Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake is a large freshwater lake in Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, known as one of the region’s principal natural landmarks. The lake is elongated roughly north-south with an approximate length of 40 kilometers and a typical width of 7 to 8 kilometers.

The lake offers scenic waterside promenades, island and temple sites, birdwatching and cycling along its shoreline, and a well-used ferry network linking towns on the shore. Popular visitor activities include cycling the roughly 116-kilometer lakeside circuit and viewing the lake from the western Cangshan slopes.

Erhai has long been central to local agriculture and fishing and is closely associated with the Bai ethnic communities on its shores. Over centuries the lake has been a transport corridor and source of irrigation and fishery resources for surrounding settlements.

Geographically the lake sits east of the Cangshan Mountains and immediately adjacent to Dali City and Dali Old Town in northwest Yunnan. It lies at high elevation on the Yunnan plateau and is surrounded by farmland and mountain slopes.

• Cangshan viewpoints: Best panoramic views are from the slopes and trails of the Cangshan Mountains immediately to the west of the lake, especially at sunrise and late afternoon.
• Shoreline circuit: A full circuit around the lake follows roughly 116 kilometers of shoreline and is commonly done by bicycle or car, passing multiple lakeside towns and temples.

What to See #

• Dali Old Town: Located on the western shore of the lake, this historic settlement is adjacent to preserved traditional Bai architecture and narrow streets that lead to Erhai's waterfront.
• Xiaguan (Dali New Town): A market town on Erhai's southern shore that functions as the modern commercial and transport hub for the Dali area, with road and rail connections.
• Xizhou: A traditional Bai town north of Dali Old Town known for restored courtyard houses and local markets, often used as a base for cycling trips around the lake.