Erhai Lake loop · Xizhou · Shuanglang
One 120 km circuit: the S-bend, Xizhou’s fields, Shuanglang and the “Santorini” hillside
The honest version
What the day is actually likeThe late start is deliberate: 09:30, a bike at the S-bend, and a slow loop of the lake rather than a checklist. Eight hours, almost none of it indoors.
Good for
- Cyclists and slow travellers
- People who have already done the big sights elsewhere
Skip it if
If you want the Three Pagodas and the old town, this route skips both.
Erhai is 40 km around; the loop covers the photogenic west shore and Shuanglang, not the whole circle.
Where the day starts and ends
All times are departurePick-up at hotels in Dali old town and Xiaguan; a late 09:30 start, no early rise
The day, to the minute
6 stopsLocal time (GMT+8). The lakeside road jams in high season and the order may shift.
Pick-up, Dali old town or XiaguanPick-up
A late start — no dawn alarm
West shore road and the S-bendSight
Bicycle included, about 5 km. The road runs right against the water here — Erhai’s signature view
Xizhou old town and Bai lunchMeal
Around Sifang Street and the corner tower. Flaky Xizhou baba flatbread and rushan cheese are the local musts; lunch is included
ShuanglangSight
A fishing village on the east bank with the most complete view back across to the nineteen Cangshan peaks. About 90 minutes on foot
Ideal Land, the “Santorini”Sight
A blue-and-white hillside complex and the region’s busiest photo spot. Any spending inside is extra
Return to the old town or XiaguanReturn
Ask the driver if you would rather be dropped at Caicun or Longkan for sunset
In and out
Per routeWhat’s included
- Air-conditioned vehicle and driver-guide
- Bicycle at the S-bend
- Bai-style lunch
- Xizhou old town visit
Not included
- Nanzhao Island admission ¥56
- Erhai cruise ticket (about ¥130)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- The circuit is 120 km and about three hours in the vehicle. The east shore is winding — take motion-sickness tablets beforehand if you need them.
- UV is strong and the wind constant. Bring a hat and sunscreen; long sleeves help on the cycling stretch.
- The Xizhou fields are green from June to September and turn gold in October — after the harvest they are bare earth. Check the season before booking for the fields.
- Ideal Land is a commercial complex; its cafés and photo sets charge separately. Shooting from outside works just as well.
- “Santorini” is the local nickname for Ideal Land, not the Greek island. Say “Ideal Land” to drivers and you will be understood.
Mostly a driving day with little walking — good with children and older parents. The cycling stretch can be swapped for the vehicle without losing anything.
Quick answers
Prices, hours and what is includedHow much does a day trip from Dali to Erhai Lake loop cost?
$85 per person on the group tour, or from $256 per vehicle for a private car with driver and guide. The group price includes the driver, guide and admission; the private price is for the whole vehicle, whatever the party size.
How long is the day?
It runs 09:30 to 17:30 — about 8 hours from pick-up to drop-off, including the drive. If you are catching a train or flight the same evening, book it for after 19:00.
Where does it start?
Dali old town and Xiaguan. Your driver and guide meet you there; the exact spot is confirmed the day before travel.
What is included in the price?
Air-conditioned vehicle and driver-guide; Bicycle at the S-bend; Bai-style lunch.
What is not included?
Nanzhao Island admission ¥56; Erhai cruise ticket (about ¥130).
How far ahead should I book?
Two days. We do not accept same-day or next-day bookings because the car, guide and admission have to be arranged in advance. Cancellation is free up to 7 days before the tour; inside that it steps to 20% (6–3 days) and 60% (2–1 days), and nothing is refunded on the day itself.
