Erhai Lake

Maybe I came at the wrong time of year, but I was honestly underwhelmed. The water was murky green, not the crystal blue I expected from pictures. Tons of selfie sticks and tour groups everywhere, so you couldn't really enjoy the scenery in peace. Waited nearly 40 minutes for a rental boat – and the guy kept pushing extra fees. Felt overhyped and overpriced for what it was. Wouldn't go again.

The lake itself is gorgeous – no doubt about that. But I was a bit put off by the cost. Entry ticket plus the boat ride added up, and the snack stands near the dock charged double what you'd pay in town. Also noticed some plastic trash floating near the shore in a few spots, which was a shame. Still got some nice photos and the weather was good. Just wish it felt less commercialized.

If you're into photography or just want a serene start to the day, don't miss sunrise here. Got up at 5AM, found a quiet spot on the west bank. The mist rising off the lake with the first rays of sun turning the sky pink and gold – unreal. No tourists, just the sound of water and birds. Bring a jacket though, it gets chilly before the sun comes up. Totally worth the early alarm.

Went here with my wife and two kids last week. We rented an electric family bike and cruised around for a few hours. The kids loved feeding the seagulls near the pier, and the water was so clear you could see the pebbles. We stopped at a lakeside restaurant for fish soup and fried rice – all fresh and affordable. A bit busy near the main entrance but once you get further out it's lovely. Definitely a highlight of our trip.

Absolutely stunning place! Rented a bike and rode along the eastern shore in the late afternoon. The way the sunlight hit the water and the Cangshan Mountains reflected was pure magic. Hardly any crowds on that side either. Highly recommend bringing a picnic and just soaking it all in. One of the most peaceful days I've had in China.

If you're a photographer, Erhai is paradise. The light in the morning is magical – the way it hits the pagodas and the fishing boats is something else. I took the water bus from Dali Ancient Town and it was smooth and cheap. The only small complaint: some litter near the popular piers. But overall, one of the most beautiful lakes I've ever seen. Easy 5 stars.

Erhai Lake feels like a dream. I sat by the water for hours just watching the clouds change color at sunset. No noise, no rush – just pure peace. The wetland park section is well maintained and free to walk. This place healed something in me. I'll be back every year if I can. Truly 5/5.

Absolutely incredible! Cycling around Erhai was the highlight of my Yunnan trip. The views of Cangshan reflected in the water are unreal. We stopped at a little village for fresh fish and it was perfect. Highly recommend going early morning to avoid crowds and catch the mist lifting off the lake. 5 stars without hesitation!

A solid 4-star experience. The lake itself is gorgeous – we rented e-bikes and rode along the eastern shore, which was peaceful and scenic. The only downside was the confusing bike rental pricing; we got charged extra for 'insurance' we didn't ask for. Lovely spot, but watch out for tourist traps.

Erhai Lake is undeniably beautiful, but honestly, the crowds were a bit overwhelming. We went on a weekend and it felt like everyone had the same idea. The water was clear though, and the mountain backdrop is stunning. Just wish there were fewer people and maybe more shaded spots to sit and enjoy the view.

I had high hopes but left a bit disappointed. The lake has some lovely stretches, especially around the wetlands park, but the amount of litter along the public beaches was upsetting. Also, the local government has fenced off huge sections, so you can’t actually get close to the water in many places. Felt over-managed and under-maintained at the same time.

Came here for the sunset and wasn’t disappointed. We found a quiet spot near Caicun pier and watched the sky turn from gold to lavender over the lake. The breeze smelled sweet and the only sound was water lapping. Pure magic. No crowds, no tourist traps – just nature. Would come back in a heartbeat.

Did the full loop on two wheels – about 120 km around Erhai. The dedicated bike paths on the west side are fantastic, smooth and shaded by willows. Stopped at a little village for grilled fish and rice noodles, best meal of my trip. Only downside: the south section has a lot of construction dust. Bring a mask if you cycle that part.

Pretty but way too crowded on a Saturday. We took the sightseeing boat from the north pier and honestly the lake itself is beautiful, but the constant hawking of selfie sticks and fruit vendors at every stop killed the vibe. The water is not as clear as the postcards suggest either. Still a nice morning out, just manage expectations.

Absolutely breathtaking! The sunrise over Erhai Lake is something you have to see to believe. We rented e-bikes and rode along the eastern shore – the reflections of the Cangshan mountains in the still water were like a painting. No filter needed. Only wish we had booked two full days instead of one.

Caught the sunset at Erhai and it was gorgeous — orange and pink hues over the water with the silhouette of fishing boats. The air was fresh and clean. Took a short boat ride which was nice but a bit short for the price. Overall a pleasant day trip from Dali old town. I'd recommend renting an e-bike to cover more ground without getting exhausted.

Erhai Lake is scenic, no doubt, but I was disappointed by the crowds and the commercialisation. The 'eco-corridor' was packed with electric scooters and vendors selling the same trinkets. Also, the entrance fee to certain sections felt a bit steep for what you get. The lake itself is pretty, but the experience was ruined by the noise. Maybe go on a weekday off-season?

A beautiful lake, but I felt it was a bit overhyped. The water is not as crystal clear as in some photos — maybe because of algae or weather. The lakeside villages are charming but quite touristy with endless souvenir stalls. Enjoyed the cable car up Cangshan for a different perspective though. Worth a visit, but manage expectations.

If you love cycling, Erhai is heaven. The dedicated bike path goes for miles with stunning views of the lake and mountains. I went on a weekend and it wasn't too crowded. Only downside: some stretches near the tourist piers had a lot of selfie sticks blocking the path. Still, the sunset from the west side was pure magic. Highly recommend taking a full day to explore.

Erhai Lake is absolutely breathtaking! I rented a bike and cycled along the eastern shore early in the morning. The mist was rising off the water, and the Cangshan mountains were reflected perfectly. It felt like a painting. Stopped at a tiny village for some local rice noodles — the people were so warm. This place is a must for anyone visiting Dali. 10/10 would come back.