not very large, and it was too late to walk for half an hour. However, the Bai ethnic architecture in the village in front is also good, and you can spend a few hours there.
It is reachable on foot, with beautiful scenery along the way, where you can see the lives of local people.
One of the more popular scenic spots on the edge of Erhai Lake, it has beautiful scenery both before and after, and can be seen at sunrise and sunset.
Along the way, there are many fenced-off flower fields where you can take photos for a fee. I recommend checking out which ones look good before deciding whether to go in. We randomly went into one to snap some photos, and it was quite crowded (it's just a field of flowers with some props for photos. Women who want to take beautiful photos can go in, but those who just want to enjoy the scenery don't really need to go in; you can see it from outside). The wetland park is average, and the lake water is seriously polluted. Erhai Lake has been undergoing environmental remediation in recent years, so I was a little disappointed. I just took a quick tour and left. Continuing north along Huanhai West Road, you'll pass many tree roots submerged in the water. The scenery is nice, but the pollution is a bit serious.
It was just downstairs from the inn where I was staying, so I went to see it in the evening. It was sunset and I took some beautiful photos.
The dirt road allows you to walk to Erhai Lake, and there are some small vendors on the side.
It's a very ordinary place, but the good thing is that you can see the sea. The dead trees and rocks in Erhai Lake are quite photogenic when photographed.
When we went there, it was still bumpy and should be fine now. If you live near the ancient city, you can consider going there to have a look and experience Erhai Lake up close.
Visit the local Bai ethnic minority market, located at Station 2 near Caicun Wharf. Every day, elderly farmers bring their own homegrown vegetables and fishermen freshly caught crucian carp and silver carp from Erhai Lake to the market. Take your time selecting the freshest ingredients and chat with the farmers and fishermen about unfamiliar farm dishes and recipes—it's all so intimate. Once you've chosen your freshest ingredients, you can even choose a private courtyard like Jane's Sea Home (membership required) to prepare your own fresh meals in the open kitchen and share them with your friends. From the air, the crystal-clear Erhai Lake resembles a crescent moon, nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and the Dali Basin. Dali is imbued with the spiritual energy of Erhai Lake, and a cycling tour around the lake will leave you completely captivated.
The first time I went to Dali, I went to Caicun Wharf to go to Erhai Lake.
Caicun Wetland Park is located south of Caicun Pier. Walk about 100 meters straight ahead from the C2 bus terminal and you'll enter the wetland park from the right.
The park is quite small. You can enter from the dock parking lot and walk south along the coast. There are gaps along the coastline where you can step down to enjoy the sea views. There's a small pavilion in the middle, and under the shade of trees, you'll find the usual Dali stalls. Most of these stalls sell grilled or fried foods, like fried potatoes and small fish. Simple barbecue and beer are available at the southernmost corner. This is also the best spot to see 1969 Sea Coffee and take photos, so be quick to secure a spot.
When you reach the southernmost point, you can go to 1969 for coffee. On the way back, you don't walk along the coast. You take the road inside. There are fewer sea views. It's mainly green plants. There is also a long pier in the middle. There is a pond below. It is also great for taking photos. It is especially suitable for taking a walk and taking pictures at dusk. The sea is reflected in the sunset and it is really beautiful.
Because I live in the inn next to it, watching the sunrise in the morning and evening is very beautiful and quiet. I like it very much
Very good wetland park, the beauty of Erhai Lake is amazing
There is a strong smell of diesel and sewer, and the treatment needs to be strengthened.
I think Caicun is very ordinary and a bit dirty.
Caicun, where we stayed when we went there, is a sea apartment by the Erhai Lake. It was super nice. We woke up early in the morning to watch the sunrise, it was so beautiful.
I can only say it's ok, I didn't go in, you need a ticket to go in. I went to Erhai Lake.
Caicun Wetland is the Erhai Lake next to Caicun. It is the first choice for watching the sunrise. Opposite Erhai Lake is Shuanglang. Here you can feel the gentleness of Erhai Lake and the agility of flying birds.
Cai Village is a good place to stay, much cheaper than accommodation in Dali Old Town, and offers a view of Erhai Lake. It's a quiet place with many small shops, and the food and accommodation are all very charming.
Caicun is under road construction, so the scenery is not very good. It is recommended to go to Xizhou or Longkan Wharf
It is a park with few people. It is next to Caicun Wharf and Erhai Lake. However, there are a lot of small flying insects in it.
Cai Village is said to be the most popular place in Dali, attracting many people. I came here in the evening, and there were not many people. The transportation in and out was not very convenient. It was just a small road. But if you want to stay here quietly for a few days, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is still worth it. The hotels close to Erhai Lake seem to have very good sea view rooms. Walking on the trestle bridge, which extends directly into Erhai Lake, feeling the breeze, it feels very comfortable. I think the situation here will not be so peaceful after a while when it faces development.
It's supposed to be even more beautiful in the summer and fall. We went in the winter, and there was so much dead grass that you couldn't tell it was a wetland park. There were many vendors along the dirt road along the coast selling local snacks. Some people were camping in the wetland park, which looked quite nice.
This wetland has no entrance fee and isn't crowded. Cai Village, nestled right next to Erhai Lake, is the closest seaside village to Dali Ancient Town, with a pier for boat trips. Take the Ancient Town Bus Line 2 to Cai Village. On the way to the pier, there are electric bikes, bicycles, and even four-wheeled electric bikes for rent. They're about the size of a Smart phone; I wonder if you need a license to drive one. Near the pier, a road south leads to the wetland park. A wooden boardwalk runs along the water's edge, offering breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. The highlight is the diverse array of birds in the water, including what appear to be wild ducks, some of which are large enough to be recognized. The wetland isn't large, but the village next to it is Cai Village, the largest tourist attraction among the Bai villages at Erhai Lake and the most visited natural and pristine village.
Backed by Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake, it is a great place to watch the sunrise. There are water birds and ducks in the park. The scenery is beautiful and quiet, but there is currently construction in some places.
A small village by the sea, the locals are very welcoming. The ancient city is about a 10-15 minute bike ride away, which is quite nice. Just be sure to stay indoors at night and avoid going out. It's quite secluded, but if you enjoy the ocean view, this is a great choice. There are plenty of small vendors selling everything from barbecue and ramen to fruit. And it's affordable. Fantastic.
There is no need to go there specifically as you are passing by the West Erhai Road.
It's so beautiful, I didn't want to leave after taking the photos, hahahaha
Next to Erhai Lake, the scenery is beautiful and suitable for taking photos and taking a rest
Next to Caicun Pier, it is a great place to watch the sunrise. There is no entrance fee. In Dali, it seems that everything can slow down. Only the romance and the past are worth looking back on!
It is recommended to rent an electric motorcycle to walk around the lake. You can enjoy the scenery along the way without getting tired.
The scenery remains stunning, and there are several spots where you can clamber down to the large rocks like the one in the picture to take photos. There are also many vendors selling local delicacies and handicrafts. A quick half-hour visit is all it takes. There are a few excellent restaurants at the park entrance, though; you can find more details in my travelogue.
You can visit it by cycling around the sea, it's quite beautiful. ~
Caicun Wetland Park is next to Caicun Pier. The boat trip to the pier is more expensive, but the park scenery is still good. There are snacks such as fried crayfish and fried fish for sale, which is suitable for leisure travel.
Cai Village is quite nice, not very crowded and quite. When you are almost there, there is a paid photography base, which is very beautiful.
If you don't take a boat, just walking around outside for half an hour is enough.
In Cai Village, I wanted to rent an electric bike to cycle around Erhai Lake, but I couldn't find one.
In Cai Village, I ate grilled fish, had colorful braids, and visited the Juese Garden... I bought a Little Red Riding Hood, but the price was my eyes... and an orange scarf~
Then I met Apeng brother here...a motorcycle driver...a local Bai people~
We hiked all the way from Cai Ancient City to Cai Village. The scenery along the way was super beautiful. We were tired but happy.
There is a wetland park in Cai Village. It has some traces of artificial construction, but it is also integrated with the surrounding environment. It is a good place to watch the sunrise and sunset.
You can rent an electric car from Dali Ancient Town to Cai Village. The scenery along the way to the wetland park is great, and the road along Erhai Lake is great.
The countryside, egrets, blue sky and the cheerful laughter of tourists make people fall deeply in love with this quiet little village and the surrounding rural scenery.
Near Erhai Lake, the hotel accommodation and bicycle rental are relatively mature, the scenery is unique, and there is no hustle and bustle of the village
The sunrise here is nice.
Cai Village is not big and not as famous as Shuanglang, but it is very quiet and a place where you can really settle down.
To me, Caicun is to Shuanglang as Dali is to Lijiang - Caicun is the place for living, and Shuanglang is the place for tourism.
Caicun is a pier with a wetland park on the side.
With the kind guidance of a friendly man, we learned that Cai Village actually has a wetland park not to be missed... There weren't many tourists, so there were plenty of opportunities for photo-taking, haha... While this small wetland park can't compare to Haishe Park, it at least boasts the beauty of Cangshan Mountain, the azure waters of Erhai Lake, and pastoral scenery... While this small wetland park can't compare to Haishe Park, it at least boasts the beauty of Cangshan Mountain, the azure waters of Erhai Lake, and pastoral scenery... The wetland park isn't actually fully built yet... I glanced back at the Cai Village dock through the trees... and continued on my way...
A park and wetland near the Erhai Lake near Cai Village, which can be reached directly by bus from the ancient city.
Caicun Wetland Park is located in Caicun, east of Dali Ancient Town.
Caicun Wetland Park, walk to the left and you will see a new world
Caicun Wetland Park is located in the east of Dali Ancient Town.
Caicun Wetland Park is located south of Caicai Wharf in the northeast of Dali Ancient City, connected to Erhai Lake in the east and Caicun in the west.
Caicun Wetland Park is located on the shore of Erhai Lake in the northeast of Dali Ancient City.
Caicun Wetland Park is not big, but it has a long narrow path that stretches far along the edge of Erhai Lake. The scenery is very good.
It's much better than Lijiang Lashi Lake. It's very quiet and it feels good to be by the sea. It's a less popular attraction.
When you live in Cai Village, you can come here for a stroll, it's free, and you'll see many people coming here to take artistic photos.
It doesn't really feel like a park! There are too many debris blocking the view, and the water quality nearby is not good. I don't recommend going there.
It is under construction. The scenery in the past was just average, which was disappointing. However, the scenery around Erhai Lake is quite good.
Caicun Wetland Park is located south of Caicai Wharf in the northeast of Dali Ancient City, connected to Erhai Lake in the east and Caicun in the west.
Few people, quiet. Typical rural atmosphere. The air quality is good in the morning.
It is right next to Cai Village and it is very quiet and comfortable to walk in.
It is right next to Caicun Wharf and faces Erhai Lake. If you have nothing to do, you can walk around in the park and sit by Erhai Lake, which is quite nice.
Many tourists come here because of its reputation! The park is beautiful, and there was even a couple taking wedding photos. There is a large parking lot next to the park for tourists to park, which is very convenient.
It's not big. There is a small path leading in and walking along the edge of Erhai Lake. It's very comfortable.
The wetland park in Caicun is not large and is semi-original. The water of Erhai Lake is very clean, and the water and sky are one color.
Very beautiful, really very beautiful. She makes Erhai Lake even more beautiful.
Not far from the ancient city, I saw a striking building on the roadside. Turning right from the building, I walked onto the long, straight "road into the village." The weather was not very good and windy when we arrived, and I wasn't particularly interested in a boat trip to Erhai Lake. I happened to see a bridge to the right of the pier, with a vague idea of a road leading off into the distance, so I parked and took a stroll. I was surprised to find myself in Cai Village's small wetland park. While small, it was well worth a stop, with clear ponds on both sides of the road.