Ting Chen
What's Inside
I've been guiding tours around Erhai Lake for years. Still, every week I see someone show up at the wrong entrance, overpay for a boat ride, or get stuck without a ticket because they couldn't navigate the Chinese-only booking app. This Erhai Lake English guide is my attempt to fix that. No fluff. Just the practical stuff you need to enjoy this stunning lake without the headaches.
Why Most Tourist Maps for Erhai Lake Fail You
Open any map app and you'll see one big blue blob labeled "Erhai Lake." But the lake is 250 km around. There's no single "lake entrance." Most online guides tell you to go to Dali Ancient Town and then figure out the lake. That's like saying "go to Paris and find the Eiffel Tower" — true but useless.
The key is to pick a specific section of the lake based on what you want to do: cycle, photograph, or just relax. And you need to know which gate (or pier) to aim for. Otherwise you'll end up on the wrong side, watching sunset blind you or paying double for a taxi detour.
How to Get to Erhai Lake (and Avoid the Wrong Gate)
Most travelers start from Dali Ancient Town. The most common entry point is Caicun (才村) Pier on the west side — about 15 minutes by taxi (15–20 RMB). But there's a catch: taxi drivers often drop you at a fake parking lot far from the actual pier. I always tell my guests to set the destination as Caicun Pier (才村码头) and insist on being let out at the ticket booth.
If you're coming from Dali Railway Station, take bus No. 8 to the ancient town (about 40 minutes, 2 RMB), then a local bus or taxi to the pier. Or just use Didi (Chinese Uber) — type in the Chinese name below. Didi drivers in Dali rarely speak English, so have the address ready on your phone.
| Gate / Pier | Best For | Taxi from Ancient Town |
|---|---|---|
| Caicun Pier | Walking, low-key sunset | 15 mins / ~20 RMB |
| Longkan Pier | Sunrise photos, quieter | 20 mins / ~25 RMB |
| Xizhou (west) | Old town + lake views | 30 mins / ~40 RMB |
| Shuanglang (east) | Best sunset, upscale cafés | 50 mins / ~80 RMB |
My Personal Favorite Bike Route
The lakeside path runs about 40 km from Caicun to Shuanglang. But the whole thing is not paved — you'll hit dirt sections. Here's the route I recommend for English-speaking travelers who want a half-day (4–5 hours) ride without getting lost:
Start at Caicun Pier → ride north along the paved path past fields and small fishing villages. After about 12 km you'll reach Xizhou — stop for a break (try the local baba flatbread). Then continue north for another 10 km to Taoyuan Pier (桃源码头). If you're tired, turn back here. Otherwise cross the highway (carefully!) and continue on a narrower road to Shuanglang — about 8 more km. Total one-way: ~30 km.
Rent a bike at Caicun (there are dozens of shops near the pier). Prices: 30–50 RMB for a basic city bike (avoid the squeaky ones — test the brakes before leaving). Bring water and sunscreen — there's almost no shade along the lake. And don't trust Google Maps for the bike path; it often shows the highway. Use Amap (高德地图) in English mode — it's more accurate for small trails.
Hotels with English Support & Genuine Lake Views
Don't book a "lake view room" in Dali Ancient Town — you'll see rooftops, not water. For real lake views, stay on the east shore (Shuanglang or Wase). Here are three options where I know the staff can help you in English:
| Hotel | Area | Price Range (per night) | English Level | Why I Recommend It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dali Huazhu Lake View Hotel | Shuanglang | 600–1200 RMB (seasonal) | Good (front desk) | Direct lake access, modern rooms, breakfast included |
| Erhai No.1 Boutique Inn | Caicun | 400–800 RMB | Basic but usable (WeChat translator) | Right on the bike path, quiet, rooftop terrace |
| The Blossom Hill Inn (Shuanglang) | Shuanglang | 800–2000 RMB | Excellent (manager studied in UK) | Stunning sunrise from room, English menu at restaurant |
Tip: Book at least a week ahead during April–October and Chinese holidays. Many inns on booking.com allow free cancellation — but check the fine print.
Food Around Erhai: No Language Barrier Required
Chinese menus can be overwhelming. But around Erhai, there are a few spots with picture menus or English names that I trust. Here's my shortlist:
- Xizhou Baba Stall (喜洲四方街): A tiny cart near the old town square. Grab the sweet version (4 RMB) — crispy outside, soft inside. No English, just point and smile.
- Caicun Fish Restaurant (才村鱼庄): Address: Near Caicun Pier. Specializes in steamed Erhai fish (mild white fish). They have a picture menu and accept Alipay/WeChat. Cash is fine. Average ~80 RMB per person.
- Shuanglang Italian Café (Shuanglang Italian Coffee): Yes, it's touristy, but they offer pizza and pasta for when you crave a break from Chinese food. English menu, credit cards accepted (Visa/Mastercard). ~100–150 RMB per person.
I always tell my group: avoid the street food that's been sitting out (especially in summer heat). Stick to freshly cooked items. And carry small bills (10, 20 RMB) — many stalls don't have change for 100s.
Ticket Prices & Booking (English-Friendly)
Good news: access to the lakeside itself is free. You only pay if you want to enter certain piers or take a boat. Here's the current pricing (always check the official Erhai Lake official site, but it's only in Chinese):
| Item | Price (Adult) | Discount | How to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caicun Pier entry + ferry to small island | 50 RMB | Half price for kids under 1.2m | At the gate (cash/WeChat) or via Trip.com |
| Longkan Pier entry | 30 RMB | No concession | At the gate only |
| Full lake cruise (1.5 hours) | 140 RMB | Senior (60+) 70 RMB | Online on Trip.com or Ctrip (English app) |
Crucial: You cannot buy tickets with international credit cards at the gate. Only Chinese payment apps (WeChat Pay, Alipay) or cash. If you don't have those, use Trip.com (the English version) a day before — they accept Visa/Mastercard and you'll get a QR code to scan at entry. I've tested this multiple times and it works.
Also, the boat schedule is seasonal. In summer (May–Oct) last departure is 17:00; in winter it's 16:30. Don't show up at 17:30 — I've seen too many disappointed tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
*Prices and schedules verified as of the last update. Always double-check on official local sources as they may change without notice.
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