Erhai Lake: Explore Pearl of Plateau by Cruise or Cycling

Written by Veronica | Updated February 25,2025

Erhai Lake is a beautiful and serene “sea” (locals call lakes sea) located in Yunnan Province, China. It is the second largest lake in Yunnan after Dianchi. With an area of 250 square kilometers, the Lake of Erhai is surrounded by primitive finishing villages and lush greenery, with Cangshan Mountains in the distance.

There is a famous saying goes that, “The Erhai Lake and the Cangshan Mountains combine to create a stunning picture”. Erhai Lake, together with Dali Old Town, Three Pagodas, and Cangshan Mountains make Dali a popular destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.

For Yunnan tours to Dali, it is a great idea to cruise Erhai Lake. Or stay at a hotel beside the lake and watch the sun rise and set.

Erhai Lake Facts

• In Chinese: 洱海 (pinyin: ěr hǎi)
• Size:about 250 square kilometers, 117 km shoreline, 41.5 km from south to north, and 7-8km from east to west.
• Altitude: 1972m
• Attraction Type: a natural freshwater, a sag pond.
• Suited to: Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful escape from urban life.
• The time needed: a few hours to a whole day; 1 to 2 days for cycling

What to Do and Experience at Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake Cruise

The most popular activities at Erhai Lake, the about 4-hour boat ride provides visitors a leisure way to explore the lake of Ehai’s serene waters and admire the surrounding scenery.

The opulent Dali’s Erhai Lake cruise ships have a capacity of 400 to 950 passengers and are of the highest caliber and well-equipped. Dali’s “Three Tea Ceremony of the Bai Ethnic Group, with Song and Dance Performances” are a special feature of cruise. The

Millions of people, both domestic and foreign, including prominent foreign visitors and Chinese national leaders, board the cruise ship to take in the views of Erhai Lake.

Opening hours: 8:30-15:30

Ticket price: RMB140 to 180 (Including the Three Tea Ceremony, song and dance performance and Nanzhao style island)

Remarks:

1. Children’s tickets: half-priced for those aged 1.2 to 1.4, free for those under 1.2.
2. Visitors are advised to go there before 8:30am to still enjoy the morning scenery and arrive at Taoyuan Pier at 12:30pm.

√Recommend Dali tours with Erhai Lake:

• 3-Day Dali Tour with Memorable Experience
• 6 Days Yunnan Kunming Dali Lijiang Tour

 

Cycle around Erhai Lake in Dali

For active traveler who want to explore the Erhai Lake at their own pace, you are encouraged to rent a bike and cycle around the lake. While enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings, you can stop and visit any villages on your way as you wish.

The photo chances are endless — the sunrise and sunset over the lake are captivating. In winter season, you feel as though you are in a wonderland among the rows of crimson sequoias and seagulls.

Recommended scenic biking routes to explore:

Ride round the Lake:

A 140km bicycle journey along the Erhai Lake takes 2 days and provides a sense of the distinctively idyllic scenery of Dali.

• Day 1: sunrise at Longniche Wharf → Gusheng Village → lounge bridge → Sea Tongue Park → Xizhou Ancient Town → Zhoucheng Village
• Day 2: Zhoucheng Village → Dali Ancient Town → Shuanglang Village → small Putuo →South Village → sunset at Xingsheng Bridge

East Erhai Road

Bike along the eastern shore of Erhai Lake for tranquil and peaceful biking experience. The route passes through several scenic areas such as Caicun Wharf and Shuanglang Fishing Village and offers fantastic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

West Erhai Road

Bike along the western shore of Erhai Lake, which is less crowded than some other routes. The route passes through several traditional Bai Minority villages, such as Xizhou and Zhoucheng. It is where visitors can learn about the local culture and history.

Recommended Tours:

• Dali Cycling Day Tour to Xizhou, Zhoucheng, Erhai Lake
• 2 Days Yunnan Dali Cycling Tour around Erhai Lake with Bai Culture

Experience Bai Minority Culture and Tatse Local Cuisines

Erhai Lake is surrounded by several traditional Bai minority villages that offer a glimpse into the local culture and way of life. Visit these villages to experience the Bai minority’s unique customs, traditions, and architecture.

• Cai Village (才村): Cai Village is located in the east of Dali Ancient City, on the west coast of the Erhai Lake, with more than 3 kilometres of coastline under its jurisdiction. The village has a total population of more than 7,100 people, most of whom are Bai, who have been making a living by fishing for generations. Here, there are lovely bridges and flowers.
• The “township of the marble” fame, Yinqiao Town(银桥镇), is located 20.5 kilometers from Dali Xiaguan, east of the Erhai Lake, and west of the Cangshan Mountains. The West Erhai Road runs through it.
• Shuanglang Town (双廊镇) occupies 218.28 square kilometers and is situated on the northeastern edge of Erhai Lake. Three sides of the town are mountainous, while one side is seaside.
• Located about 18 kilometers north of Erhai Lake, Xizhou Ancient Town(喜洲镇) is known for its unique traditional Bai architecture and cultural heritage. The Xizhou wet market is a also worth a visit. You will local Bai people dressed in traditional clothes and sell all kinds of wild vegetables, goods, foods, and handicrafts.

When visiting the Bai villages around Erhai Lake, feast on the delicious and unique local cuisine, which includes dishes such as Erhai fish, stir-fried wild vegetables, Dali milk fan, Er Kuai, Xizhou baba, Bai style fish in casserole, grilled tofu, etc.

√Best Dali tours with Erhai Lake:

• 7 Days Kunming – Dali – Shangri-La – Lijiang Small Group Tour
• 8 Days Classic Yunnan Minority Tour of Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La

Best time to visit

Though it is suitable to visit all year round, Erhai Lake is best visited during the mild and comfortable weather months of March to June and September to November. During these months, visitors appreciate the stunning scenery, explore its numerous attractions, and take amazing photos.

How to Get to Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake is located about 2 kilometers away from Dali Old Town. Take a taxi or Bus No.6, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes. It is also possible you hire a bicycle or motorbike to reach the lake.

More Travel Tips

Recommend Places to Watch the Sunrise and Sunset at Erhai Lake

To watch sunrise:

• Bopeng Village
• Cai Village
• Long Niche Ferry Pier
• Chongyi Village
• Hai Tongue Eco Park (Limit 200 people per day)

 

To watch sunset:

• Shuanglang Town
• Xingsheng Bridge
• NancunVilalge

Erhai Lake Hotels

When traveling in Dali and Erhai Lake, there are a wide range of luxury hotels and affordable guesthouses, with the scenic backdrop of Erhai Lake and culturally immersive experiences.

The popular options include Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai, Dali Hotel, The Linden Centre,Golden Silver Bay Seaview Hotel (Dali Shuanglang Branch), Dali Shuanglang Buyun: Jinhaishe Seaview Hotel, and Dali Shuanglang Water Wangyue Seaview Inn.

√Popular Dali tours with Erhai Lake:

• 5 Days Dali & Lijiang Family tour with Boutique Hotels
• 7 Days Yunnan | Dali+Lijiang+Shangri-La Best Highlights Tour

Attractions nearby Erhai Lake

• Zhoucheng Village: Located about 23 kilometers away from Erhai Lake, it is known for its traditional tie-dyeing techniques.Many of Chinaxiantour clients, during their Dali tours, visit Zhoucheng and learn tie-dyeing.
• Cangshan Mountain: Cangshan Mountain is a majestic range of 19 peaks located in Dali, Yunnan Province, China, known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance.
• Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: East of Erhai Lake, built in the 9^thCentury, it is a landmark of Dali. The middle pagoda is 69.13m high, and the two smaller pagodas are both 42.19m.
• Dali Old Town: located about 2 kilometers away from Erhai Lake, is a charming and historic city that is home to several ancient landmarks, including the Three Pagodas, the ancient city wall, and the Foreigners’ Street.