After spending 7 days by Erhai Lake, I finally understand why locals say "Avoid Dali Old Town, stay on the east side of the lake if you want to stay"

🌊 After spending 7 days by Erhai Lake, I finally understand why locals say "Avoid Dali Old Town, stay on the east side of the lake if you want to stay"

Waking up to the first kiss of sunlight and opening the window to see Erhai Lake shimmering with golden ripples—I never knew a place could turn "poetry and distant dreams" into everyday life. As a travel blogger who's explored nationwide, even the locals praised my "excellent choices" when I shared these hidden gems I discovered around Erhai!

🌅 Must Stay: East Erhai - The Secret Escape from Crowds

Skip the crowded areas near the old town! East Erhai offers exclusive perspectives:

- Lakeside B&Bs near Shuanglang Old Town: Choose rooms with terraces on the 2nd floor or higher. Wake up to sunrise behind Yuji Island and watch fishing boats return with sunset hues—even in peak season, you'll have tranquil lake views all to yourself.
- Bai-style courtyard in Wase Town: For just 100+, enjoy rooms with courtyards. The hostess serves local breakfasts like rushan erkuai. A 10-minute walk to Little Putuo Island lets you witness flocks of seagulls (Nov-Mar) resting on water like scattered pearls.

🚲 Lakeside Exploration: Reject "Marathon-style Check-ins"

Rent an e-bike and leisurely cruise along East Ring Road—the proper way to experience Erhai:

- Luwoshan Ruins: Navigate to "Luwoshan", pass through a grove to find cliffside sea caves where waves crash against rocks. Wear solid-colored dresses for photos that look straight out of a Miyazaki film.
- Wenbi Village: Colorful houses cascade down hillsides. Find a seaside café, order rushan latte, and admire Nanzhao Folk Island floating like an emerald. Best photo light at 4pm.
- Tips: East Ring Road has limited shade—avoid midday sun. Evening rides after 5pm are ideal. Wear hats and ensure full battery (few charging spots en route).

🍜 Local Eats: 3 Authentic Favorites

- Haijie Canteen (Shuanglang): Must-try sour-spicy Erhai fish—tender as pudding, paired with Bai-style pickles for two bowls of rice.
- Wase Haishao Fish: Local crucian carp hotpot with milky broth. Add potatoes and tofu for ultimate freshness.
- Grilled Rushan at Old Town West Gate: Skip tourist stalls! Look for grannies' carts with rose sugar toppings—crispy outside, chewy inside, bursting with dairy aroma.

💡 Pro Tips

1. Avoid "Lakeside Tour Buses"—overpriced detours. E-bike rentals (50/day) offer freedom to stop anywhere.
2. Buy silver jewelry and tie-dye from village workshops—half the old town price with guaranteed authenticity.
3. Book 3 days ahead during peak seasons (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr), especially for lakeside rooms. Last-minute bookings mean higher rates or no availability.

On my last evening, watching moon reflections dance on water, I realized why so many never want to leave—Erhai's slowness isn't laziness, but life distilled into prose poetry.

When will you answer Erhai's call? Share your travel plans in the comments!