Lake Erhai

» Dali, Yun Nan

Lake Erhai Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

The Lake Erhai coexists well with the Mt. Cangshan. The Lake is the second largest lake of Yunnan Province, with the Dianchi Lake ranking the first. It stretches as long as 41.5 kilometers from the northern end to the southern end. It covers an area of about 251 square kilometers, with an altitude of 1,972 meters. On the Mt. Tuanshan of the southern end of Lake Erhai there is an Erhai Park. The Park is an ideal place to enjoy the sight of Mt. Cangshan and Lake Erhai.

What to visit

Lake Erhai

Looking down from the sky, you will find Lake Erhai is just like a crescent lying quietly between Mt. Cangshan and the Basin of Dali. The lake covers an area of 250 square kilometers and is located about two kilometers east of Dali. In the Lake Erhai there are 3 islands, 4 islets, 5 lakes and 8 bendings.

The meaning of its name

Lake Erhai is the largest highland lake next to Dianchi and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China. It means, "sea shaped like an ear," in Chinese. Implying that the lake is ear shaped and as large as a sea, hence it was so named.

The charming scenery

The water of the lake is so clear that you can even see the lake bed. With such a high transparence, Lake Erhai has been called the "flawless and beautiful jade lying among mountains" from the ancient times. It is said that there grows a very big jade cabbage on the sea bed. The clear water is in fact the jade fluid coming from the heart of the cabbage. In a sunny day, the crystal waters of Lake Erhai and the snow mantled Mt. Cangshan radiate with each other. Thus the scene was commonly described as "Silver Cangshan and Jade Erhai."

Lake Erhai Park

To give the people and tourists alike the convenience of watching the lake, Lake Erhai Park was built. In spring, the place is transformed into a wonderland of flowers like camellias, azaleas and primrose, and abundant exotic trees.

Sea Watching Pavilion

Enter into the Park from the small dock and climb the mountain along the stone steps. At the top of the mountain you will see the Sea Watching Pavilion with flying eaves. You can stroll in the corridor of the Pavilion and look as far as you can. All the scenery of Mt. Cangshan and Lake Erhai will be in your eyes.

Xiaoputuo Islet

The most unforgettable Xiaoputuo Islet, originally devoted to Bodhisattva Kwan-yin, can be traced back to the 15th century. Though tiny and called "xiao" (which means small in Chinese), one can still experience and see the typical ancient Chinese Buddhist temple's unique architectural styles of its buildings' pointed eaves and decorations on this peninsular.

Surrounding attractions

The surrounding islands, temples and villages are worth visiting too. Golden Shuttle Island (Jinsuo Dao) and the nearby fishing community of Bai minority do really deserve a visit with its attractive Bai culture and lifestyle, and because of the rare beauty of the lake and its surrounding scenery. It is rare to see fishing villages in the highlands, so many visitors are fascinated by the fishing village belonging to the Bai minority nearby.

Scenery gallery

Between Lake Erhai and Mt. Cangshan lies a fan- shaped flat alluvial basin. In the basin are fertile farmlands and many villages, and stand the Three Pagodas of the Chongsheng Temple. The basin has beautiful natural views, key points of interests and colorful folk-customs, and thus gains the good name "scenery gallery."

What to taste

• Barou ersi
  Barou ersi, one of Dali's local specialties, is made from pig's knuckle and a vegetable unique to Dali called "er cai."
• Fish
  The Lake Erhai area is famous for its fresh and plentiful fish.
• Diaomei
  Try some plums called Diaomei. The plums are preserved for months in brown sugar and honey, the sweetness from the sugar and honey contrast with the sour plum make it yummy treat.
• Three Courses of Tea
  A unique tea is the "Three Courses of Tea," which symbolically mirrors life's progress - first bitter then sweet. The first course is slightly bitter; the second course is trifle sweet (walnuts and candy are added to the tea), and the third course is unforgettable satisfying.

Souvenirs

For light travelers, there are embroidered clothing, tie-dyed scarves, Dali batik and jade jewelry. For those who like to lug around large slabs of stone, authentic Dali marble can be found everywhere. This quality marble is usually set into wood furniture, tabletops and table screen. Dali's Gantong tea, Cangshan snow tea, and Xiaguantuo tea make good gift.

On the eastern shore of Lake Erhai is the Wase Village market the fifth day of the month; rural women in colorful jackets, long tunics and sequined chapeaus pack the market square. Local arrive on horses and donkeys, and amidst wandering pigs, trade wares ranging from rice and nuts to horses and squawking chickens. Forget proper stalls, most items are displayed out of woven baskets.

When to visit

• Opening Hours: 08:30a.m. - 18:00p.m.
• Recommended Time for a Visit: 40 minutes

Attractions around » Dali, Yun Nan

Natural Scene

• Mt. Cangshan
• Butterfly Spring
• Lake Erhai

Historical Site

• Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
• Dali Ancient City

Nightlife

• Foreign Tourist Street

Shopping & Leisure

• Foreign Tourist Street

Lake Erhai Highlights

Lake & Spring in Great China

• West Lake
• Lake Kanas
• Lake Namtso
• Lake Qinghaihu
• Lake Yamdrok
• Huaqing Pool
• Crescent Spring
• Lake Qiandaohu
• Lake Xuanwuhu
• Lake Taihu
• Slender West Lake
• Lake Hongfenghu
• Lake Dianchi
• Lake Luguhu
• Heavenly Lake
• Butterfly Spring
• Lake Erhai
• Longsheng Hot Spring National Park
• Lake Bitahai
• Lake Shuduhu
• Lake Napahai
• Red Carp Pond
• Hupao Spring
• Black Dragon Pool
• Lake Karakuli
• Tianhe Pool
• Lake Dongtinghu
• Baotu Spring
• Lake Daminghu
• Yuquan Park
• Lake Bosten
• East Lake Scenic Area

Lake Erhai FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. When to go

  Transportation

1. A note on taxi

  Shopping

1. Always negotiate the price and make everything clear first.

  Travel

1. Can I rent a bike?
2. What are some interestng local festivals?

  Other Hints

1. Stay safe
2. Emergency Numbers
3. Useful Numbers

• When to go

  Dalii Bai Autonomous Prefecture is situated on the altiplano with low latitude, there are no severely hot summers or very cold winters. The best time to travel Dali is from March to June when the Spring is in full swing featuring enough sunshine, fresh air.

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• What are some interesting local festivals?

  March Street Festival of Bai Nationality
  Held between the fifth day and the twenty-first day of the third lunar month, the festival is one of the most magnificent folk celebrations of the Bai ethnic minority. The ceremony takes place just outside the western gate of Dali Ancient City. People come from every corner of the city at this time, dancing and singing; some trading are conducted on the spot too.

  Butterfly Fest
  It is a fest for the Bai ethnic boys and girls, held usually on the fifteenth day of the fourth lunar month near the Butterfly Spring. Stones are thrown into the spring and songs are sung with the hope of finding Mr or Miss Right.

  Raosanling of Bai Nationality
  It is a grand public function of the Bai people, held on the twenty-third day of the fourth lunar month. Everyone tries to be at the function promptly. The ceremony is aimed at praying for rain before the farming season begins.

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• Stay safe

  There are a few scams and petty crime targeting tourists in Dali. Watch your belongings carefully to protect from pickpockets and theft, though perhaps the major risk you take if staying in cheap accommodation is theft by other foreign travellers. Overall Dali is a very safe place with little crime directed at tourists.

  If you are planning to hike up the Cang mountains, travel in a group both to protect yourself from robbery and as back up in case of accident.

  Drugs disguised as strange artifacts are usually sold by women in traditional Bai costume, who will then lead you to their homes. Marijuana is widespread in Dali's foreign bars but, if caught, the penalties for possession and use are severe.

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• A note on taxi

  Generally, taxis in Dali are without fare meters, but for downtown travel, it is about 6 to 7 RMB Yuan per trip, if you want to go outside the city, you should talk and fix the fare with the taxi driver, generally about 25 Yuan per trip.
  

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• Always negotiate the price and make everything clear first.

  Before you pay for any other kind of entertainment, like riding a boat on Erhai, do make sure you have made everything clear, like what costs how much, the total price, to avoid arguments or unpleasantness.

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• Can I rent a bike?

  There are bikes for rent in Dali, but you will have to show your ID and pay a certain amount of deposite. The rent fee is about 10 - 15 RMB per day.

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• Emergency Numbers

  • Fire: 119
    
  • Police: 110
    
  • Traffic: 122
    
  • Ambulance: 120

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• Useful Numbers

  • Consumer Complaint: 12315
    
  • Tourist Complaint: 2670384
    
  • Telephone Number Inquiry: 114
    
  • Weather Forecast: 121
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