Yunnan | Complete Cycling Journey Around Dali

| The Complete Cycling Journey Around Dali. The romance of "wind, flowers, snow, and moon" hides in every pedal stroke by Erhai Lake. 📍 Route: Cycling around Erhai Lake (Dali Ancient Town → Xizhou → Shuanglang → Wase → West Ring Road → Return to Ancient Town) 🕒 Time: Mid-May 2025, sunny with a light breeze, temperature 21~25°C 🚲 Duration: About 7 hours of cycling (including photos, meals, and breaks, total distance ~130km) ⸻ 🌄 Starting Point: Dali Ancient Town Departing from Dali Ancient Town in the early morning, heading north along the East Ring Road, sunlight sparkled on Erhai Lake, lifting the mood instantly. The first stop was Caicun Pier, perfect for warming up and taking photos. Many cyclists gathered here for group shots, and bike rental spots were available along the way (recommend e-assisted mountain bikes!). ⸻ 🏘️ Xizhou · Bai Ethnic Culture and the Aroma of Flower Pastries Arrived at Xizhou Ancient Town by noon—much quieter than Dali Ancient Town and my favorite stretch. •✅ Must-visit: Xilin Garden, Xizhou Baba (savory pastry), and the painted gate towers of Bai-style houses •🍴 Food Rec: [Sanwei Canteen] Affordable and delicious Bai cuisine—must-try dishes: sour-spicy fish and rushan (milk fan) ⸻ 🏝️ Shuanglang · The Most Artistic Town by Erhai Lake Shuanglang offers the most "instagrammable seaside homestay vibes" along the route. A brief stop revealed unreal shades of blue where the sky met the lake. •📸 Photo Spots: Exterior of Yang Liping Art Hotel, Haidi Life Glass Ball (crowded!) •🛑 Note: This section is prone to traffic jams and crowds—be prepared to walk your bike for a stretch. ⸻ 🏞️ Wase to Eryuan · The Most Stunning Scenic Stretch This segment was the highlight of the trip. •The route follows Erhai’s most pristine shoreline—windy but breathtaking, with waterbirds, fishing boats, vast wheat fields, and cloud reflections. •The road conditions were rougher but made for a thrilling ride, with fewer people and perfect for serene photo ops. ⸻ 🌅 West Ring Road Return · Sunset Rides into the Heart The final leg along the West Ring Road was lined with cherry blossoms and poplars, smooth green paths, and mountain breezes as the sunset painted Erhai Lake. It truly felt like "cycling through an entire spring." ⸻ 🎒 Cycling Tips: 1. Bike Choice: Opt for e-assisted mountain bikes—the full loop takes 6~8 hours; manual cycling is exhausting. 2. Route Tip: Clockwise for favorable winds, counterclockwise for Erhai views on your right. 3. SUNSCREEN x3! High-altitude UV is intense—slather on SPF and wear sunglasses. 4. Pack water and snacks—some stretches lack supply stops. 5. Time it right: Aim to return to Dali Ancient Town before dark. ⸻ 📝 Final Thoughts Cycling around Dali isn’t just about the road—it’s like traversing a painting blending ink wash and blue hues. This isn’t a physical challenge but a gentle, romantic, and liberating journey. 🌿 If you’re hesitating about cycling Erhai: Don’t. Just ride! The wind will give you the answer.