Dali Erhai Travel Guide: The Blue Tears Amidst Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moonlight

Erhai is not a sea, yet it holds all the romance of Dali. This guide will help you experience Erhai deeply like a local, capturing plenty of beautiful photos and memories.
✨ Highlights of the Trip

· 360° Lakeside Experience: From cycling along the Haixi Ecological Corridor to driving the Haidong Cliff Road, enjoy a multi-faceted journey that showcases different perspectives of Erhai, combining ecology, culture, art, and cuisine.
· Sunrise and Sunset Collector: Greet the "first golden ray of Erhai" at Longkan Pier and bid farewell to the "sunset sinking into Cangshan Mountain" at Shuanglang Ancient Town, capturing the gentlest light moments of the day and creating stunning photos to share on social media.
· Deep Immersion in Bai Culture: Be more than just a sightseeing tourist—become a cultural experiencer by learning the thousand-year-old tie-dye technique, tasting authentic Bai family feasts, and staying in traditional residences converted into guesthouses to feel the true pulse of life in Dali.

📌 Basic Information

Location: Erhai is located in the northern part of Dali City, Yunnan Province, about 41.5 kilometers long from north to south. It is named for its ear-like shape and sits at an altitude of 1,972 meters.

Best Travel Seasons:

· March to May: Clear weather, comfortable temperatures (15-25°C), spring cherry blossoms in full bloom, and seagulls may still be around.
· September to November: Crisp autumn air, golden rice fields, rich cloud layers, and high photo success rate.
· Summer (June to August) is also a good choice with plenty of sunshine but be mindful of sun protection and occasional showers; winter (December to February) has fewer tourists, fresh air, and red-billed gulls to watch, but large temperature differences between day and night require warm clothing.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

Type Area Recommended Name Reference Price (per night) Features
High-end Lake View Shuanglang Mingyue Songjian·Erhai From 1200 RMB Underwater suite, floating terrace for stargazing, includes breakfast and afternoon tea
Shuanglang Hushan Yunyin Above 1500 RMB Waterside design, excellent views
Cost-effective Lake View Caicun/Xiabo Yu Haitian Zhilian Guesthouse From 300 RMB Waterside garden terrace, sea view from the window
Xiaboping/Majiuyi Village Lake View Guesthouses 300-500 RMB Walking distance to ecological corridor, great value
Special Experience Xizhou Ancient Town Jiasai Guesthouse From 200 RMB Converted Bai residence, includes rice field cycling experience
Dali Ancient Town Jiuxi·Dali Story Youth Hostel 50 RMB/bed Located in the core area of Renmin Road, great value
Shaxi Ancient Town (consider as an itinerary extension) Experience the tranquility of the Tea Horse Road

Warm Tips: During peak seasons (July-August, National Day, Spring Festival), book guesthouses 10-15 days in advance. When booking lake view rooms, ask the host for real photos or videos in advance to confirm the sea view.

🍽 Food Map

You can’t neglect your stomach when in Dali:

· Must-try flavors:
· Bai-style sour and spicy fish: Best at Shuanglang’s "Fisherman’s Courtyard" or "Old Li’s Baoshan Copper Ladle Beef," made with Erhai crucian carp and sour papaya, tangy and appetizing, the soup with rice is a must-try.
· Grilled milk fan: At the ancient town’s "Looking Back Again" with rose sauce or street vendor "Old Grandma’s Grilled Milk Fan" (5 RMB/portion), rich milky flavor.
· Xizhou Baba: At Xizhou Ancient Town’s Fuxing old brand (about 5-10 RMB each), available in salty and sweet flavors, freshly baked and sold.
· Wild mushroom hotpot: Available June to August. Recommended are the matsutake chicken pot at the ancient town’s "Fireplace Impression" or the "Mushroom Wild Mushroom Hotpot," exceptionally delicious.
· Specialty Restaurants:
· Flying to the Moon (Bed Sheet Factory Art District): Terrace bar, famous for sour and spicy fish and flower pizza.
· Xizhou Jiasai: An agricultural-themed restaurant in Xizhou Ancient Town, focusing on natural ingredients like Xizhou raw skin and seaweed taro soup.
· Shuanglang Corner Time Restaurant: Seaside restaurant with a second-floor terrace perfect for watching sunsets, recommended Shui Xing Yang Hua hotpot.
· Snacks and Night Markets:
· Thin Bean Jelly: Stall No. 13 at Beimen Vegetable Market, locals’ favorite breakfast, excellent with fried dough sticks.
· Yangbi Rice Rolls: Xizhou Vegetable Market (about 5 RMB/portion), rice sheets wrapped with walnut sauce and spicy pickled vegetables.
· Night Markets: Dali Ancient Town Fuxing Road Food City (grilled milk fan, grilled rice cakes), Xiaguan Daguan Yi Night Market (Haidong eggplant barbecue, stone slab grilled meat).

💡 Practical Information and Pitfall Avoidance

Travel Preparation

· Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!: The highland UV rays are very strong and can cause peeling in half a day. Bring SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, arm sleeves/sun-protective clothing.
· Clothing: Even in summer, the temperature difference between morning and night is large; bring a windbreaker. During the rainy season (about June to August), carry portable rain gear. Comfortable sports shoes are essential for cycling and hiking.
· Others: Camera, power bank, moisturizing skincare products, stomach medicine (to prevent discomfort from local food).

Transportation Tips

· Car Rental/Charter Pitfalls: Don’t trust the "100 RMB/day car charter" offers at the ancient town gate; vehicles may be old or have poor battery life. Choose reputable rental companies, record videos inspecting the car before renting, and confirm electric vehicle battery range (recommended over 200 km).
· Haixi Cycling Notice: The Erhai Ecological Corridor (Caicun to Panxi section) prohibits motor vehicles; only cycling or walking allowed. Check brakes and tires when renting bikes.

Spending and Shopping

· Tickets: Erhai itself is free, but some surrounding attractions charge fees (e.g., Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas about 75 RMB, Nanzhao Style Island boat tickets, etc.). Students and seniors usually get discounts.
· Shopping Pitfalls:
· Be cautious buying expensive items like silverware and jade inside scenic areas; prices may be inflated. For souvenirs, visit the ancient town’s "March Street" (local market) or official stores.
· When buying wild mushrooms and other specialties, choose reputable shops to ensure safety.

Environmental Protection and Safety

· Protect Erhai: Erhai is a pearl of the plateau; please protect the environment. Swimming, littering, and smoking (especially in the ecological corridor) are prohibited.
· Safety First: Be careful when cycling, especially on the winding Haidong Road. When taking "internet-famous" photos (such as at Wase Water Road or Luwo Mountain Ruins), pay attention to tides and footing safety.
· Food Safety: Only eat wild mushrooms at reputable restaurants and ensure they are fully cooked to avoid poisoning.

💎 Conclusion

The charm of Dali Erhai goes far beyond the healing blue waters and majestic Cangshan Mountains; it lies in the "slow down" lifestyle and rich cultural heritage. We hope this guide helps you plan a perfect trip and immerse yourself in the romance of wind, flowers, snow, and moonlight.

Whether it’s encountering a perfect sunrise or sipping coffee by the rice fields lost in thought, Erhai will surely have a moment that you will never forget.

Wishing you a wonderful journey in Dali!