Longkan Wharf: A Symphony of Sunrises, Water Forests, and Ancient Bai Culture on Erhai Lake

The Miracle of the Morning Light

1.Located on the western shore of Erhai: Lake, Longkan Wharf (Longkan Matou) is celebrated as one of the most spectacular locations in Dali to witness the sunrise. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs of Dali Ancient City, Longkan offers a profound sense of tranquility and a direct connection to the "Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon" of the region. As the first rays of the sun crest over the mountains on the opposite shore, they illuminate the azure waters of Erhai Lake and the majestic Cangshan Mountain range behind you, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. The wharf serves as the centerpiece of this daily natural spectacle, where the sky, the lake, and the silhouettes of trees merge into a living landscape painting that attracts photographers and travelers from around the world,.

The Water Forest: A Canvas of Colors

One of the most defining and photogenic features of Longkan Wharf is its unique "Water Forest" consisting of Dawn Redwood trees (Metasequoia) growing directly in the shallows of the lake. These trees transform with the seasons, offering a dynamic visual experience. In spring and summer, they are lush and green, blending seamlessly with the emerald waters. However, the most famous scenery appears in winter (November to February), when the leaves turn a vibrant rust-red. Against the backdrop of the deep blue lake and the clear highland sky, these redwoods create a stunning contrast of colors. When the morning sun hits them, the trees glow with a golden-red hue, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that is often described as a "fairytale world",,.

A Millennium-Old Bai Village

2.Behind the scenic wharf lies Longkan Ancient: Village, a settlement with over a thousand years of history. The name "Longkan" is derived from a legend involving a dragon shrine seen by a Nanzhao monarch, symbolizing auspiciousness. The village retains the traditional architectural style of the Bai ethnic group, featuring "Three坊 One Screen Wall" courtyards with white walls and gray tiles. Walking through the winding stone paths of the village, visitors can experience the authentic slow-paced life of the locals, far removed from commercial noise. It is a living museum of Bai culture, where history is etched into every brick and tile,.

The Heart of the Ecological Corridor

Longkan Wharf is a vital node on the Erhai Ecological Corridor, a protected scenic route that restricts motor vehicles, making it a paradise for cyclists and pedestrians. Stretching north towards Caicun and south towards Xiaguan, this corridor allows visitors to immerse themselves in the ecological beauty of the lake without the interruption of traffic. Whether you are taking a leisurely walk along the wooden boardwalks that extend into the lake or cycling past the wetlands and flower fields, Longkan offers an intimate encounter with the diverse ecosystem of Erhai Lake.

A Haven for Winter Migrants

During the winter months, Longkan Wharf becomes a lively sanctuary for thousands of migratory black-headed gulls from Siberia. These spirited birds flock to the water's edge, adding a dynamic element to the serene landscape. Visitors can observe them flying against the backdrop of the red water forests and the sunrise, creating a harmonious picture of wildlife and nature. The combination of the red trees, the blue lake, the golden sunrise, and the white gulls makes winter the absolute peak season for visiting this enchanting destination,.