The Reflection of the Moon: Nature, Romance, and Ecological Beauty at Erhai Moon Wetland Park

A Poetic Sanctuary by the Lake

1.Located just east of Dali Ancient: City, along the famous ecological corridor of the west bank, Erhai Moon Wetland Park is a place where the majestic Cangshan Mountain meets the gentle waters of Erhai Lake. It represents the most spiritual and romantic aspect of Dali's landscape. The park is named after one of the four famous sceneries of Dali—"Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon"—specifically the "Erhai Moon." While it is not an independent UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a crucial component of the Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve and the Dali Scenic Area. It serves as a perfect interface connecting the rugged beauty of the mountains with the serene life of the local Bai people, offering a quiet natural retreat amidst the bustling city surroundings.

The Legend of the Moon

The park's name is deeply rooted in local culture and legends. In Bai folklore, Erhai Lake is seen as a mirror given by the gods to the human world, while the moon is a golden flower that fell into the lake. On nights of the mid-autumn festival, the full moon reflects in the center of the lake, creating a breathtaking scene known as the "Golden Moon in the Jade Mirror." This natural phenomenon, where the moon in the sky and the moon in the water reflect each other against the backdrop of the snowy Cangshan peaks, has been immortalized in poetry for nearly a thousand years. Walking through the park allows visitors to step into this poetic imagery, experiencing the "Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon" that defines Dali's romantic identity.

An Ecological Barrier and Bird Haven

Beyond its cultural significance, Erhai Moon Wetland Park plays a vital ecological role. It was developed as part of the initiative to protect Erhai Lake, transforming traditional fishponds and farmlands into a robust wetland ecosystem. The park acts as a "natural kidney" for the lake, purifying water and regulating the local microclimate. It features a diverse range of aquatic plants, including reeds, cattails, and the rare Ottelia acuminata (Seaweed Flower). In winter (November to March), the wetland becomes a lively paradise for migratory birds. Thousands of black-headed gulls from Siberia, along with egrets and purple swamphens, flock here, adding a dynamic vitality to the tranquil scenery. It is a prime location for birdwatching and observing the rich biodiversity of the plateau wetland,.

A Corridor of Leisure

The park is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Erhai Ecological Corridor, featuring a network of wooden plank roads and paved paths that wind through the water, reeds, and willow trees. These paths guide visitors deep into the wetland, offering intimate encounters with nature. Whether cycling along the corridor or strolling on the water-affinity boardwalks, visitors are treated to shifting views: to the west, the clouds rolling over the Cangshan peaks; to the east, the vast, shimmering expanse of Erhai Lake. The park also incorporates traditional Bai architectural elements, such as white-walled pavilions and stone bridges, which blend harmoniously with the natural environment, creating a landscape that feels like a living painting,.

The Best Viewing Point

2.Erhai Moon Wetland: Park is widely recognized as one of the best locations to view the "Erhai Moon." particularly the area near the Caicun Pier. The open field of view here allows for an unobstructed sight of the moon rising over the lake, casting a golden shimmer on the water. During the day, the park offers equally stunning vistas, with the reflection of the clouds and mountains in the calm water creating a mesmerizing "mirror of the sky" effect. It is a place where one can slow down, breathe the fresh air, and find a moment of peace between the heavens and the earth.