Dali Erhai Park

【Introduction】Overview of Dali Erhai Park
Located at No. 1 Erhe South Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Dali Erhai Park is a large urban park at the southern end of Erhai Lake and a national AAAA-level scenic area. Backed by Tuan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake, the park boasts both natural beauty and cultural heritage, renowned for its "lake and mountain views and lush flowers." It features classic spots like Tuan Mountain Scenic Area and Haixin Pavilion, as well as leisure facilities such as seasonal flower gardens and a children's playground, making it a popular destination for cycling around Erhai, photography, and family outings.

Erhai Lake, anciently known as "Yeyu Ze," was the "mother lake" of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, carrying a thousand years of Bai ethnic culture. Tuan Mountain within the park was once the site of a royal palace where the Nanzhao kings enjoyed panoramic views, while Haixin Pavilion is famous for the "Erhai Moon" spectacle—during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the moon's reflection on the lake complements the snow-capped Cangshan Mountains, creating a breathtaking scene known as the "Silver Cangshan and Jade Erhai."

🕘【Opening Hours】
Open 24 hours (no reservation required).
Recommended visiting time:
Half-day tour: 3-4 hours, ideal for early morning or evening to avoid strong sunlight, focusing on Tuan Mountain, Haixin Pavilion, and the flower gardens.
Full-day tour: 6-8 hours, combining cycling around Erhai or visiting nearby attractions like Dali Ancient Town and Shuanglang.
Notes:
The park has many stone paths that can be slippery after rain; wear anti-slip shoes.
Strong UV rays in summer require sun protection; large temperature differences in winter call for a light jacket.
Bring oil-free bread to feed seagulls (other foods are prohibited).

💴【Ticket Prices】
Basic admission: Free.
Charged activities:
Children's playground: Single rides cost 10-30 CNY (e.g., carousel, bumper cars).
Erhai electric shuttle: 15 CNY one-way (suitable for families or elderly visitors).
Price changes: No current plans for increases, but holiday combo tickets may be available for the playground.

⛺【Activities】
1. Core Scenic Spots & Photo Ops
Tuan Mountain Scenic Area:
Highlights: Summit offers panoramic views of Erhai; mid-mountain viewpoints are perfect for capturing "Cangshan and Erhai" shots.
Tips: Best for sunrise (6:00-7:00) or sunset (after 18:00).
Haixin Pavilion:
Highlights: The only wooden bridge pavilion on Erhai, offering "water-meets-sky" views.
Tips: Summer evenings often feature local band performances.
Flower Gardens:
Highlights: Seasonal blooms—cherry blossoms in spring, lotuses in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn, camellias in winter.
Tips: Wear light-colored dresses for photos; bring a reflector for lighting.

2. Family-Friendly Activities
Children's Playground:
Facilities: Slides, sandpits, trampolines, carousels (ages 4-12).
Hours: 9:00-18:00 (extended to 20:00 on holidays).
Seagull Feeding:
Best time: Winter (November–March), when seagulls gather.
Location: Near Haixin Pavilion; bring oil-free bread.

3. Suggested Itinerary
Morning: Enter via the south gate → Tuan Mountain (1 hour) → Flower gardens (30 mins).
Noon: Dine at "Erhai Fisherman" restaurant (try sour-spicy fish or cold chicken rice noodles).
Afternoon: Haixin Pavilion (1 hour) → Children's playground (1 hour) → Optional cycling around Erhai.
Evening: Return to Tuan Mountain for sunset or enjoy music at Haixin Pavilion.

4. Tips
Some playground rides require parental supervision.
For cycling, rent the park's electric shuttle (15 CNY one-way) to avoid exhaustion.
Pets are prohibited.

🚌【Transportation】
Public transit:
From Dali Ancient Town: Take Bus 6/Commuter Line 1 to "Erhai Park" station (5-min walk).
From Dali Railway Station: Taxi (~15 CNY, 10 mins).
Self-drive/e-bike:
Navigate to "Erhai Park South Gate"; free parking available.
Rent e-bikes from official partners (50 CNY/day, includes helmet).
Cycling around Erhai:
Enter via the "Erhai Ecological Corridor" east of the park; rent bikes (20 CNY/day) to Caicun Village (~5 km).

👉【Nearby Attractions】
Dali Ancient Town: 8 km away; visit in the morning for local snacks like baba and er si.
Shuanglang Ancient Town: 30 km away; take a taxi or Erhai shuttle (35 CNY) to Nanzhao Folk Island.
Xiaoputuo: Winter-only spot (25 km away), great for seagull photography.

🏨【Accommodation】
Budget: Nearby guesthouses (200-400 CNY/night), e.g., "Erhai Impression Inn" (5-min walk).
Luxury: Shuanglang sea-view hotels (800-1500 CNY/night), e.g., "Moonlight Among Pines."

🧡【Packing List】
Essentials: ID (household register for children).
Clothing: Sun-protective wear, hat, sports shoes (for walking).
Photography: Wide-angle lens (for Tuan Mountain), reflector (for flowers).
Other:
Sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, mosquito repellent.
Oil-free bread (for seagulls).
Power bank (few rental spots in the park).