Destinations: Erhai Lake + - Dali Ancient City
Step into the poetic landscape of Dali with PandaStudyTour's 3-day Erhai Lake circular cycling tour—where the snow-capped Cangshan Mountains stand tall against the sky, the crystal-clear Erhai Lake shimmers like a blue gem, and traditional Bai ethnic villages nestle amid idyllic fields and blooming flower seas. Covering approximately 120km of smooth flat roads and gentle slopes (elevation around 2000m), this leisurely journey embodies Dali's famous "wind, flower, snow, and moon" charm, making it perfect for all ages, couples, families, and literature/photography enthusiasts. As one of China's most popular cycling routes, Erhai Lake is well-known among international travelers, offering dense scenic spots, rich Bai culture, and a relaxed pace that lets you soak up every moment of this fairy-tale-like destination. With PandaStudyTour's professional support and thoughtful arrangements, you'll experience the best of Dali's natural beauty and ethnic customs in comfort.
Tour Highlights
Iconic "Wind Flower Snow Moon" Scenery: Cycle around Erhai Lake, with the snow-capped Cangshan Mountains on one side and the turquoise lake on the other, surrounded by pastoral flower seas and traditional Bai dwellings.
Famous & Accessible Route: One of China's most popular cycling routes, well-recognized by international tourists, with short total mileage (120km) and high experience value.
Rich Bai Ethnic Culture: Explore ancient towns, traditional courtyards, experience tie-dye craftsmanship, and taste authentic Bai cuisine, immersing yourself in the unique ethnic customs.
Perfect Photography Spots: Dense scenic views along the way—lakefront piers, rice field flower seas, ancient towns, and sunset over the lake—ensuring stunning photos at every turn.
Professional Support by PandaStudyTour: Bike rental and adjustment, thoughtful accommodation arrangements, and detailed route guidance for a worry-free journey.
Why Choose This Tour?
This "Wind Flower Snow Moon" level route is tailored for travelers seeking poetry and relaxation, blending natural scenery with ethnic culture. With a total distance of 120km, flat roads, and gentle slopes (elevation around 2000m), it's accessible to all ages—from families with children to senior travelers, couples, and photography enthusiasts. The best seasons are March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild (15–25℃), with blooming flower seas in spring and beautiful autumn scenery. As a highly recognized route among international tourists, it offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and cultural experience, with short daily mileage and dense scenic spots, allowing you to enjoy every moment without rushing. PandaStudyTour takes care of all details, from bike debugging to accommodation and catering, letting you focus on embracing Dali's charm.
Total distance: approx. 120 km
Features: flat/gentle slopes, elevation around 2000m
Best time: March – May, September – November
Day 1: Dali Ancient City → Caicun → Xizhou
Distance: approx. 40 km | Riding time: approx. 3 hours
08:30: Gather at Dali Ancient City. PandaStudyTour provides bike rental and debugging (mountain or leisure bikes) to ensure a comfortable ride.
09:00–12:00: Start cycling—ride from Dali Ancient City to Caicun Wharf, Longkan Wharf, and finally to Xizhou along West Lake Ring Road, enjoying beautiful lake views and pastoral scenery along the way.
12:00–14:00: Lunch in Xizhou, featuring authentic Bai ethnic cuisine: Bai Eight Great Dishes, Shengpi (traditional Bai raw pork with a history of over 1,200 years), and Erkuai (rice cake) .
14:30–17:30: Activities: Explore Xizhou Ancient Town (a time-honored Bai settlement with a unique "Three Courtyards and One Screen Wall, Four Houses and Five Courtyards" architectural style), visit Yan Family Courtyard (exquisite wood carvings and brick carvings), wander in the rice field flower seas, and experience traditional Bai tie-dye craftsmanship .
Accommodation: Bai ethnic homestay in Xizhou, allowing you to experience authentic Bai living customs.
Note: The lake ring road is smooth; the wind in Xiaguan is strong, so please control your bike carefully; wear sunscreen at all times.
Day 2: Xizhou → Shuanglang → Wase
Distance: approx. 45 km | Riding time: approx. 3.5 hours
08:30–12:00: Cycle along East Lake Ring Road (the best lake view section) to Shuanglang and then to Wase, with Cangshan Mountains on your left and Erhai Lake on your right.
12:00–14:00: Lunch in Shuanglang or Wase, tasting local specialties: Erhai Lake fish and spicy sour fish (a classic Bai dish).
14:30–17:30: Activities: Explore Shuanglang Ancient Town, visit Nanzhao Style Island (one of the three major islands in Erhai Lake, a 4A-level scenic spot with a 17.56-meter-high white jade Guanyin statue and Nanzhao Palace) , take photos at Wase Small Putuo, and enjoy the beautiful sunset by the lake .
Accommodation: Lake-view homestay in Shuanglang or Wase, where you can enjoy the quiet night view of Erhai Lake.
Highlight: Cangshan Mountains on your left and Erhai Lake on your right, with countless perfect photography spots.
Day 3: Wase → Dali Ancient City
Distance: approx. 35 km | Riding time: approx. 2.5 hours
08:30–11:30: Cycle back to Dali Ancient City at a relaxed pace, enjoying the remaining scenery along the way.
12:00–14:00: Lunch in Dali Ancient City, savoring more local delicacies.
14:30–17:30: Activities: Explore Dali Ancient City, wander on Foreigner Street, take photos of the exterior of Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas (a famous scenic spot with a history dating back to the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms) , and join the cycling tour summary session.
Note: A relaxed finale; you can freely wander around Dali Ancient City after the summary.
Notes
Wear comfortable sportswear and non-slip shoes; bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the strong plateau sun.
The route is suitable for all ages, including children and the elderly; please ride at a comfortable pace and do not rush.
Respect Bai ethnic customs; ask for permission before taking photos of local residents or their dwellings.
PandaStudyTour provides full support, including bike rental, maintenance, accommodation arrangements, and route guidance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Protect the ecological environment of Erhai Lake—do not litter or damage the natural scenery.
Come and experience Dali's "wind, flower, snow, and moon" with PandaStudyTour's Erhai Lake Circular Cycling Tour! Cycle around the beautiful lake, explore ancient towns, experience Bai culture, and capture unforgettable moments in this poetic paradise. We look forward to riding with you and creating precious memories together!
