Dali - Lake Erhai

Lake Erhai measures 7km/4.5mi wide and covers an area of 250sq.km/96sq.mi. This beautiful lake, situated 2km/1.25mi) east of the town center, bears eloquent witness to Dali's glorious past. There are a number of old buildings to visit on an island in the lake and along its banks.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Related Attractions

Royal Summer Palace

Unfortunately little remains of the former residence of the King of Nanzhao (Nanzhao Bishugong) on the little Isle of the Golden Spindle (Jinsuo).

Taihe

The ruins of the ancient town of Taihe can be seen on the west bank of Lake Erhai; these include two walls of rammed-down clay 1.5 and 2km/1-2mi long respectively, a fort built in 747 and a stone tablet 3.02m/10ft high, 2.27m/7.5ft wide and 58cm/2ft thick which dates from 766. The inscription chiseled on the tablet describes a battle and the relationship between the kingdom of Nanzhao and the rulers of the Tang dynasty.