Erhai

The Soul of Dali

1.Located in the Dali Bai Autonomous: Prefecture, lying peacefully between the majestic Cangshan Mountain to the west and Yu'an Mountain to the east, Erhai Lake is the "Mother Lake" of the Bai people and the quintessential symbol of Dali's scenery. With an altitude of approximately 1,972 meters and a surface area of about 250 square kilometers, it is one of China's most famous highland fault lakes. Its name, "Erhai," translates to "Ear Sea," derived from its unique shape resembling a human ear. The lake is celebrated for its crystal-clear blue waters, which shimmer like jade, and its ability to reflect the nineteen peaks of the snow-capped Cangshan Mountain, creating the famous "Jade Erhai and Silver Cangshan" landscape.

A Royal Garden of Nanzhao

Historically, Erhai Lake was much more than a scenic spot; it was the "Back Garden" of the Nanzhao Kingdom. In the 8th century, the Nanzhao King Piluoge built palaces here to admire the lake views. Throughout the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, the lake served as a vital hub for transport and trade, known as the "Dragon Vein" of the region. Legends abound here: it is said the lake was formed by the tears of the Fairy Luo Quan, and the famous "Erhai Moon"—one of Dali's Four Great Sceneries—is created when the golden moon reflects in the calm waters, believed to be a mirror dropped by a celestial maiden.

Cycling the "Corridor of Wind"

2.One of the best ways to experience: Erhai is by traveling along the Erhai Ring Road. Whether renting an electric scooter or a bicycle, the journey offers an intimate connection with the landscape. The route passes through idyllic scenery: on one side, the azure waves lap against the shore, and on the other, golden rice fields and white-walled Bai villages stretch toward the mountains. Popular stops include Haidong, known for its wetlands and reeds, and the Wase area, where travelers often pause to take photos of the road seemingly disappearing into the blue water.

Islands and Fishing Villages

Dotted across the lake are charming islands and peninsulas. Little Putuo (Xiao Putuo) is a tiny, rocky island said to be a seal dropped by Guanyin to calm the waters; it houses a Ming Dynasty pavilion that looks like a bonsai floating on the lake. Golden Shuttle Island (Jinsuo Dao), the largest island, is named after a legend of a weaving shuttle dropped by a Bai girl; today, it offers a glimpse into traditional Bai fishing culture, including the ancient practice of cormorant fishing. On the northeastern shore lies Shuanglang (Double Corridor), a trendy artistic retreat home to the famous Moon Palace and Sun Palace built by dancer Yang Liping, where architecture blends seamlessly with the cliffs and water.

The Romantic "Cang-Er" Lifestyle

Erhai is the heart of the "Cang-Er" (Cangshan and Erhai) lifestyle—a blend of romance, relaxation, and Bai hospitality. Visitors can take a traditional boat ride to see the "Three Courses of Tea" ceremony or watch the sunrise turn the lake surface into a sea of gold. The lake is also ecologically vital; the "Sea Tongue" (Hai She) park offers a wetland experience where willows dip into the water and birds fly overhead. Whether watching the fishing boats at sunset or staying in a sea-view boutique hotel in a lakeside village, Erhai offers a profound sense of tranquility and spiritual healing.