Your Ultimate Guide to a First-Time Trip to Dali's Erhai Lake in July!!!

In July, Dali is shrouded in mist over the Cangshan Mountains, with Erhai Lake's crystal-clear waters mirroring the sky, and rice fields turning lush green—everywhere exudes unique charm. If you're planning to visit Dali and Erhai Lake during this beautiful season, make sure to save this guide! ### 1. Route and Activities Around the Lake Erhai Lake spans about 140 kilometers in circumference, typically divided into the **West Shore** and **East Shore** for exploration. If time allows, we recommend spending two days to fully enjoy the scenery; otherwise, one day is sufficient for a complete loop. **West Shore Route** **Caicun Pier → Panxi S-Bend → Langqiao (Bridge) → Xizhou Ancient Town** - **Caicun Pier**: Stay at a lakeside B&B here, and you can walk to the pier in just a few minutes at dawn to catch the sunrise. The sun rises behind the Cangshan Mountains, casting shimmering reflections on the water—perfect for silhouette photos with fewer crowds. - **Panxi S-Bend**: Rent a flower-decorated bicycle and ride along the ecological corridor, feeling the freedom of the wind—super atmospheric! Arrive before 10 AM to avoid tourist crowds. A 10-minute walk south leads to a hidden curve surrounded by reeds, where Bai-style houses blend seamlessly with the blue lake, offering great photo ops. Friendly local ladies might even teach you how to use fishing nets as props! - **Langqiao (Bridge)**: A paradise for photographers, with bridge arches reflecting on the water and a lone tree creating cinematic shots with a telephoto lens. - **Xizhou Ancient Town**: Stroll through the artistic Bai ethnic market and vast rice fields—by late July, you’ll see colorful rice field art. Stop by the "Rice Field Café" for coffee overlooking the greenery. Don’t miss "Lanxu Traditional Tie-Dye" near Yan Family Compound (book ahead for a 1-hour tie-dye workshop, ¥50, where you can dye a scarf or tote bag with indigo). At night, visit Xizhou Night Market: try the flaky "Xizhou Baba" (savory with ham and scallions or sweet with rose sugar) at "Suxiangyuan" and grilled rushan (¥5/stick) with rose jam. **Transport Options**: E-bikes (¥20/hour peak season, ¥15 off-season), bicycles (¥15/day from locals or shared bikes at ¥10/hour). Note: Outside bikes aren’t allowed on the ecological corridor—rent inside. The 20-km ride from Caicun to Langqiao is stunning; take a tuk-tuk (¥10) to Xizhou afterward. Buses back to Dali Ancient Town (¥10/person) depart from Zhengyi Gate. Skip crowded spots like Longkan Pier (visit separately) unless you love crowds. **East Shore Route** **Shuanglang Ancient Town → Xiaoputuo → Wenbi Village → Ideal State (Dali’s "Santorini")** - **Shuanglang**: The gem of Erhai’s east shore, with a main street (Ethnic Culture Street) and two islands: **Nanzhao Folk Island** (ferry ¥120/person, 1-hour trip) and **Yuji Island** (home to Yang Liping’s Sun Palace—free 30-min tours at 9 AM–12 PM). Dine at "Fish Nest" for sour-spicy fish (¥60/person) and enjoy lakeside walks at sunset. - **Xiaoputuo**: A tiny temple on the lake (best for seagulls in Nov–Apr; skip if short on time). - **Wenbi Village**: A rainbow road leading to the lake, perfect for photos. - **Ideal State**: A blue-and-white Greek-inspired photo spot (open 10 AM–5:30 PM; entry fee applies). **Transport**: Self-driving or private car (1 hour from Dali Ancient Town to Shuanglang). Skip Xiaoputuo if unimpressed; Wenbi Village is a quick photo stop. ### 2. Food Recommendations - **Xizhou Baba**: Flaky pastry with rose sugar or ham fillings (best at old shops in Xizhou). - **Raw Skin Hotpot**: A local favorite—tender pork with spicy dipping sauce. - **Rose Ice Jelly**: Topped with rose syrup, fermented rice, and fruit (perfect for July heat). - **Wild Mushroom Hotpot**: Seasonal in July; try at "Xianhui Xiaoxiannü" (¥80/person). - **Grilled Rushan**: Crispy cheese rolls with rose jam (¥5/stick). ### 3. Accommodation Tips - **Caicun**: Budget-friendly, lakeside (e.g., "Qiansu Yuyuan," ¥150/night). - **Shuanglang**: Luxury sea-view stays (e.g., "Muxi Dali," ¥800+/night; book early). - **Dali Ancient Town**: Vibrant nightlife (e.g., "Fangzhou Muzhai," ¥150/night). ### 4. Travel Tips - **Transport**: Rent e-bikes (¥50–80/day) or book private cars (¥300/day; avoid roadside scams). - **Weather**: Pack a foldable umbrella and SPF50+ sunscreen—July is rainy *and* sunny. - **Tickets**: Reserve free slots for Sun Palace; tie-dye workshops (¥30–50) need bookings. - **Bargaining**: Haggle politely for shawls (¥15), rushan (¥5), or hats (¥20). Enjoy your magical July trip to Dali and Erhai Lake—where wind, flowers, snow, and moonlight weave romance!