Erhai Lake Gate Tower in Dali Old Town

Erhai Lake Gate Tower (洱海门) is located at the East Gate of Dali Ancient Town (大理古城), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is also known as Erhai Gate. Due to changes in topography and water resources, the area of Erhai Lake has shrunk, placing the gate approximately 4 to 6 kilometers away from the lake itself.

• Chinese Name: 大理古城洱海门
• Location: Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省)
• Opening Hours: Open year-round, Monday to Sunday, 00:00 - 24:00

Attractions

Introduction to the Area

While some streets in Dali Ancient Town, such as Yangren Street (洋人街), have become commercialized, areas like Yu'er Road (玉洱路) and the latter half of Renmin Road (人民路) maintain an antique charm and historical feel. The Erhai Gate is situated on Renmin Road in the ancient town.

Dali Ancient Town Erhai Gate Market

When traveling, I enjoy exploring local vegetable markets or bazaars to experience the vibrancy of local life. If time permits, I also visit larger shopping malls. In my view, visiting a vegetable market offers insight into the local lifestyle, species diversity, culinary preferences, and even the happiness index of the residents.

During the summer of 2019, I traveled around Yunnan with friends, with Dali Ancient Town being our first stop. As someone who enjoys visiting markets, I woke up early while my friends lingered in bed. I strolled towards the ancient town, where the stone-paved streets were freshly cleaned, and tourists had yet to stir, giving the town a serene atmosphere.

Before my trip, I learned about a Bai-style (白族) Catholic church near Dali Ancient Town. Following my navigation, I walked along the stone path and reached the Erhai Gate.

Following the signs, I arrived at the church, which indeed features a unique Bai architectural style. The church is situated in a courtyard, with white walls adorned with blue patterns depicting elements like flowers and the moon, and the roof exhibits characteristic flying eaves.

Historical Significance

Built in the 1930s, this church stands as a testament to the bravery of missionaries who ventured deep into remote regions to spread their faith, often at great personal risk. I felt a deep respect for them as I entered the church and took a moment to pray.

Walking back to the main road, I noticed many local residents heading to a halal beef shop, where they sold both raw and prepared beef. Curious about their butchering methods, I watched the owner slicing meat at the entrance, discovering they also offered beef noodles!

Seeing the locals enjoying their meal, I sat down and ordered a bowl of beef rice noodles. The shop provided delicious mint pickles, and the noodles were wonderfully chewy, with the braised beef rich in flavor and a delightful beef broth. I highly recommend this dish!

After my meal, I strolled down the street and saw some residents carrying fresh vegetables. This indicated a nearby market, so I followed the crowd and found a small bazaar. At the entrance, there was a small flower stall, and nearby, a local woman sold homegrown vegetables and dried mountain goods. I purchased half a pound of fragrant red fungus (红乳菌) from her.

Continuing further, I encountered several stalls selling frozen ingredients and live chickens. A few steps ahead, I found a square building on the first floor with various meat vendors. Locals used iron cages to store freshly slaughtered pork, which was processed cleanly without any blood, showcasing the cleanliness of the stalls. It made me wonder if the Bai people typically do not consume organ meats.

Overall, the market was relatively small with fewer vendors, indicative of a local, intimate marketplace.

How to Get There

To reach Erhai Lake Gate Tower, you can take public transportation or a taxi to Dali Ancient Town. The area is pedestrian-friendly, so walking is a pleasant option once you arrive.

Travel Tips

• Explore Early: Visiting early in the morning allows you to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and avoid crowds.
• Local Delicacies: Don't miss out on trying local dishes at nearby shops for an authentic experience.
• Market Etiquette: Engage with local vendors respectfully and try to use basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your interactions.
• Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, as you will likely be walking on cobblestone streets.