Erhai Lake
Erhai Lake, a shimmering highland gem in Yunnan’s Dali Prefecture, is China’s seventh-largest freshwater lake. Nicknamed "Yunnan’s Emerald," this crescent-shaped lake (136 km circumference, 1,972m elevation) has nourished Bai ethnic communities for millennia. Designated a National Scenic Area in 1994, it’s famed for its azure waters, seabird colonies, and Cangshan Mountain views.
Historical Overview
Formed by tectonic shifts millions of years ago, Erhai served as a vital hub for the ancient Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms (7th–13th centuries). Maritime Silk Road traders once docked here, exchanging tea, silk, and horses. In the 1980s, it became a focal point for eco-tourism, balancing preservation with modern development.
Geographical Layout
The lake spans 256 km², framed by:Western Shore: Lush Cangshan Mountain foothills, villages like Xizhou and Zhoucheng.
Eastern Shore: Flatlands dotted with fishing villages (e.g., Shuanglang) and wetlands.
Islands: Golden Orchid Island (Xiaoputuo) and South Shazhou Island.
Key Zones: Dali Old Town waterfront, Erhai Park, and the Eco-Corridor cycling path.
Major Attractions
Xiaoputuo Island: Miniature temple-topped islet, nicknamed "Little Potalaka."
Shuanglang Town: Lakeside village with white-walled Bai houses and sunset bars.
Cangshan Mountain: 19 peaks overlooking the lake; take the cable car to Zhonghe Temple.
Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas: 1,200-year-old Buddhist landmarks near the lake.
Butterfly Spring: Park where swarms of butterflies gather (May–June).
Xizhou Ancient Town: Historic Bai market town with morning bazaars.
Erhai Eco-Corridor: 129-km cycling path with wetlands, yurts, and photo spots.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (4–5 hours):
Dali Old Town → Shuanglang → Xiaoputuo → Erhai Park.
Highlights: Sunset views, boat tours, and Bai architecture.
- Cultural Route (Full Day):
Xizhou → Zhoucheng (Tie-dye workshops) → Chongsheng Temple → Butterfly Spring.
Highlights: Bai culture, Handicrafts, and ancient temples.
- Adventure Route (2 Days):
Day 1: Cycle the Eco-Corridor (40 km).
Day 2: Hike Cangshan → Visit Erhai’s wetlands.
Ticket Purchase
Free Entry: Lake access is open year-round.
- Attraction Fees:
Cangshan Cable Car: ¥100–150 (round-trip).
Chongsheng Temple: ¥75 (includes Three Pagodas).
Boat Tours: ¥140–180 (1–2 hours).
To Dali:
Air: Fly to Dali Airport (DLU), then taxi (¥50–60) to Old Town.
Train: High-speed rail from Kunming (2 hours).
Local:
Bike Rental: ¥20–50/day near Old Town.
Bus: Route #C2 from Dali to Shuanglang (¥15, 1.5 hours).
Taxi: ¥80–100 from Old Town to Shuanglang.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Nov–Mar (off-season) or weekdays.
Best Seasons: Spring (Mar–May) for blossoms; autumn (Sep–Nov) for clear skies.
Wear: Sunscreen, hat, and layers (altitude causes temperature swings).
Respect: Bai customs; ask before photographing locals.
Eco-Tip: Avoid plastic; use reusable bottles (free water stations available).
Try: Baba (pan-fried cake) and Sannongyu (three-course tea) in Xizhou.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
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Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
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Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
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June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
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May 08,2025
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