They call it “Jade Sea” due to its turquoise waters and reflection of mountains. Peaceful, romantic, and scenic, surrounded by Bai minority villages, farmland, and mountains.
More beautiful places to visit in China:
Location: East of Dali Ancient Town, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.
Altitude: 1,972 meters above sea level.
Size: 250 km², about 40 km north–south, 8–10 km east–west.
What to see & do at Erhai Lake
Cycling around the lake
Complete Erhai Lake loop ~120 km; most travelers do a half-loop or key villages. Scenic paths along the water with views of Cangshan Mountain.
The best way to travel is to rent a bike or a bicycle. But for the whole circle around the lake better to rent a car. Remember that for driving a car in China you need to provide chinese driving license!
Visit lakeside villages
Shuanglang – café culture, art galleries, and lake views.
Xizhou – famous for Bai architecture and local morning markets.
Zhoucheng – old Bai houses, traditional culture.
Dali fishing villages – experience local Bai fishing traditions.
Boating & Water Activities
Small boat rides are availiable on Erhai to explore islands and fishing villages. Sunset cruises are popular for photography.
Photography & nature
Blue skies & turquoise water reflections. Sunrise at Shuanglang, sunset at Xizhou or Zhoucheng.
Migratory birds in spring and winter, but you always can see here a lot of local birds.
Local food
Try fresh Erhai fish dishes at lakeside restaurants. Bai specialty: grilled carp, salted fish, and Bai-style rice noodles.
Must-try: mushroom hotpot with fresh mushrooms from the mountains of Yunnan
How to get to Erhai Lake
- From Dali Ancient Town:
Taxi: 10–15 min to lakeshore, ¥20–30.
Bicycle/e-bike rental in town for self-guided tour.
- From Dali Airport:
Taxi: 30 min to Ancient Town, then continue to lakeshore.
- Public Bus:
Local buses connect Dali Ancient Town → Shuanglang/Xizhou (~30–60 min).
Best time to visit Erhai
- Spring (Mar–May): Flowers bloom, pleasant temperatures.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies, golden rice fields, excellent for photography.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Green scenery, occasional rain showers.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild, less crowded, perfect for tranquility and reflections.
Travel tips
- Clothing: Layers; mornings/evenings can be cool.
- Shoes: Comfortable walking/cycling shoes.
- Transport: Bikes/e-bikes preferred for flexibility.
- Respect Local Culture: Don’t disturb Bai fishing practices or temples.
- Stay: Lakeside guesthouses in Shuanglang or Xizhou for sunrise/sunset views.
Why you must visit Erhai lake in Yunnan
Erhai Lake is a must for nature lovers and cultural explorers. Its calm turquoise waters, surrounding Bai villages, and majestic Cangshan backdrop make it perfect for cycling, photography, or just soaking in peaceful Yunnan landscapes.
It’s one of the most romantic and relaxing spots in the province
