The Plateau’s Waterland: Ancient Bai Villages, Seaweed Flowers, and the Source of Erhai Lake at Eryuan West Lake

The Source of Erhai Lake

1.Located in You Suo: Town, Eryuan County, within the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Eryuan West Lake (Eryuan Xihu) is a mesmerizing highland wetland often hailed as the "Pearl of the Plateau" and the "Source of Erhai Lake." Situated at the foot of Fozhong Mountain, this scenic area covers a lake surface of approximately 4 square kilometers with an average depth of 1.8 meters. Unlike the vast open waters of Erhai Lake, Eryuan West Lake offers a unique, intimate landscape where water and land intertwine. It is a place where "villages exist within the lake, and the lake exists within the villages," creating a rare "Plateau Water Town" scenery that blends the tranquility of a nature reserve with the vibrant daily life of traditional Bai ethnic settlements.

A Landscape of "Six Villages and Seven Islands"

2.The defining feature of Eryuan West: Lake is its distinct geographical layout known as "Six Villages and Seven Islands." The lake is dotted with islands and peninsulas, upon which sit ancient Bai villages featuring traditional architecture with white walls and grey tiles. These villages are connected by water channels and narrow strips of land, creating a labyrinthine water world. From a distance, the settlements appear to float on the water, mirrored perfectly in the clear lake. The architecture retains the classic "Three坊 One Screen Wall" style, characteristic of the Bai people, harmonizing with the surrounding willow trees and reeds. This integration of human habitation and aquatic environment creates a living landscape painting that has persisted for centuries,.

3.The Flower of: Water Quality: Ottelia Acuminata

4.Eryuan West: Lake is celebrated for its pristine water quality, which supports a rich biodiversity. It is one of the few places where visitors can see the Ottelia Acuminata (Seaweed Flower or Haicaihua), a delicate white flower that blooms on the water's surface. Known as the "identifier of water quality," this plant only grows in the cleanest waters. When in bloom, thousands of these small white flowers dot the blue lake like stars, creating a stunning visual contrast. The wetland is also a haven for migratory birds. Visitors can spot purple swamphens, egrets, and wild ducks navigating the reeds and lotus leaves, adding a dynamic vitality to the serene waters,.

A Legacy of History and Legends

5.The history of West: Lake is deeply intertwined with the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. It served as a significant water source and a strategic location during these eras. Culturally, the lake is steeped in local Bai mythology. A popular legend tells of a "Divine Cow" that enjoyed the water and wind here, eventually becoming a spirit of the lake. This reverence for the water and the cow reflects the local people's deep spiritual connection to their environment. Historically, the area has been a hub for fishing and agriculture, and traces of this traditional lifestyle are still visible today as villagers row their boats to fish or tend to the aquatic crops.

Boating and The Seaweed Banquet

6.Exploring Eryuan West: Lake is best done by boat. Visitors can take traditional wooden boats rowed by local villagers to navigate the winding waterways between the islands. As the boat glides through the clear water, you can see the swaying water plants and fish swimming below. The experience offers a peaceful retreat from the noise of the modern world, allowing you to immerse yourself in the "Highland Aesthetics" of Dali. After a tour, visitors can indulge in the local culinary specialty: the Seaweed Banquet (Haicai Yan). Dishes made from the fresh, edible seaweed flowers and ecological fish from the lake offer a taste of the region's pure, natural bounty,.