Breakfast → Luwo Mountain → Wase Town → Dacheng Ancient Town → Xiao Putuo → Lunch → Wenbi Village → Luquan Peninsula → Cloud Thinking Mountain → Dinner
If you don't want to have some mediocre breakfast at the hotel, these local specialty breakfasts will satisfy your imagination of local flavors.
Luwo Mountain is not the kind of traditional tourist spot that is meticulously decorated; its charm lies precisely in a rough and authentic feel that is “undomesticated”. The most iconic landscape here is a patch of abandoned building ruins right next to the coast. Through the mottled and broken window frames, the vast Erhai Lake and the distant Cangshan Mountain are naturally framed into a giant picture. This unique “framed view” effect has made it very popular among travelers who enjoy exploration and photography, exuding a mysterious vibe similar to “urban ruins exploration”. Rather than saying it is a scenic spot, it is more accurate to say it is a stretch of pristine coastline. There are no fine sandy beaches, only rugged reefs battered by lake waves throughout the year; no noisy commercial facilities, only the sound of wind passing through wild grass. If you are tired of overly commercialized, cookie-cutter ancient towns, Luwo Mountain offers a perfect “alternative.” It does not sell you any grand historical narratives; it quietly showcases the traces of time passing. You can casually find a rock to sit on, or press the shutter through an old window, experiencing a side of Dali that is not so refined, yet immensely relaxing and free. Although there is a very ancient site here, after excavation, only two very shallow caves by the sea remain, rendering exploration unnecessary. The focus of Luwo Mountain is on photography; the abandoned window frames, coastal caves, dead trees, and other locations can be said to be photogenic for anyone who takes a picture. If you are not interested in photography, you can head directly to Wase Town.
Leaving the tranquil rocks of Luwo Mountain, Wase Town pulls you back into the vibrant reality with an unguarded sense of 'worldly warmth'. Two hundred years ago, people discovered colored minerals in the local mountains, which were used as dyes. Due to this discovery and mining activity, the area gradually became known as 'Wase', meaning 'to mine colored substances'. There is a Wase dock with boats moored, but the gate is tightly locked, and the dock is occupied by seagulls. If some ancient towns in Dali have turned into purely 'tourist theme parks', Wase remains a 'living' Bai ethnic town. It has not been overly decorated to cater to the camera; the loudest sounds on the streets are still the daily lives of locals: vendors with shoulder poles, vibrant seasonal fruits and vegetables, Bai elders chatting on the thresholds, and the aroma of food wafting from courtyards. On Sundays, there is a bustling market where nearby villagers gather, very lively. In Wase, you are not 'visiting' a scenic spot; you are merely passing through and observing the most ordinary lives of the locals. This unfiltered sense of reality often captivates more than any carefully constructed backdrop.
Located 1.5 kilometers east of Wase Town, there is an ancient village named Dacheng Village. This is a hidden gem, little known to tourists, with no signs of commercialization, very eco-friendly, ancient, and tranquil. But it is not unknown; it was once the economic and administrative center of the eastern shore of Erhai Lake. In 1702, it was awarded the plaque of 'The First Civilized Ancient Town of Dali Prefecture', and it is one of the sources of Bai culture. It still retains a large number of old Bai courtyards and dozens of ancient buildings from hundreds of years ago. Hundreds of years of history have left their marks on every brick and tile here. The group of ancient buildings includes: Wenchang Palace, Confucius Temple, Military Temple, General's Mansion, Grand Master's Residence (Da Fu Di), among others. These buildings are not very large, and you can simply admire them following our guidance; after all, what is more worth appreciating is the Town's classical charm. By the way, the local people are very simple and welcoming, and they will be happy for you to visit and take photos in their old courtyards. If you encounter villagers holding a feast, you can also join in, but notice that it is impolite to go empty-handed. You can buy some gifts for them, such as tea cakes, flowers, or snacks.
This is a limestone island about the size of a basketball court, quietly resting on the water's surface like a giant seal. It rises 12 meters above the sea and has a circumference of only about 200 meters. From a distance, it resembles a carefully trimmed Eastern bonsai or a seal that someone accidentally dropped on the lake's surface. A two-story pavilion stands on it, appearing extremely delicate and somewhat surreal against the backdrop of the vast blue lake. This small island carries the beliefs and legends of the Dali people for thousands of years. It is said that in ancient times, when the Erhai Lake was plagued by storms and evil dragons, Guanyin Bodhisattva passed through this area, threw down the golden seal that calms the sea, and transformed it into a small island to suppress the evil spirits. Thus, the Erhai Lake became calm and peaceful. In gratitude for Guanyin's grace, the fishermen named the island "Haiyin" and later changed it to "Xiao Putuo" because its shape is similar to that of Mount Putuo (the Buddhist sacred mountain associated with Guanyin). The Guanyin Pavilion on Xiao Putuo was built in the 1730s, typical of Bai ethnic architecture, with two stories. The first floor enshrines Maitreya Buddha, whose smile symbolizes "universal joy"; the second floor primarily enshrines the female aspect of Guanyin, who has kind eyes and holds a pure bottle with willow branches. This is a typical manifestation of Guanyin belief in the Dali area—unlike the Theravada Buddhism found in places like Xishuangbanna, the Dali Bai people revere Guanyin Bodhisattva, believing she is the embodiment of the protector of the region. If you visit here in the winter from November to March of the following year, Xiao Putuo will display its most lively side. Thousands of red-billed gulls flying in from Siberia will circle around this area. At this time, you don’t need to understand any culture; just reach out your hand from the boat or car window, take a small piece of bread, and you can enjoy a pure natural interaction. At this point, the best way is to quietly observe from a distance or sit in the sunlight and watch how the seagulls turn this lonely little island into their noisy playground.
By Erhai Lake, the local fish, the sea view, and mushrooms are all worth trying. Let the beautiful scenery and delicious food accompany each other, allowing the eyes and taste buds to play a wonderful symphony for today’s lunch together.
Historically, this was a small fishing village, where most villagers depended on fishing, stone processing, and maritime transportation for their livelihoods. In 1996, the first widespread bloom of blue-green algae occurred in Erhai Lake, and after Dali implemented a 'double cancellation' policy—cancelling fish farming in net enclosures and motorized boats—the village's main industry suffered severe blows, and it once became a 'hollow village.' In 2013, leveraging the natural resources of Cangshan and Erhai Lake, the first guesthouse settled in, and the village began its transformation, achieving a stunning turnaround from a traditional fishing village to an 'internet-famous village.' Now, it is a dopamine-healing village by Erhai Lake, with a rainbow-colored road leading to Erhai, complemented by sand plants on both sides of the road, creating a therapeutic landscape. Moreover, this is the Cang'er Viewing Platform in Dali, where the views of Cang'er are breathtaking.
Luoquan Peninsula is located on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan, extending southward from the Yuantian Mountain and surrounded by water on three sides, facing Dali Ancient Town across the lake. This peninsula is the largest in the area and is the only place where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the 'Nineteen Peaks of Cangshan and Erhai Lake' at the same time. The core buildings of Luoquan Peninsula are Luoquan Tower and Tianjing Pavilion, which are definitely worth a visit.
Cloud Thinking Mountain is located in Haidong Town on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake in Dali. Its name comes from the famous line by the ancient Chinese poet Li Bai, 'Cloud thinks of clothing, flowers think of beauty.' This line is used to depict the most beautiful woman of that time in China and the emperor's most beloved concubine—Yang Yuhuan. Unlike the traditional ancient towns or towers in Dali, it is a hillside lifestyle resort filled with poetic and modern artistic atmosphere. The biggest trump card of Cloud Thinking Mountain is its geographical location. It is situated halfway up the mountain on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake, where you can view Cangshan and Erhai from an excellent vantage point, no longer at eye level or looking up, but with a superior perspective. This is not the traditional tourist attraction where you just skim the surface; rather, it is an aesthetic space that integrates hillside campsites, cliffside cafes, and art installations. You can sit on the terrace and enjoy a hand-brewed coffee or experience glamping on the lawn. The overall atmosphere is very youthful and artistic, exuding a lazy and relaxed 'Dali-style' vibe. Cloud Thinking Mountain is extremely pet-friendly, with vast lawns and open views making it a popular spot for pet owners. Meanwhile, the staggered design within the park, the white buildings, and the blank space of blue sky and white clouds make it an excellent backdrop for photography in Hanfu, hot girl style, or minimalist photography, perfect for capturing great shots. The Puzzle Mountain campsite and the Luji Theme Park here are definitely worth a visit.
A whole day's beautiful scenery must be paired with a worthy dinner. We have arranged private dishes, horse team cuisine, copper scoop hot pot, and excellent rice noodles for you to choose from.
As the evening breeze at Erhai Park shatters the last orange hues of sunset on the water’s surface, this daydream about Dali comes to its gentlest conclusion. In a world constantly filled with efficiency, schedules, and to-do lists, being ‘idle’ seems to have become a sin. But today, along this ancient lake, Dali has shown us an ancient wisdom: sometimes the quickest shortcut to inner peace is simply allowing ourselves to slow down. The shimmering on the water surface asks not about the past, and the millennium-old relics worry not about the future; they quietly ‘exist’ in rhythm with the wind. Just as we have experienced today—this is not a waste of time, but a rare ‘mindful wander.’ When you return to your original life trajectory tomorrow, those specific landscapes may gradually blur, but the lightness of being gently blown by the breeze, fluffy under the sun, and completely dropping your defenses will forever remain in the background of your life. May the blue of this Erhai become an inner sanctuary you can always retreat to in your daily life ahead.
1. It is highly recommended to charter a car from Shuanglang to the subsequent attractions, bringing all your luggage, and you can play along the way, then stay overnight in Dali city or Dali ancient town.
2. Book a hotel or guesthouse before departure.
3. Once you confirm the itinerary with the driver, avoid changing it easily; it is not recommended to go to the food and attractions recommended by the charter driver, especially those with fees.
4. The temperature by Erhai Lake in the early morning/evening will be relatively low, especially in winter, so be sure to bring warm clothing. The top of Luoquan Pagoda and Yunxiang Mountain can be windy, so wear a coat or windbreaker.
5. If you want to experience 'Road Extremes Park', remember to wear comfortable sports shoes, and girls should tie up their hair as much as possible.
6. It is recommended to wear light-colored clothing; it will look better for photos in most locations.
7. If you want to ride a bicycle or rent an electric bicycle, they should be returned to the original point; shared bikes/electric bikes can be returned at any parking spot.
8. There will be many tourists and wedding photos taken in scenic spots, so try to avoid bothering each other as much as possible.
9. If you are not used to spicy food, remember to remind them 'mild / not spicy' (bilingual: Chinese and English).
10. Please wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking today.
11. Try to bring a power bank to ensure your phone is online.
12. Carry your passport or a photocopy of your passport.
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После холодного севера восточный берег Эрхая — как сон: тёплый свет, синяя вода, медленный ритм. Ехали по прибрежной дороге мимо Вашэ и древнего городка Дачэн, остановились у Сяопуто на фото — этот крошечный храм на воде выглядит нереально — и закончили на полуострове Лоцюань, глядя на Цаншань через озеро. Ради этого я и поехал на юг.
The east shore is a photographer's wish list: Wolu Mountain's rocks at dawn, the village lanes of Wase Town, Xiao Putuo's white pagoda floating on the lake. Wenbi Village's road stretching toward the water made my favourite shot of the trip. No rushing, just windows open and the wind. I could have spent a week here.
한국 등산객분들, 윈난 계획에 꼭 넣으세요. 동쪽 호반 코스는 한국 산보다 완만하지만 풍경은 순수한 마법입니다: 작은 섬 위의 샤오푸퉈 사원, 뤄취안 반도의 운해, 그리고 곳곳에서 느껴지는 얼하이의 고요함. 우리는 그냥 서서 바라보려고 자주 멈췄어요. 달리의 매력은 서두르지 않는 것 — 이 투어가 정확히 그걸 잡았습니다.
Das gemächliche Tempo passt perfekt als Erholungstag für Wanderer. Der Wolu-Berg hat ehrliche alte Felsen und Stille; Wase Town ist pure Farbe und Marktleben; und die Fahrt südlich am See entlang, auf der einen Seite Cangshan, auf der anderen Erhai, ist eine der besten Roadtrips, die ich in China gemacht habe. Der Ausblick vom Yunxiang-Berg war die Kirsche obendrauf.
La orilla este del Erhai está tan vacía que parece privada: la isla de Xiaoputuo, la carretera de Wencun, el atardecer desde la montaña Yunxiang — bailé una improvisación sin público; el viento fue el mejor espectador.
The east shore of Erhai is beautiful and empty — Luwo Mountain, Xiaoputuo, Wencun village along the way, sunset from Yunxiang Mountain, and Dali’s “wind, flowers, snow, moon” is complete. That cycling route connects smoothly, no detours, exactly one day.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour