Live Your Best Lives
Erhai Lake is a famous plateau lake in Yunnan Province. It is a plateau lake formed by the collapse of the Xier River. Its shape is like an ear. Looking down from the air, Erhai Lake looks like a crescent moon, lying quietly between Cangshan Mountain and Dali Basin.
Erhai Lake has three islands, four continents, five lakes, and nine bends. Its water is so clear that you can see the bottom. Since ancient times, it has been called "the flawless jade among the mountains." At Tuanshan, the southernmost tip of Erhai Lake, there is Erhai Park, which is an excellent place to enjoy the scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.
Erhai Lake is the primary scenic resource of Dali Scenic Area and the primary birthplace of the Bai people. To date, over 30 Neolithic sites have been discovered on Erhai Lake and its surrounding hillside terraces. Here, remnants of each era remain, and we can almost hear the footsteps of the Bai people's ancestors as they journeyed from the Mongolian era to civilization. Therefore, it can be said that Erhai Lake is the cradle of the Bai people.
The best time to visit is from May to June when the temperature is suitable and the weather is good. There is only one cloud on Erhai Lake, which can change 30 shapes in one minute.
Shuanglang
The 19 peaks of Cangshan Mountain are to the west, the vast blue waters of Erhai Lake are to the door, the "Buddhist resort" Jizu Mountain is to the east, and the "Penglai Fairy Island" Xiaoputuo is to the south. It is a provincial historical and cultural town in Yunnan Province and the "No. 1 Town of Canghai Scenery".
Erhai Park
Erhai Park, located at the southern end of Erhai Lake, is the first stop on a tour of the Cangshan and Erhai Scenic Area. Within the park lies a small, oval-shaped hill, nicknamed "Tuanshan" by locals for its shape.
Recommended play time: half a day
free
All day
Erhai Lake, known as "Ear-Shaped Lake," has been a significant part of the region’s culture and economy for centuries. It’s one of the largest highland lakes in China, with a rich ecosystem and a vital water source for the surrounding areas. The lake is deeply linked to the local Bai culture and is also a popular spot for tourists exploring Dali’s natural beauty and ancient history.
Erhai Lake is located near Dali, in Yunnan Province, China. It is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or private car from Dali Old Town (about 15-20 minutes). There are also bike rental services available around the lake for those who prefer to explore on two wheels.
Erhai Lake is open year-round, and there are no specific opening hours as it is a natural site. The best times to visit are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most picturesque.
Erhai Lake is a public area, and there is no entrance fee to visit the lake itself. However, activities such as boat tours, cycling rentals, and visits to nearby attractions (e.g., Chongsheng Temple) may have associated costs. Tickets for these activities can be purchased on-site or online through various local platforms.
For most activities around Erhai Lake, booking in advance is not necessary, especially during the off-season. However, for guided tours or boat rides, it’s recommended to book at least 1-2 days in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like Chinese New Year and summer holidays.
To explore the key highlights of Erhai Lake, you’ll need about 4-6 hours, which allows for a boat ride, bike ride around the lake, and visits to the nearby villages or temples. If you plan to visit multiple villages or attractions around the lake, you may want to allocate an entire day.
Guided tours are available for boat rides and visits to nearby towns. Most guides offer services in Chinese, though some may also offer English-speaking guides. It’s advisable to book a tour in advance if you require an English-speaking guide.
A suggested itinerary would be to start the day with a boat ride across Erhai Lake, followed by a visit to Chongsheng Temple. Afterward, bike or take a taxi to Xizhou Ancient Town for lunch and a stroll through the market. End the day by visiting Erhai Park for a relaxing evening by the water.
Erhai Lake does not offer specific night visits or light shows. However, visiting Dali Old Town in the evening is a popular activity, where you can enjoy local performances, food markets, and cultural experiences. Some restaurants along the lake also offer night views, making it a good place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Erhai Lake can get crowded during public holidays and peak tourist seasons (especially summer and Chinese New Year). To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays or during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). Early morning visits tend to be less crowded.
There are several facilities around Erhai Lake, including toilets, rest areas, and small shops selling snacks and drinks. Restaurants and cafes are available near the lake and in nearby towns like Xizhou. For more substantial meals, Dali Old Town offers a variety of dining options.
Erhai Lake is generally accessible for elderly and children, especially the areas around the lake and the parks. However, some of the boat rides and rural trails may not be ideal for those with mobility issues. It’s advisable to check with local operators for accessible options if required.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Most places around Erhai Lake, including boat operators and local shops, will accept mobile payments. Credit cards may not be accepted at smaller shops or restaurants.
There are a variety of restaurants and cafes around Erhai Lake, particularly in Dali Old Town and Xizhou Ancient Town. Many of these offer local Bai cuisine, fresh fish from the lake, and international options. Lakeside restaurants offer beautiful views, especially at sunset.
There are vegetarian and vegan options in Dali and Xizhou, where local restaurants cater to various dietary preferences. Halal food is more limited, but there are a few restaurants in Dali Old Town offering halal dishes.
There are numerous hotels and guesthouses near Erhai Lake, ranging from budget options to luxury resorts. Dali Old Town, just a short distance away, offers a variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels and lakeside resorts.
Yes, there are souvenir shops around Erhai Lake, especially in Xizhou and Dali Old Town. Typical souvenirs include Bai handicrafts, such as handwoven textiles, pottery, silver jewelry, and wood carvings.
After visiting Erhai Lake, you can take a bus, taxi, or private car to explore Dali Old Town or head to other attractions like the Three Pagodas. Public buses and taxis are also available to take you back to Dali city center or to nearby towns.
