A Romantic Rendezvous at Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake, the highland pearl of Dali, is synonymous with poetry and wanderlust for countless travelers. With its azure waters, stretching Cangshan Mountain, and traditional Bai villages, it paints a breathtaking landscape. This guide will help you explore Erhai Lake thoroughly without missing any scenic spots. 📅 Best Time to Visit - March-May & September-November: Pleasant weather, mild sunshine, perfect for cycling and photography - June-August: Rainy season with occasional showers, bluest lake waters, peak tourist season - December-February: Low season, clear weather, flocks of seagulls (November-March) 🚧 Transportation Around Erhai Lake 1. 🚴‍♀️ Cycling (Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) - Route: Dali Old Town → Cai Village → Panxi Village (S-curve) → Xizhou → Shuanglang → Wase → Small Putuo → Haidong - Duration: 1-2 days (recommended to cycle in sections, like just the West Lake Ecological Corridor) - Rentals: Bikes (20-50 yuan/day) and e-bikes (80-120 yuan/day) available in Old Town or Cai Village 2. 🚗 Private Car/Self-driving (Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐) - About 140 km around the lake, private car costs 300-500 yuan/day, flexible photo stops - Driving note: Some sections are narrow, beginners should drive carefully 3. 🚌 Sightseeing Bus (Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐) - Dali Tourism Group operates lake buses (98 yuan/person, valid for 2 days), suitable for non-cyclists 🏞️ Must-visit Spots 🌊 West Coast (Rural scenery + Ecological corridor) - Longkan Pier: Perfect sunrise spot, red sequoia trees reflect in lake waters - Panxi Village S-curve: Popular photo spot, best visited early morning or evening - Xizhou Ancient Town: Bai culture + rice field cafes (recommend Zhou Coffee) - Haishe Park: Hidden gem on Erhai's "tongue," famous couple trees perfect for photos 🌅 East Coast (Cliff road + Sunset views) - Shuanglang Ancient Town: Artistic lakeside town, home to Yang Liping's Sun Palace (reservation required) - Wase Town: Fishing port charm, Small Putuo Island (winter seagulls) - Wenbi Village: Popular rainbow road, panoramic lake views - Lixiangbang (Dali's Santorini): Blue and white buildings perfect for photos (free entry, some hotel areas require purchase) 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations - West Coast (Quiet, rural): Cai Village, Panxi Village (convenient for sunrise) - East Coast (High-end, sunset views): Shuanglang, Wase (many lakeside guesthouses) - Dali Old Town (Vibrant nightlife): Perfect for those who enjoy bustling areas 🏠 Recommended Guesthouses: - Lakeside: Mingyue Songjian, Liuyue Wusuo - Shuanglang: Muxi Dali, Erhai Wakeup - Budget-friendly: Guesthouses near Cai Village pier 🍜 Food Recommendations - Must-try specialties: - Sour and spicy fish (Erhai fish + papaya) - Rushan (grilled or fried) - Xizhou Baba (sweet and savory options) - Cold chicken rice noodles (summer favorite) - Recommended restaurants: - Shuanglang: Sijiyunye Wild Mushroom Hotpot - Xizhou: Moshang Garden Restaurant - Dali Old Town: Zaihuishou Cold Chicken Rice Noodles ⚠️ Travel Tips 1. Sun protection is crucial - strong highland UV rays, bring hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen 2. Be cautious when buying silverware - choose legitimate shops, ask for certificates 3. Visit S-curve, Lixiangbang early to avoid crowds 4. Respect local culture - don't enter Bai residences without permission for photos 📸 Photography Tips - Sunrise: Longkan Pier, Cai Village - Sunset: Wase Pier, Wenbi Village - Less crowded spots: Haishe Park, corridor bridge - Outfit suggestions: White, light blue, red dresses with straw hats for better photos Erhai Lake's beauty lies in its ever-changing nature - morning mist, afternoon sparkles, evening glow, each moment worth treasuring. Take this guide and set off, let Erhai's breeze blow your worries away 🌊✨