2 Days Yunnan Dali Cycling Tour around Erhai Lake with Bai Culture
Tour Overview
Are you a cycling lover who is looking for an outstanding Yunnan cycling tour that would combine the mesmerizing views of lakes, local culture, and heritage sites? Then this Dali cycling tour, lasting two days, will take you around the famous Erhai LakeĀ and let you experience the beauties of nature along with Bai customs. It all starts from Dali Old Town, and you will be riding the popular Erhai Lakeside Route, making stops at Jin Suo Island, Tianjing Pavilion, and Small Putuo IslandĀ to watch the peaceful Cangshan Mountain and the deep-blue lake other than the famous views of the landmarks.
On Day two, you will be at Nanzhao Love IslandĀ to witness the sunrise, tour the sacred statues and ancient banyan trees, and cycling towards Xizhou TownĀ a little bit, which is one of the best-preserved Bai towns in Yunnan known for its beautiful courtyard houses, colorful markets, and the Three-Course Tea ceremonyĀ that symbolizes unity. The cycling route allows for nature, culture, and real Yunnan charm to be experienced simultaneously.
Travel destination: Dali
Suitable for: Cycling Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Culture Explorers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Bike around Erhai LakeĀ for awesome views of Cangshan Mountain, the pretty blue lake, and old Bai villages.
- Check out Jin Suo Island, Tianjing Pavilion, and Small Putuo Island for peaceful lake views and local culture.
- Catch an amazing sunrise over Erhai LakeĀ and take a boat to Nanzhao IslandĀ ā see cool statues, old banyan trees, and famous cultural spots.
- Go see Xizhou Townās well-kept Bai buildings, busy markets, and try the special Three-Course Tea to learn about the local culture.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Cycling from Dali Old Town to Shuanglang
Your Dali cycling trip kicks off with a brief transfer from Dali Old TownĀ to Xiaguan (äøå ³), where you start cycling on the famous Erhai Lakeside Route. The road runs along the sparkling shore, giving wide-angle views of Mount CangshanĀ and the lake's dark blue water. Your first important stop is Jin Suo Island, a tranquil fishing islet famous for its evenness and unhurried life among the local people. After savoring a delicious local lunch, proceed cycling beside the lake until reaching Tianjing Pavilion, a delightful lookout point at water level. Then go on to Small Putuo Island, the little islet where a beautiful Buddhist shrine of the Ming dynasty sits elegantly against the lake's horizon.
Jin Suo Island of Erhai Lake in Dali You will reach Shuanglang Town, one of Erhai most picturesque lakeside settlements, by the end of the day. Take a stroll around Change Village, which is famous for its typical Bai houses and artist community, and then go to the Patron Saint Temple, an important Bai religious site that embodies both local beliefs and the area's rich history of architecture. You will stay overnight at the hotel in Shuanglang.
Shuanglang Town - Day 2: Sunrise over Nanzhao Love Island & Cycling to Xizhou
Rise early to witness an amazing sunrise over Erhai Lake and Nanzhao Love Island, where soft morning colors illuminate the water and distant mountains. After breakfast, board a boatĀ to explore Nanzhao Island in depth. Discover iconic sights such as the Shayimu Statue, honoring a legendary fisher girl; the towering Acuoye Guanyin StatueĀ watching over the lake; the Nanzhao PalaceĀ with its cultural displays; and the Square of Patron Saint CultureĀ celebrating ancient Bai beliefs. Youāll also encounter unique Taihu StonesĀ and centuries-old banyan treesĀ that add to the islandās mystical atmosphere.
Sunrise over Nanzhao Love Island Disembark and begin your final cycling stretch toward Xizhou Town, a well-preserved Bai village renowned for its grand courtyard residences and centuries-old merchant culture. Explore its beautifully restored architecture, lively local markets, and shaded lanes. Enjoy a traditional Three-Course Tea performance, an essential Bai cultural experience blending ceremony, storytelling, and hospitality.
Afterward, drive back to Dali and transfer to your hotel. This is the end of your enriching Dali cycling tour around Erhai Lake.
Three-Course Tea Performance in Dali
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
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Accommodation for This Dali Cycling Tour
5-Star Hotel in Shuanglang
On this cycling tour, we have arranged an overnight stay in Shuanglang Town, perfectly positioned along the eastern shore of Erhai Lake. Our carefully selected accommodations range from 3-star, 4-star to luxury 5-star sea-view hotels, many offering unobstructed views of the lake and Cangshan Mountain right from your room.
Depending on the size of your group, you can choose standard double rooms, king/queen-size bed rooms, family rooms or triple rooms. If you need an extra bed, please inform us in advance so that we can confirm the availability of the reservation with the hotel.
All hotels offer breakfast. We ensure that every room is smoke-free, well-conditioned, and spacious. These hotels provide easy access to the town's charming cobblestone streets, local cafes, and excellent seafood restaurants.
Should you have any specific room preferences, please let us know in advance.
