Your China & Yunnan Travel Experts
Ask a QuestionTaking a cruise on Erhai Lake is one of the classic ways to explore this beautiful body of water. Not only can you enjoy the stunning scenery up close, but you can also experience the rich Bai ethnic culture through the traditional Three-Course Tea performance. Here’s everything you need to know about taking an Erhai Lake cruise, including the types of boats, routes, and what to expect on board.
Erhai Lake cruises offer two main types of boats: luxury three-deck boats and fiberglass boats. Long routes typically use luxury boats, while shorter routes use fiberglass boats. The three-deck luxury boats, such as the Dujuan, Cangshan, Dayun, Erhai No. 1, and Erhai No. 2, are custom-built catamarans with capacities ranging from 400 to 950 passengers. Ticket prices for these boats range from 120 to 140 RMB per person.
Onboard facilities include KTV rooms, a performance hall for ethnic dance shows, shops, and a photography studio called "Five Golden Flowers." Once you purchase a ticket and board the boat, you can freely explore the public areas and decks. Private rooms and booths are available for an additional fee.
Currently, there are three main docks where the cruises stop: Dali Port in Dali City, Jinguisi Dock near Xizhou Ancient Town, and Shuanglang Ancient Town Dock. These docks offer both one-way and round-trip tickets, so be sure to confirm your starting point and return times when purchasing tickets.
Departs at 9:00 AM from Dali Port, stopping at Jinguisi Dock at 10:40 AM for 20 minutes, continuing to Nanzhao Customs Island for a 50-minute stop, and arriving at Shuanglang Ancient Town at 12:10 PM. The total sailing time is about 3 hours and 10 minutes.
This route is ideal for visitors staying in the city who want to visit Shuanglang. It saves on transportation costs from Dali City to Shuanglang while offering beautiful views of Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain.
Cruises depart from Dali Port at 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM, circling Erhai Lake and returning to the starting point. The round trip takes 60 minutes.
This route is perfect for self-driving tourists who can park their vehicles at Dali Port and enjoy a leisurely cruise around Erhai Lake.
Departing at 11:00 AM from Jinguisi Dock, the first stop is Nanzhao Folk Island for a 50-minute visit, followed by a 2.5-hour stop at Shuanglang Ancient Town. The return trip departs from Shuanglang at 3:00 PM, arriving back at Jinguisi Dock. Total duration about 4 hours.
This route is suitable for visitors staying in Dali Ancient City. You can start your day with a bike ride along the Erhai Ecological Corridor, board the boat at Jinguisi, and enjoy a few hours in Shuanglang before returning.
Departing at 3:00 PM from Shuanglang Ancient Town, the cruise stops at Nanzhao Folk Island for 40 minutes and Jinguisi Dock at 4:30 PM, before arriving at Dali Port at 6:10 PM. Total duration about 3 hours.
This route is ideal for visitors traveling from Lijiang to Shuanglang. You can take the cruise directly to Dali City, making it convenient to catch a flight or train.
Please note that while the cruise routes are fixed, departure times may vary based on passenger volume. Be sure to check the schedule before your trip.
If you want to cross Erhai Lake from the west to the east shore, taking a small boat from Caicun Village is the fastest and most enjoyable way. In just 40 minutes, you can complete a “mini Erhai crossing.” One moment you are surrounded by lush greenery along the ecological corridor on the west shore, and the next, you are standing atop Luozhuan Peninsula on the east shore, taking in the sweeping panorama of Erhai’s blue waters.
Caicun small boats currently offer two main routes:
When the boat reaches the center of the lake, you’ll be surrounded by endless blue — sky above and water below — with Cangshan Mountain embracing the horizon. The open waters bring strong, refreshing winds that instantly sweep away the summer heat, making this an especially pleasant experience during warm months. As the boat drifts gently toward Luozhuan Peninsula, it offers a tranquil, immersive way to appreciate the natural beauty of Erhai, perfect for travelers who prefer a slower pace and a closer connection to nature.
About Luozhuan Peninsula
Luozhuan Peninsula, located on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake, is one of the best vantage points for enjoying the grand view of the lake and Cangshan Mountain. Climb to the top of Tianjing Pavilion or Luozhuan Tower for a breathtaking panorama, where mountain winds blend with the cool lake breeze. The peninsula is lush with vegetation — particularly around its shaded trails and viewing decks — where emerald greens meet azure skies and crystal-blue waters. It’s an ideal natural retreat for escaping the summer heat and relaxing in serenity.
To truly capture the charm of Erhai Lake, a combination of water and land travel is highly recommended. This mixed itinerary allows you to experience both the tranquil beauty of the lake’s surface and the vibrant life around its shores.
The entire Erhai ring route stretches over 130 kilometers along both the west and east shores, offering numerous ways to explore. Start your morning with a ride on the Erhai Ring Bus, which stops at major attractions like Dali Port Wharf, Shuanglang Ancient Town Wharf, Dali Ancient City, Xizhou Ancient Town, the famous “S-Curve” viewpoint, Butterfly Spring, Santorini Ideal Land, Luozhuan Peninsula, Wenbi Village, and Xiaoputuo Island. This eco-friendly bus service connects major docks and land attractions, making it one of the most convenient and sustainable ways to travel around the lake.
If you prefer a more direct route to the water, take the Scenic Shuttle Bus, which links Dali Ancient City directly with Caicun Wharf. It shortens travel time, avoids sun exposure, and provides a quick, comfortable transfer to your lakeside departure point.
This flexible combination not only helps you avoid peak traffic but also allows you to experience Erhai’s beauty from multiple perspectives — from tranquil waters to scenic roadsides. It’s the perfect way to spend a day in Dali, blending relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.
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