Dali, this shining pearl inlaid on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, attracts countless tourists with its unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. And Erhai Lake, as the soul of Dali, with its unique charm, has become a holy land for countless travelers to explore. Here, tourists can fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the plateau lake and feel the purity and harmony bestowed by nature.
The natural scenery of Erhai Lake. Erhai Lake is located within the territory of Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is one of the largest inland lakes in Yunnan Province and is named after its shape resembling a human ear. The water sources of Erhai Lake mainly come from the Miju River and Mici River in the north, the Boluo River in the southeast, and the eighteen streams of Cangshan Mountain in the west.
Visitors can delve into the history and culture of the Nanzhao Kingdom here, experiencing the charm of ancient civilizations. In addition, the ancient towns surrounding Erhai Lake, such as Shuanglang and Xizhou, are must-see attractions for tourists. These ancient towns attract countless visitors with their simple architectural styles and rich historical and cultural connotations. Erhai Lake’s ecological environment is not only renowned for its beautiful natural scenery and abundant cultural landscapes but also for its well-preserved ecological environment. In recent years, with increased environmental awareness, protection efforts for Erhai Lake have been strengthened. The local government has implemented a series of measures to protect the ecological environment of Erhai Lake, including the construction of lake perimeter sewage interception projects and the implementation of ecological corridor construction. These measures have significantly improved the ecological environment of Erhai Lake, effectively enhancing water quality. Erhai Lake’s water quality has remained at a high level for several years, with lake transparency increased to 2.29 meters, demonstrating the effectiveness of Erhai Lake management. Walking by the lake, the once-disappeared sea vegetable flowers have reappeared, and waterfowl and fish have returned to this lake. In the wetland area of Erhai Lake, there are records of 260 species of wild wetland higher plants, including many endemic to China such as sea vegetable flowers, Yunnan sedge, and coin cattail. These plants add vitality and dynamism to Erhai Lake. Dali adheres to scientific, systematic, legal, and public lake management, implementing integrated protection and restoration projects for the ‘mountains, waters, forests, fields, lakes, grasses, and deserts’ in the Erhai Lake basin. Through adjustments in the agricultural structure, reduction of agricultural fertilizers, construction of high-standard farmland, and development and promotion of green planting models, over 80% of the Erhai Lake basin is now high-standard farmland, with a manure utilization rate of over 95% across the entire basin. These measures not only protect the ecological environment of Erhai Lake but also promote the green transformation and sustainable development of local agriculture. Erhai Lake’s tourist experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of a plateau lake. Walking by the lake, taking a deep breath of fresh air, you will feel an unprecedented sense of tranquility and harmony. At this moment, it is worth capturing this beauty with a camera; an original clear photo of Erhai Lake sunrise will be the best memory of your trip. Cycling around Erhai Lake is one of the best ways to experience its beauty. Rent a bicycle or electric bike and slowly travel along the roads by the lake, with lush trees on both sides and occasional villages in view, each frame like a carefully arranged painting. During the ride, you will encounter many unexpected landscapes, such as fish suddenly jumping out of the water or cattle and sheep leisurely grazing on the shore; these unexpected moments often touch the heart the most.
Boating is an exceptional way to experience the beauty of Erhai Lake. Tourists can embark on a cruise ship to sail across the lake, taking in the breathtaking views and the harmonious blend of lake and mountain scenery. As the cruise ship gently glides over the water, the lake creates ripples that seem to merge with the blue sky and white clouds, offering a sense of serenity and relaxation.
On the shores of Erhai, visitors can also indulge in authentic Bai ethnic cuisine. The Bai people’s three-course tea is a significant local specialty, transitioning from bitter tea to sweet tea, and finally to a tea that leaves a lasting impression, each sip embodying the philosophy of life.
