Take a double-decker sightseeing bus to explore Erhai Lake in Dali.

Complete Guide to a One-Day Tour Around Erhai Lake | Explore the Highlights of Erhai with a Single Bus Ticket

There are many ways to explore Dali, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious. I chose the standard option: using a one-day ticket to ride the sightseeing bus around Erhai Lake. This allowed me to visit Xiaoputuo, Shuanglang, and Xizhou, enjoying scenic views along the lakeside road, taking photos, and exploring ancient towns. It was super relaxing! The rainy weather even added a poetic touch. Here's the itinerary I followed, proving that you don't need to drive to enjoy the main attractions of Erhai Lake in Dali.

🚌 Highlights of the Trip
- A one-day ticket for 68 yuan covers all the major attractions around Erhai Lake, making transportation stress-free.
- Travel between ancient towns and lakeside scenery, enjoying different vibes as the weather changes.
- The route is highly engaging, perfect for non-drivers and tourists looking to visit multiple attractions in one day.

⏰ Practical Tips | Riding the Erhai Lake Sightseeing Bus
Tickets for the sightseeing bus can be purchased via the "Anxin You Dali" WeChat mini-program. The bus schedule is regular, and you can book your desired time slots in advance through the app. After getting off at each attraction, you can explore freely within the estimated time without worrying about missing the next bus. Booking tickets, asking for directions, and checking schedules are all seamless, saving you energy from transferring between vehicles. It's a great option for those who want a hassle-free and relaxing trip.

Accommodation
I chose to stay in the city center.
All Seasons Hotel (Dali Erhai Park Branch)
Address: 167 Binchuan Road, Manjiang Street
Standard All Seasons quality: clean and quiet, without the uncertainties of homestays or the chaos near the ancient town. It's next to Mingzhu Plaza and Erhai Park, with convenient transportation. A taxi to Dali Station takes less than 10 minutes. There are plenty of dining options nearby, and the area is well-equipped for daily needs.

🗓️ Itinerary Details

To make the most of the one-day ticket, I caught the first bus, which departs at 8:30 AM near Dali Ancient Town. Since I stayed in the city center, I boarded at the mid-point stop, Dali Port Ferry Terminal.

1. Luoqian Peninsula Scenic Area
Address: Dali, Yunnan, China
Opening Hours: 08:30-18:00 (Ticket sales end at 17:30)
Admission: 30 yuan
The peninsula extends deep into Erhai Lake. From the heights, you can see the entire lake. The temples and pagodas by the lakeside look ethereal in the misty rain. Walking along the quiet lakeside path in the rain feels serene.

Honestly, taking photos from the upper deck of the bus is enough. I personally think there's no need to get off here.

2. Xiaoputuo
Address: Haiyin Village, Wase Town, Dali City
Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00
The island is small, with a massive "Xiaoputuo" stone stele guarding an ancient temple. The white walls and red tiles on the island are beautifully reflected on the shimmering lake. It's especially photogenic on sunny days, while cloudy weather gives it a distant, Zen-like atmosphere.

To truly experience this temple in the middle of the water, you need to get off the bus. Half an hour is generally enough. There's no need to spend extra money on a boat ride to the temple.

3. Shuanglang Ancient Town Center
Address: 50 meters east of Huanhai Road, Dali City
The ancient town is perfect for strolling, with various artsy cafes, boutique craft shops, and numerous photo spots. Rows of lakeside houses look stunning when the blue sky reflects on the lake. On rainy days, enjoying a cup of coffee is a delightful way to relax.

4. Xizhou Ancient Town & Xizhou Wheat Field Train
Address: 18 kilometers north of Dali Ancient Town
Xizhou is known for its well-preserved Bai ethnic houses and famous local delicacies (like Xizhou Baba!). Riding the wheat field train offers expansive views of the countryside, with picturesque fields that are perfect for photos. The train station is near the ancient town, making it a convenient stop.

5. S-Bend Scenic Spot
I was surprised to find this iconic curve on the lakeside road, a popular spot for Instagram-worthy photos! Even on a cloudy day, the gray-blue lake water made the photos look sophisticated.

If you've already visited Caicun Wharf, this S-Bend can be a quick stop for a photo.

6. Dali Erhai Lake Sightseeing Bus
The route is straightforward, with no backtracking. By the time you've visited all the above attractions, you'll likely be catching one of the last two or three buses back, returning to the vicinity of Dali Ancient Town around 7 or 8 PM.

🍜 Food Recommendations & Notes
- Both Shuanglang and Xizhou offer local Bai cuisine and street snacks. I recommend trying "Xizhou Baba," freshly baked and deliciously fragrant, as well as the Bai-style spicy and sour fish. For the best Xizhou Baba, buy it fresh from the oven; pre-made ones might be cold and hard.
- Near the north gate of Shuanglang Ancient Town, there are some lakeside cafes perfect for resting and taking photos. Sitting by the window to enjoy the sun (or rain) is highly photogenic. However, note that consumption is required. Such cafes become less common in the later parts of the trip.
- "Silver Line" is a trendy rice noodle restaurant with elegant decor. It has branches in both Shuanglang and Xizhou. If you have to choose, I strongly recommend the Xizhou branch. The Shuanglang branch requires a long walk or an extra fee for a tricycle ride, which I don't think is worth it.

🚗 Transportation Tips
- All information about the Erhai Lake Sightseeing Bus can be found and managed through the "Anxin You Dali" WeChat mini-program. Check the official schedule and route map in advance to plan your stops and playtime efficiently.
- Travel light. Most of the route consists of scenic paths. Wear waterproof shoes and a jacket on rainy days for a more comfortable experience.
- If you're staying near Dali Ancient Town, you can reverse the itinerary for a counterclockwise trip.
- Although the one-day ticket allows unlimited rides, the schedule and time spent at attractions realistically limit you to 6-8 rides. In some cases, buying individual tickets might not be more expensive than the one-day pass.

This trip shattered my concern that "Dali is unplayable without a car." In just one day, I efficiently toured Erhai Lake, experiencing diverse scenery from lakes, temples, and ancient towns to fields. The rainy weather added a sense of vastness and tranquility, making it easier to appreciate the poetic lifestyle of Dali.