Скачать или смотреть Drive in China丨4K - Erhai Lake & Dali City, Yunnan Province

Dali City, a county-level administrative division under the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, serves as the capital of the prefecture. Located in the central part of the prefecture, it features a northern subtropical plateau monsoon climate characterized by mild annual temperature variations and indistinct seasons. The city covers a total area of 1,815 square kilometers. By the end of 2023, Dali City had a permanent population of 790,100 and a registered population of 660,300.

【Geographical Location】
Dali is situated in northwestern Yunnan, at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains and along the shores of Erhai Lake, serving as the capital of the Bai Autonomous Prefecture.
Its climate is spring-like year-round, with mild winters and cool summers, making it an ideal destination for tourism in all seasons.

【 Cultural Highlights】
Bai Ethnic Culture: As the primary settlement of the Bai people, Dali showcases traditional Bai architecture, including the distinctive "Three Houses and One Screen Wall" (Sanfang Yizhaobi) and "Quadrangle Courtyard with Five Skylights" (Sihe Wutianjing). Residential buildings are often adorned with landscape paintings or poetry on exterior walls.
Historical Legacy: Dali was the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom (8th–9th centuries) and the Dali Kingdom (10th–13th centuries), bearing witness to a millennium of ancient civilization.
Religious Harmony: Buddhism, Taoism, and indigenous beliefs coexist here. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple symbolize Dali’s Buddhist heritage.

【 Key Attractions】
Dali Ancient Town: Built during the Ming Dynasty, its well-preserved city walls, lively Renmin Road, and Foreigner Street brim with artistic charm. At night, explore bars and handicraft shops.
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: A Buddhist temple complex dating back to the Tang Dynasty, renowned for the iconic reflection of its three pagodas on water.
Xizhou Ancient Town: A pristine Bai village famous for tie-dye craftsmanship and Xizhou Baba (a local baked flatbread).
Cangshan Mountain: A 19-peak range accessible by cable car, offering panoramic views of Erhai Lake. Highlights include Qingbi Stream and the Jade Belt Cloud Hiking Trail.

【 Unique Experiences】
March Street Ethnic Festival: A traditional Bai celebration featuring horse racing, folk dances, and bustling trade fairs.
Bai Three-Course Tea Ceremony: A ritual symbolizing life’s journey through three teas: "bitter, sweet, and reflective."



Erhai Lake, located in northern Dali City, is the largest tectonic lake on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Key features include:
Surface elevation: 1,972 meters
Length: 41.5 km (north-south)
Width: 3–9 km (east-west)
Perimeter: 116 km
Area: 251 km²

【 Conservation Status】
1981: Designated a provincial-level nature reserve by Yunnan Province.
1994: Upgraded to a national nature reserve by the State Council of China.
2014: Integrated into the Dali Cangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, recognized for its geological landscapes, lakeside cultural heritage, and plateau lake ecosystems.

【 Lakeside Highlights】
Cycling/Driving Around the Lake: A 130-km route passing through farmland, wetlands, and fishing villages. Recommended itinerary: Dali Ancient Town → Caicun → Shuanglang → Wase → Xiaoputuo → Haidong.
Shuanglang Ancient Town: An artsy lakeside village on Erhai’s northeastern shore, home to dancer Yang Liping’s Sun Palace and Moon Palace, perfect for sunset views.
Xiaoputuo: A tiny island in the lake, transformed into a winter wonderland by migrating red-billed gulls.
Longkan Dock: A popular sunrise spot and filming location for the TV drama "Meet Yourself" (Qu You Feng De Difang).

【 Ecological Protection】
Recent government initiatives like the "Erhai Lake Protection and Restoration Project" have curbed overdevelopment, leading to gradual water quality improvements.
Visitors are urged to minimize environmental impact by avoiding single-use plastics.

Dali and Erhai Lake embody a perfect fusion of nature and culture. Whether delving into history, exploring ethnic traditions, or simply embracing a slower pace of life, this region offers a sanctuary of tranquillity and poetic beauty for every traveller.