Falling into the Oil Painting Trap

Half is lake water, half is rice fields, a few kilometers can be a half-hour slow time ride

Strolling along Huanhai West Road, you can't help but stop frequently—the magic of this road lies in the fact that every turn might reveal a breathtaking scene. Here is a literary journey guide for Huanhai West Road crafted just for you.

🚲 Slow Time Cycling

Starting from the North Gate of Dali Ancient Town, rent an electric bike (about 40 yuan/day) and slowly ride into the northern section of Huanhai West Road. The pace here is very slow; a few kilometers is enough to spend half a day.

Along the way, you will encounter: vast grasslands, farmland, wildflowers stretching from the roadside to the riverbank, and those “trees all leaning towards Erhai Lake without exception.” Occasionally, a few cows or goats will wander into your view, adding vitality to this pastoral painting.

📸 Must-See Scenery

· Internet-famous S Curve: Navigate to [Panxi Village], the most renowned S curve on Huanhai West Road. Arrive early in the morning when soft light shines on the water surface, and the distant mountains resemble ink wash paintings. Every shot looks like a postcard-worthy scene.
· Haizhe Ecological Park: A sandbank shaped like a “tongue” surrounded by water on three sides. Inside the park, dead trees stand quietly in the water, gently swaying with the waves. This is one of the most Zen corners on Huanhai West Road.
· Xizhou Ancient Town: Typical Bai architecture with weathered walls featuring retro-colored carvings. Outside the town, rice fields meet the sky, and the iconic red walls stand out vividly against the blue sky.
· Hidden Check-in Spot: On the road from Xizhou to Haizhe Park, there is an abandoned water channel with a strong sense of depth, where layers of pillars create a striking visual impact. Near Xiangyangxi Village, you might encounter a few green iron small boats moored by the shore, quietly resting on the water—perfect for shooting outdoor blockbusters.

🌅 Best Time to Experience

Huanhai West Road is ideal for sunrise photography, with morning mist covering the lake and the light and shadow being the softest.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit; the rapeseed flowers in spring and the rice fields in autumn add vibrant colors to this land.

If you visit in summer, follow the locals by taking off your shoes and socks to wade in the shallow water at Haizhe Park and feel the coolness of Erhai Lake.

💡 Practical Tips

· Huanhai West Road has now been built into an ecological corridor; cars are prohibited. You can rent bicycles or electric bikes to tour.
· The UV rays in Dali are strong; sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential.
· To avoid crowds, you can head to lesser-known secret spots like Xiaboping to enjoy a moment of tranquility.

On Huanhai West Road, the most beautiful scenery is not at the destination but on the way. This land seems to have a kind of magic that slows down time and lets the soul keep pace—this is probably the healing power of Dali that many people can't forget.