Embark on a Blue Journey with Erhai Lake
Here is a guide to Erhai Lake, including route planning, accommodation recommendations, and food recommendations:
Route Planning
• One-Day Tour Around the Lake: It is recommended to go counterclockwise to reduce traffic congestion. Starting from Dali Ancient City, the first stop is Longkan Wharf to watch the sunrise; then go to the Internet-famous S-bend in Panxi Village, where you can ride a bicycle to enjoy the scenery; then go to the Langqiao Bridge to take pictures. After that, go to Xizhou Ancient Town to admire the Bai architecture and taste Xizhou Baba. In the afternoon, go to Shuanglang Ancient Town to experience the ancient town style. Then pass through the Deer Wo Mountain Site, Xiaoputuo, Wenbi Village, and Ideal Land in sequence, and finally watch the sunset at Xingsheng Bridge.
• Two-Day Tour Around the Lake: On the first day, take the Haixi route, starting from Longkan Wharf, ride along the Ecological Corridor, and check in at Xindi Cafe, Chongyi Village, Panxi S-bend, Langqiao Bridge and other attractions, and stay in or near Xizhou Ancient Town at night. On the second day, take the Haidong route, starting from Xizhou, go to Shuanglang Ancient Town, and then visit Xiaoputuo, Wenbi Village, Ideal Land, Xingsheng Bridge and other attractions in sequence.
Accommodation Recommendations
• Luxury: Dali Songyun Cliff Hotel, located on the cliff, can directly face Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake; Aketia Anyin Lishi Courtyard Seaview Resort Hotel, a luxury Chinese-style resort hotel on the bank of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake; Dali Yuewan VILLA B&B, with a strong sense of design, the rooms face the sea.
• Featured: Dali Ancient City Cenglin Hotel, the courtyard is a protected building, quaint; Dali Xizhou Xingzhe Shangju Hotel, French style and Bai architecture complement each other; Dali Wuyai Inn, affordable price, you can watch Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake in the room.
Food Recommendations
• Traditional Food: Rushan, made from milk, can be eaten directly, or fried or roasted; Posu Baba, made from glutinous rice flour, is crispy layer by layer, both sweet and salty.
• Featured Snacks: Pa Rou Ersi, the Ersi is strong, the Pa Rou is soft, with a secret sauce and chili oil; Casserole Fish, made with fresh fish from Erhai Lake, stewed with vegetables in a casserole, the soup is rich, and the fish is fresh and tender.
• Featured Vegetables: Erhai Seaweed, grows in Erhai Lake, can be mixed cold, boiled in soup or stir-fried, the taste is refreshing.
Travel Tips
• Transportation: Some sections of the Haixi Ecological Corridor restrict motor vehicle traffic. You can choose to ride a bicycle or walk; Haidong is suitable for chartering a car, renting a car for self-driving, or taking public transportation.
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, that is, March-May and September-November are the best times to visit Dali. The temperature is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful.
• Taking pictures: Longkan Wharf, Panxi S-bend, Langqiao Bridge, Xizhou Ancient Town, Shuanglang Ancient Town, Deer Wo Mountain Site, Xiaoputuo, Wenbi Village, Ideal Land, Xingsheng Bridge, etc. are all good places to take pictures, pay attention to choosing the right time and light.