Lake Erhai

Located in the northwest of downtown Dali, Lake Erhai is the second largest lake with the total length of 42.58 kilometers in Yunnan Province second to Lake Dianchi. It looks like a jade mirror mounted at the foot of the mountain with limpid water. It is said that it was because of the ear-shaped outline hence the name Erhai (er means ear in Chinese). In addition, Lake Erhai has formed one of the four wonderful sceneries of “wind, flower and snow and moon”.

What to see

Charming Lake Erhai

Lake Erhai belongs to fault lake with high water transparency. It has been rated as an immaculate jade embedded in the mountain groups. Legend has it that a super huge cabbage was grown at the bottom of the lake and the green water is instilled from this cabbage. Located in the area of Dali, it is regarded as Mother Lake by the Bai people. Covering an area of 251 square kilometers, it is composed of three islands, four islets, five lakes and nine windings.

Lake Erhai Park

Situated in the south of Lake Erhai, this park is the first stop for visitors view the Mt. Cangshan and Erhai Lake Scenic Area. An oval-shaped hill stands in the park which has been called Tuanshan for its appearance. In the eighth century, it was the deer farm for King Nanzhao. Decorated with various flowers like camellia, azalea and magnolia, it is full of fun along the hill. At the top of the mountain lies the Sea Watching Pavilion with flying eaves, allowing all the scenery of Mt. Cangshan and Lake Erhai.

Nanzhao Custom Island

Listed as one the three islands in Lake Erhai, Nanzhao Custom Island is a concentration of Dali culture with a long history of thousand years. Stepping on the island, one can see a group of copper statues which is called “Daughters of Lake Erhai”. The main building in the island is the Nanzhao Palace, which reflects the times of cultural integration of many nationalities.

Moon on the Lake Erhai

Every August 15th in Chinese lunar calendar, the Bai People who lives beside the Lake Erhai will boat to the center lake, appreciating the golden moon reflected in the water. A beautiful picture forms corresponding with the skylight, cloud, moon and water. Stories about the moon Lake Erhai is retold to their kids, among which the most popular one is that a heavenly princess came down to earth for seeking freedom and love. She married a fisherman beside the lake. In order to help the fishermen a better life, the kind princess took her valued mirror into the bottom of the lake so that fish in the lake can be clealy seen. From then on, the mirror became a golden moon in the lake, shining for the fishermen from generation to generation.