The beauty of Erhai Lake is not to be missed!

Presenting the ultimate way to experience Dali Erhai Lake: 1. Itinerary Planning and Seasonal Highlights Best season: May to June (temperature 20-25℃, avoid the rainy season and summer crowds) Suggested itinerary: 3 days 2 nights (in-depth experience) or 1 day cycling around the lake (short trip) 2. Core Experiences and Must-Visit Spots 🌅 Sunrise and Sunset Viewing Points - Longkan Pier (West Erhai): Early morning 6:30-7:00, capture the redwood forest and sunrise together, rent a flower-decorated bike to ride along the ecological corridor and feel the morning mist over Erhai Lake. - Shuanglang Ancient Town (East Erhai): Evening 18:30-19:30, the Bai-style buildings on Yuji Island are gilded by the sunset. Recommended to stay at a seafront homestay with a terrace to watch the sunset. 🚴 Recommended Cycling Routes - Classic West Erhai section (Longkan Pier → Xizhou): About 24 km in total, passing through Panxi S-bend (rent a bike for 15 yuan to check in at "Little Kamakura"), Langqiao Bridge (take stunning shots of "Moonlight over the Sea" through the bridge arch), Xizhou Ancient Town (wheat fields turn golden in mid to late May, navigate to "Hetianli Homestay" to shoot scenes like the movie "The Wind Rises"). Tips: Rent an electric bike for about 60 yuan/day, check brakes and tires, and apply sunscreen. - East Erhai Road Self-Drive (Shuanglang → Xiaoputuo → Ideal State): The coastal road offers wide views, passing Xiaoputuo (a miniature island temple), Wenbi Village Rainbow Road (artistic and fresh style), Ideal State (blue and white buildings resembling Santorini), about 40 km in total. 🏯 Culture and Nature Fusion - Xizhou Ancient Town: Taste freshly baked Xizhou Baba (sweet and savory combo) at Sifang Street, visit Yan Family Courtyard (Bai-style "Three Lanes and One Screen Wall" architecture), participate in tie-dyeing experience (about 80 yuan/person). - Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas: A landmark ancient site in Dali, ticket 73 yuan/person, recommended to visit early morning or evening to avoid tour groups and capture reflections of the three pagodas. 🚢 In-depth Boat Tours - Long panoramic tour (departing from Dali Port/Longkan Pier): Ticket price 142 yuan/person, includes Nanzhao Style Island (1-hour island visit) and Three-Course Tea performance. Recommended to choose Longkan Pier departure to avoid crowds at Xiaguan Pier. - Luxury Yacht Experience (180 yuan/person): 2-hour private boat tour, customizable routes, suitable for family or friends gatherings, with fruits and drinks provided. 3. Food Map and Local Flavors - Sour and Spicy Fish: Roadside stall next to the "Old Crispy Baba Shop" in Xizhou, using freshly caught Erhai fish stewed with sour papaya, the broth is perfect with rice. - Rushan Cheese: "Yangji Rushan" on Foreigners' Street in the Old Town, charcoal-grilled to golden, served with rose jam or condensed milk, rich milky flavor. - Cold Chicken Rice Noodles: Bai-style home cooking restaurant in Shuanglang, smooth rice noodles with shredded chicken in sour and spicy sauce, a top choice for summer refreshment. - Night Market Recommendations: Dali Old Town Fuxing Road Food City (grilled Rushan cheese, grilled rice cakes), Xiaguan Daguan Yi Night Market (grilled eggplant from East Erhai, stone slab barbecue). 4. Accommodation Guide and Environmental Tips - Cost-effective West Erhai: Seaview homestays in villages like Xiaboping and Majiuyi, prices around 300-500 yuan/night, within walking distance to the ecological corridor, avoiding the high-price area near Longkan Pier. - High-end East Erhai Experience: "Bright Moon Among Pines · Erhai" homestay in Shuanglang, offering intangible cultural heritage tie-dye and Yunnan-style zongzi activities during the Dragon Boat Festival, room price about 1200 yuan/night, including breakfast and afternoon tea. - Environmental Reminder: New homestays are prohibited in the core ecological protection zone of Erhai Lake. Choose compliant accommodations in green development zones (such as Dali Hanzhe Banhai Resort), do not litter, and participate in the "Jiuhu Environmental Guardians" volunteer activities (cycling advocacy on May 20). 5. Practical Information and Precautions - Transportation: - Dali Old Town → Longkan Pier: Bus No. 2 (5 yuan/person, 1 hour) or taxi about 20 yuan. - Self-drive parking: Erhai Park 5 yuan/hour, Xizhou Ancient Town 10 yuan/day, avoid illegal parking to prevent fines. - Ticket Discounts: Students and seniors over 60 with ID enjoy half-price tickets for Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas; children under 1.2 meters free admission. - Gear Recommendations: Windbreaker (for big temperature differences morning and evening), high SPF sunscreen, portable raincoat (occasional showers in May), sports shoes (non-slip for cycling). 6. Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities and Hidden Gems - Zhoucheng Tie-Dye: 10 km from Xizhou, experience traditional Bai tie-dye craft, fabric can be customized into scarves or clothing (about 100 yuan/item). - Wuwei Temple: A thousand-year-old temple at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, reachable by a 2-hour hike accompanied by streams, free vegetarian tea available inside. - Night Cycling on West Erhai Road: In summer (July-August), some sections offer firefly viewing, confirm routes with homestays in advance. 7. Sample Itinerary (3 days 2 nights) Day 1: - Morning: Arrive in Dali, check into West Erhai homestay, cycle Longkan Pier → Panxi S-bend → Langqiao Bridge - Afternoon: Xizhou Ancient Town (Yan Family Courtyard + tie-dye experience) - Evening: Dinner with sea view in Shuanglang, stroll Yuji Island Day 2: - Morning: Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas (arrive before 7:30 for fewer crowds) - Afternoon: Self-drive East Erhai Road (Shuanglang → Xiaoputuo → Ideal State) - Evening: Dali Old Town night market (listen to folk songs at Foreigners' Street pub) Day 3: - Morning: Take a boat from Caicun Pier (11:00 departure) → Nanzhao Style Island - Afternoon: Buy souvenirs like Rushan cheese and carved plums before departure The beauty of Erhai Lake lies not only in its scenery but also in blending into the local lifestyle. Whether it's the wheat waves rushing past while cycling or savoring the Three-Course Tea on a boat, it's worth slowing down to feel the tenderness and poetry of this "Pearl of the Plateau."