Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake lies quietly at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains and east of Dali Ancient Town, serving as Yunnan's second-largest plateau freshwater lake after Dianchi Lake. Stretching narrowly over 40 km from north to south, its silhouette resembles both a human ear and a crescent moon. The Bai people traditionally call large lakes "seas," and with its vast expanse and sea-like waves when winds rise, it earned this romantic name. The nineteen peaks of Cangshan stand like a screen to the west, reflecting the lake's shimmering waters—a scenery long praised as "silver Cangshan and jade Erhai." This is also the setting for the "Erhai moon," one of Dali's famed "wind, flower, snow, and moon" four scenic wonders.

The classic way to explore Erhai Lake is riding or hiking along the lakeside ecological corridor, where you can stop anytime along the 100 km shoreline: Longkan Dock on the western shore features boardwalks extending into the water and rows of dawn redwoods, making it a popular sunrise spot. Further north, Panxi S-bend's waterfront trail curves gracefully along the lake, with a solitary tree in the water and pastoral shores serving as iconic photo backdrops. Taking a cruise offers distant views of Little Putuo Island and a chance to visit Nanzhao Folk Island, often accompanied by Bai ethnic tea ceremonies and dances. Jinsuo Island in the southern lake has been home to Bai fishermen for generations, preserving both village charm and Benzhu faith traditions. During the summer Torch Festival, lakeside villagers toss pine resin powder, creating fiery sparks, while the legend-linked Shuahai Festival—honoring Lady Bojie and Duan Chicheng's serpent-slaying tale—keeps Bai bravery alive by the lakeshore.

To slow down, head to Shuanglang Ancient Town by the lake and pick a waterfront café to spend half a day. At dawn, wait for the sunrise on the western shore; in the evening, watch the sunset paint the Cangshan Mountains golden-red from the eastern shore—riding along the lakeshore, cruising back to gaze at the mountains from the lake center, or simply sitting by the water—these experiences perfectly piece together different facets of Erhai Lake.