Dali Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor from Xiaguan to Taoyuan

The Dali Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor (大理洱海生态廊道) from Xiaguan (下关) to Taoyuan (桃源), officially named “Dali City Erhai Lake Basin Shoreline Buffer Zone Ecological Restoration and Wetland Construction Project”, is a landmark ecological and cultural initiative in Dali (大理), Yunnan Province, China.

Stretching 129 kilometers around Erhai Lake (洱海), the corridor serves as a natural ecological shield and a vibrant cultural pathway that connects Bai ethnic minority villages, wetlands, parks, and historical landmarks.

It was designed not only as a protective barrier for the “Plateau Pearl” (Erhai Lake) but also as a tourism and cultural showcase — a living example of the national philosophy that “Green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver.”

Walking or cycling along the corridor reveals a breathtaking tapestry of mountains, wetlands, traditional villages, fishing piers, and cultural relics — a journey where nature, history, and modern sustainability meet.

History and Background

Origins and Purpose

The corridor emerged as a response to decades of environmental degradation of Erhai Lake (洱海). By 2018, the lake was under severe threat from urban expansion, farming, and tourism pressure.

To restore the lake’s ecosystem, the government launched one of the most ambitious ecological relocation projects in Yunnan Province:

1,806 households were relocated from within 15 meters of the shoreline.

Nearly 100 billion RMB was invested in wetland construction, shoreline restoration, vegetation recovery, and sewage interception projects.

Policies were enacted under the directive of President Xi Jinping, who emphasized: “Erhai Lake must be well protected.”

Ecological Achievements

763 hectares of wetlands restored, boosting biodiversity.

Native fish species such as the Erhai Spring Carp (洱海春鲤) and Qilu Carp (杞麓鲤) began recovering.

Flood control improved: buffer vegetation reduced water velocity by 60%, cutting sediment inflow by 70% during flood season.

May 2025: The new Erhai Protection and Management Regulations banned restaurant operations in the core zone and restricted invasive species.

Corridor Experience

Scenic Highlights

Along the corridor, visitors encounter a unique mix of ecology and culture.

Bai Villages (白族村落): Each village along the shoreline, with its white-walled houses, blue tiles, and carved gates, forms a cultural “string of pearls” around the lake.

Cangshan Mountains (苍山): Towering on the west, they create a dramatic backdrop for Erhai Lake.

Wetlands and Bird Habitats: Seasonal migratory birds, lotus ponds, and reed marshes enrich the corridor.

Fishing Piers: Traditional piers like Longkan Pier (龙龛码头) and Caicun Pier (才村码头) allow visitors to experience the fishing heritage of Erhai.

Haizhi Park (海舌公园): A slender peninsula stretching into Erhai, offering one of the lake’s most iconic viewpoints.

Visitor Guide

Recommended Route (West Shore, 46 km)

A classic exploration route of the Haixi Section (海西段) includes:

Yangnanxi (阳南溪) → starting point.

Chongyi Village (崇邑村) → traditional Bai village.

Sansheng Island (三圣岛) → mysterious island with folklore.

Longkan Pier (龙龛码头) → famous sunrise photography site.

Caicun Pier (才村码头) → lively waterfront village.

Majiuyi (马久邑) & Fumeiyi (富美邑) → wetlands and cultural stopovers.

Xinxiyi (新溪邑) → charming lakeside village.

Langqiao Bridge (廊桥) → scenic landmark with the famous “leaning tree.”

Haizhi Park (海舌公园) → iconic narrow peninsula.

Taoyuan Pier (桃源码头) → ending point.

? Distance: Approx. 46 km
⏱ Recommended Time: 1–2 days

Transportation Options

Sightseeing Shuttle

Divided into 3 main routes.

Hop-on, hop-off system — just wave to stop.

Ticket Price:

• 10–20 RMB per segment

• 40 RMB full section

• 60 RMB round trip

Shared Bicycles & E-bikes

Available at 34 docking points along the corridor.

Cost:

• Shared e-bike: 15 RMB/hour

• Shared bicycle: 1–2 RMB per 15 minutes

Private rental bicycles also available (10–20 RMB/day).

Family & Theme Vehicles

Four-wheel family bikes and themed cars (e.g., Snoopy design) available.

Fun for children and casual riders.

Photography Hotspots

Longkan Pier (龙龛码头) → Best sunrise spot.

Panxi S-Curve (磻溪S湾) → Instagram-famous winding shoreline.

Langqiao Bridge (廊桥) → Unique “bent tree” and lake reflections.

Sansheng Island (三圣岛) → Scenic island views.

Haizhi Park (海舌公园) → Must-visit for panoramic lake photos.

Practical Travel Tips

Opening Hours: Most of the corridor is open 24 hours; Haizhi Park open only 9:00–12:00, limited to 200 visitors/day.

No Cars Allowed: Only official shuttles, bicycles, or walking permitted.

Rest Stops: Toilets every 1–2 km; rest benches and cafés available.

Food Recommendations:

• Near Caicun Pier → Local rice noodles (米线) and halal snacks.

• Try Tuotuo Beef (坨坨牛肉), a local specialty.

Safety & Comfort:

• Strong UV rays → bring sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves.

• Carry water for cycling/walking.

Management and Sustainability

Operated by China Travel Service (Yunnan) Tourism Development Co., Ltd.

300+ professional staff manage cleaning, security, landscaping, and shuttle operations.

Funding model: “Prefecture-level planning, city-level implementation.”

Over 2.3 billion RMB invested in maintenance since 2020.

23 scientific monitoring stations conduct real-time water quality research.

Visitor Numbers & Recognition

In 2024 alone, the corridor welcomed 21.7 million visitors, making it one of Dali’s top attractions.

It is regarded as a model project of ecological civilization in China, balancing protection and tourism development.

Why Visit the Erhai Ecological Corridor?

The Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor (洱海生态廊道) is not just a walking or cycling path — it is:

A living museum of Bai culture.

A success story of ecological restoration.

A scenic paradise for photographers, cyclists, and nature lovers.

A gateway to understanding sustainable tourism in China.

Travel Tips

The Dali Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor (大理洱海生态廊道) is one of the most beautiful ways to experience the natural and cultural landscape of Erhai Lake (洱海). Stretching about 46 kilometers from Xiaguan (下关) to Taoyuan Pier (桃源码头), the route combines lakeside views, ancient villages, wetlands, and iconic photography spots. It is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to enjoy both breathtaking scenery and cultural immersion.

Route Recommendation

Start your journey from Yangnan Stream (阳南溪), where the corridor begins, and follow this route:

Chongyi Village (崇邑村) – Experience rustic charm and traditional Bai culture.

Sansheng Island (三圣岛) – A mysterious island in the lake with a tranquil aura.

Longkan Pier (龙龛码头) and Caicun Pier (才村码头) – Perfect for sunrise photography and enjoying the lake’s calm beauty.

Majiu Village (马久邑) & Fumei Village (富美邑) – Known for sandy beaches and village life.

Xiabopeng Wetland (下波淜湿地) – Discover a peaceful ecological zone.

Xinxiyi Village (新溪邑) – Featuring distinct architectural charm and lakefront cafés.

Langqiao Bridge (廊桥) – A scenic covered bridge leading directly into nature.

Haizhe Park (海舌公园) – A famous peninsula stretching into Erhai Lake.

Taoyuan Pier (桃源码头) – The final stop, with wide lake views.

?‍♂️ Total length: ~46 km. Most visitors choose a combination of walking, cycling, and sightseeing shuttles.

Transportation Guide

Sightseeing Shuttle Route

The sightseeing shuttle is the most convenient way to explore the corridor. It runs in three main sections:

Section 1: Yangnan Stream (阳南溪) → Caicun (才村)

Ticket price: ¥10 one-way / ¥40 full route / ¥60 round-trip per person

Stops & highlights: Wukesong (五棵松), Sansheng Island (三圣岛), Longkan Pier (龙龛码头), Caicun Village (才村)

Section 2: Caicun (才村) → Panxi S-Bend (磻溪S湾)

Ticket price: ¥20 one-stop / ¥40 full route / ¥60 round-trip

Stops & highlights: Caicun (才村), Majiu Village (马久邑), Fumei Village Beach (富美邑沙滩), Panxi S-Bend (磻溪S湾)

Section 3: Panxi S-Bend (磻溪S湾) → Haizhe Park (海舌公园)

Ticket price: ¥20 one-stop / ¥40 full route / ¥60 round-trip

Stops & highlights: Panxi S-Bend, Langqiao Bridge (廊桥), Haizhe Park (海舌公园)

? Tips: The shuttle can be stopped anywhere along the road by waving. You can freely hop on and off to explore.

Other Transportation Options

Private Cars & Buses: Available between Panxi S-Bend and Haizhe Park.

Shared Bikes & E-Bikes: Convenient for short distances. You can leave them at designated parking points.

Combination Travel: Many visitors use a mix of shuttle + cycling for flexibility.

Photography & Cycling Recommendations

Must-Visit Scenic Spots

✔ Longkan Pier (龙龛码头): One of the best places to watch the sunrise. The reflection on the water looks like a painting, making it a paradise for photographers.
✔ Panxi Village (磻溪村): Famous for the Panxi S-Bend (磻溪S湾) and lakeside cafés. A new internet-famous photo spot.
✔ Langqiao Bridge (廊桥): Known for its unique natural landscapes like the Leaning Tree (歪脖子树) and the Lonely Tree (孤独树), making it a dreamlike place for photo inspiration.

Cycling Price Table

Cycling Tips

Shared e-bikes don’t need to be returned to the starting point—you can leave them at any designated stop.

Great option for those who don’t want a long hike.

For longer rides, check that the bike has more than 30 km of available distance.

Travel Tips

Visiting Suggestions

Plan Ahead: Study the route and major stops to make the most of your trip.

Parking: Plenty of rest stops and parking lots are available, so you can stop anytime.

Best Experiences: Walking, cycling, shuttle rides, or even jogging at sunrise and sunset.

Activities Along the Corridor

Walking: Relaxing and scenic, with rest zones and benches available.

Cycling: The most popular choice, letting you feel the lake breeze with Cangshan Mountain (苍山) in the background.

Sightseeing Shuttle: Convenient and effortless, suitable for families.

Jogging: A dream location for runners—stunning views during sunrise or sunset.

Full Guide: Dali Erhai Ecological Corridor Transportation

Total length: 32 km (main section)

Stops: Yangnan Stream (阳南溪), Wukesong (五棵松), Sansheng Island (三圣岛), Longkan Pier (龙龛古渡), Caicun Pier (才村码头), Fumei Village (富美邑), Panxi (磻溪), Gusheng Village (古生村), Haizhe Park (海舌公园)

? Important Notice: External vehicles and rental e-bikes (without permits) are not allowed inside the corridor.

Sightseeing Vehicle Tips

Pricing: ¥10–20 per stop, ¥115 full route

Music Bar Shuttle: Between Caicun and Longkan, approx. ¥50, with live music onboard.

Booking: Tickets can be purchased directly in the “Dali Erhai Ecological Corridor (大理洱海生态廊道)” mini-program.

Shared E-Bike Tips

Duration: ~3 hours to cycle the full route.

Cost: ¥45 single trip.

Stations: 34 return points, about every 1 km.

Providers:

• Daxiang Go (大象出行Go): ¥15 / 63 min, suitable for 2 riders, but heavy.

• Hello Bike (哈啰出行): ¥15 / 60 min, lightweight, but only for single riders.

? Tips: Bikes are billed per hour, including rest stops. Choose one with >30 km available distance for smoother rides.

Bicycle Rentals

Private Rental: ¥10–20 per day. Cheap, but must return to starting point.

Shared Bikes (Hello / Daxiang): ¥2 first 15 min, ¥1.5 every 15 min after. Convenient with frequent stops, but more expensive than private rentals.

Additional Visitor Tips

Toilets every 1–2 km.

Rest areas and cafés along the route.

Haizhe Park (海舌公园): Open only 9:00–12:00, max 200 visitors/day. Arrive early!

Bring sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves—UV is very strong in Dali.

Plan to combine cycling, walking, and shuttle for the best experience.

Food & Photography

Photography Highlights

Longkan Pier (龙龛码头): Two famous photo spots:

• Mirror of the Sky (镜天) – best for sunrise.

• Sea Moon (海月) – best for moonlit nights.

Yangnan Stream (阳南溪): Wooden walkways lead into reed beds and hidden trees—perfect for artistic photos.

Food Recommendations

Near Tuotuo Beef (坨坨牛肉) crossroad, try Jianyue Huiwei Halal Snacks (简约回味清真小吃).

Specialty: Rice noodles (米线) for ¥9 per bowl, famous for rich flavors.

Open 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, sells out early.

Would you like me to also add a suggested 1-day and 2-day itinerary along this corridor so international travelers can follow a ready-made travel plan?