Dali Ancient Town

Dali Ancient Town is a historic town with rich culture located between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Unlike any other Chinese town, the traditional Bai ethnic houses give the town distinctive feel. Travelers can wonder in this leisure town to appreciate the unique ethnic architecture and discover its profound history and culture.

Why is Dali Ancient Town so special?

Dali Ancient Town enjoys both profound history and splendid culture, also unique Bai ethnic culture. History of Dali Ancient Town can be dates back to 1382 during the Ming Dynasty and it has been listed among the top historic cities of China. It is also the important hub of the Tea Horse Caravan Road, enjoying the integration of diverse culture.

1.AAAA Scenic Spot
2.One of the national historical and cultural city
3.Key Cultural Relics Protection Site
4.Main attraction of Dali

Where is Dali Ancient Town?

Dali Ancient Town is located at the north of Xiaguan Town, 13 kilometers away. This ancient city is situated between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.

Distance from other famous attractions in Dali

1.About 5 kilometers from Erhai Lake
2.About 2.3 kilometers from Three Pagodas of Dali
3.About 1.9 kilometers from Cangshan Mountain
4.About 24.7 kilometers from Shuanglang

How to Get to Dali Ancient Town?

Travelers can use our private car taking to Dali Ancient Town from Dali Airport or Dali Railway Station. If you are independent travelers, you can take bus or go by taxi.

1.By Car

From Dali Airport: It is about 30 km from Dali Airport to Dali Ancient Town. There are airport shuttle running between the airport to Dali Old Town. The drive takes about 40 minutes. If by taxi, it may cost around 80~100 Yuan.

From Dali Railway Station: It is about 26 km from Dali Railway Station to Dali Ancient Town. Travelers can take No.8 bus outside of the railway station to Dali Ancient Town, which takes about 40 minutes. If by taxi, it may cost around 50 Yuan.

2.By Bus

Taking bus No.4, No.8 in Xiaguan about 40 minutes to the Dali Ancient Town, the fare is 2 yuan. People who take bus No.8 can choose to get off at the east gate. In Yuer road there is touring bus passing Wind Flower Snow and Moon Hotel, Guozi Garden, Bluestone Bridge, Yeyu Road, Yuer Park, Boai Crossing and Cangshan Mountain Gate. In addition, visitors can take the minibus to Dali Ancient Town in Jianshe Road and Cultural Road, about 30 minutes to reach the old city. There are three options of transportation of electronic mobile, mountain bike and walk for tourists in Dali Ancient Town.

3.By Bicycle

Dali Ancient City Yuer Road (Dali Lanlin Pavilion Hotel)—Cangshan Mountain West Gate—214 National Road—Chongsheng Three Pagodas—Erhai Ring Road—Xizhou (Xizhou Mango Cabin Inn) —Shuanglang.

Dali Ancient City Yuer Road (Dali Lanlin Pavilion Hotel)—Cangshan Mountain East Gate—Dali Road—Caicun Village MTB Theme Inn—Erhai Ring Road—Xizhou (Xizhou Mango Cabin Inn)—Shuanglang.

Useful Travel Tips

1.Best Time to Visit Dali Ancient Town

A lot of festivals and events of Bai nationality focused on March to April each year, travel at this time you will feel rich ethnic customs. And there is a song: “March in Dali has good scenery”, so in the spring, it is suitable whether it is traveling to Dali, or climbing Canshang Mountain, visiting Erhai Lake.

2. What to Pack
Dali belongs to the low altitude plateau monsoon climate and ultraviolet ray is strong. Travelers should bring usual clothes and necessities as well as sunscreen cream and sunglasses to protect yourselves.

3. Dali Ancient Town Tourist Center
The Tourist Center is located close to the South Gate of Dali Ancient Town. Travelers can buy tickets and take sightseeing bus from Dali Ancient Town to Three Pagodas of Dali, Tianlongbabu Film Studio, Cangshan Mountain, Zhang Family’s Garden, Erhai Lake, Nanzhao Folk Island, Shuanglang, Dali Railway Station and Dali Airport, etc.

Please note: all the sightseeing bus service time may adjust according to travelers practical needs. Please inquiry for the exact time when buy the tickets at the tourist center or offices.

4. Accommodation
You never need to worry about your stay in Dali Ancient Town. There are hotels and hostels ranging from luxury 5 star (Dali Regent Hotel recommended, located close to the East Gate), comfortable 4 star (Dali Landscape Hotel recommended, located close to Foreigner Street in the center of Dali Ancient Town) to budget hostels.

5. Local Snacks
Travelers can taste the local snacks and food such as Rushan (Dairy Fans), Er Kuai (rice-based dish), Xizhou Baba, Sand Pot Fish, Sour and Spicy Fish, Eight Bowls of Bai People, etc.

The news was updated on September 27, 2019. 

All the dishes at Cravings originate from Xiao’s memories of his childhood in his hometown, Kunming, Yunnan province.

Beijing’s Longfusi area used to be famous for a snack street where you could sample many traditional treats, such as glutinous-rice rolls with sweet red-bean filling and pea-flour cakes.

The street has been gone for may years, and the area was redeveloped this year with restaurants and art museums. It has become a hangout for young people.

The Yunnan-cuisine restaurant, Cravings, with its industrial-style decor and home-style Yunnan dishes, is a popular eatery in the area.

There, chef Xiao Li’ang, who was born and raised in Kunming, Yunnan province, is bringing his memories of classic Yunnan dishes to diners in Beijing.

“The dishes on the menu are common in Yunnan-cuisine restaurants in Beijing, but each restaurant makes each dish differently. My goal is to just make some delicious Yunnan dishes,” the 28-year-old says.

One of the traditional snacks on the menu is fried potato chips, something Xiao used to share with his classmates after school.

“The fried potato chips used to sell for 0.5 yuan (7 cents) per portion and I try to replicate that flavor with a little twist,” he says.

The chips are fried twice to make them crisp, but the seasoning is the key. Here, Xiao uses a lot of chopped coriander and green onion to add a fresh flavor and a green tinge to the dish, and also to balance the heavy flavors of Yunnan fermented bean curd and chili sauce.

“Another secret is to use a lot of chopped fish mint. Mixing it with other seasoning will make the taste of the potato special,” he says.

Pork neck with mashed garlic is another example. Xiao uses the upper shoulder of the pig instead of the usual lower neck because it’s more tender.

Then Xiao pan-fries the pork and pairs it with a garlic sauce to which he adds vinegar from Japan and chili sauce from Yunnan. A layer of onion is placed between the meat and sauce.

Chef Xiao Li’ang plates a chicken dish with Yunnan-style seasoning.

“I want diners to enjoy the balanced flavors of this dish, so it’s not too dry or too wet, not too spicy or too plain.”

He boils aged chicken and ham from Yunnan for four hours to make soup broths.

For desserts, Xiao makes a traditional Yunnan drink which features dry bread soaked in coconut milk, fruit and sago. Xiao says he could not find bread from Yunnan in Beijing, so he uses baguettes instead.

There are just a few dozen dishes on the menu, as Xiao believes that Cravings is a place for simple meals. But he says he will update the menu with seasonal ingredients from Yunnan.

“I did not realize the charm of the cuisine until I actually left Yunnan. The variety is a treasure. The different geographic areas offer different ingredients and seasonings,” he says.

Xiao did not start off wanting to be a chef. In 2010, he went to the United Kingdom to study for a bachelor’s degree in fashion. But two years later, he found he was more interested in cooking, so he took a part-time job at a Western-cuisine restaurant.

Xiao is also a food stylist, who designs the plating of dishes and also uses food to create art. His studio joined an art show in July, where he used coffee grounds to create art.

Xiao earned a master’s degree in food design in Italy last year.

“Besides creating dishes for restaurants like Cravings, I also want to look at more possibilities with food.”

Source from http://english.yunnan.cn/html/2019/flavor_0927/17825.html

Why is Lugu Lake So Special?

It is the native place of “The Females’ Kingdom” composed of the Mosuo people, a branch of the Naxi nationality. “Lugu” means “falling into the water” in the Mosuo language (“hu” means lake in Chinese.) Hence the name of the lake.

Lugu Lake is surrounded by high and sublime mountains and is snowbound for over 3 months. Since the lake is rather deep, a definite regulating influence is exerted on the temperature of the lake shores. Therefore the surrounding mountains abound in forest resources which afford an exquisite beauty, much fresh air and charming scenery. At present it is one of the places in China which is least damaged by human efforts and best preserved in its natural features.

Where is Lugu Lake?

Lugu Lake is located between Yunnan’s Ninglang County and Sichuan’s Yanyuan County, with a total area of 77,700-odd mu, the space within the precincts of Yunnan being 41,400 mu. It is 2,685 m. above sea level, counting from the surface of the water, and is therefore the lake with the highest altitude in the province. Its average depth of water is 40 m., the greatest depth being 90 m. Among Yunnan’s lakes it stands only second to Fuxianhu Lake in terms of depth of water. The water of the lake is generally clean and green, with different shades of colour: now turquoise blue, now sapphire blue, now white-gray, simply beyond one’s imagination. On the lake are the “pig-trough boats” (“zhucaochuan”) specific to the place. Teeming in the lake are fine-scaled fish, carps and other species. The lake waters flow eastwards to the Yalong River and finally into the surging Jingshajiang River.

How to get to Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake is located on the border of Yunnan and Sichuan, so travelers can visit Lugu Lake from Yunnan or from Sichuan. At present, there are three highway leading to Lugu Lake, one is from Xichang (Sichuan) to Lugu Lake for 258 kilometers, one is from Panzhihua to Lugu Lake for 220 kilometers and the third is from Lijiang to Lugu Lake for 230 kilometers.

Luguhu Airport, opended in October 2015, has limited flights from/to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan. The airport is about 25 kilometers from Lugu Lake with airport shuttle linked each other.

1. From Lijiang:
1) Transport Service Center Bus Station to Daluoshui Village:
Departure Time: 09:00, 10:00.
Ticket Price: CNY 65
Duration: around 7 hours
2) Take tourist bus arranged by local travel agencies:
Departure Time: unfixed
Ticket Price: CNY 140 to 200 for a round-trip
Duration: around 7 hours
Notice:
1). Departure time is changeable. Usually, the bus driver informs the tourists of departure time and pick-up location in advance.  
2). Most hostels help their guests to book the bus tickets. Visitors can ask the hostel owners if they provide this service. The reservation should be made one day in advance.
3). Visitors who take tourist bus might be arranged to go shopping, visit a Mosuo family, go boating or take part in a bonfire party. Undoubtedly, they need to pay extra money for these activities.

2. From Xichang, Sichuan Province: 
1). Take regular bus from Xichang Tourist Transport Center Bus Station to Lugu LakeTown (also called Zuosuo Town).
Departure Time: 08:10, 09:30
Ticket Price: CNY 95
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
2). Take regular bus from Xichang to Yanyuan, change bus to Zuosuo Town.
 

Notice:
1). Lugu lake is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Lugu Lake Town. After arriving in the town, visitors need to charter a car to reach the village where they plan to stay. The fare is around CNY 20 to 40.  
2). Bus schedules and ticket prices might be adjusted without prior notice.
3). Extra buses from Xichang to Lugu Lake Town will be provided during the high season (May to October).
4). Visitors are suggested to buy return bus tickets upon arrival in case the tickets are sold out quickly.

What are the features of Lugu Lake?

Lugu Lake, at an altitude of 2690 meters, is located on the border of Yunnan Province and Sichuan Province. There are many ethnic minority groups inhabited around the lake, such as the Mosuo, Norzu, Yi, Pumi and Tibetan. The most numerous of these are the Mosuo people, a sub clan of the Naxi people, which considered as “a live fossil for researching the marital development history of Human beings” and “the last quaint Realm of Matriarchy”. Hence, Lugu Lake is called the “mother lake” by the Mosuo people and it becomes “The Kingdom of Women” and “Home of the Matriarchal Tribe”.

Traveling to Lugu Lake not only takes you step into a mysterious land to explore the matriarchal society and know its “visiting marriage”, but also feast your eyes with beautiful scenery of the Pearl of Plateau.

Main Highlighted Tourist Spots in Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake is an alpine lake located in a relatively low basin of the Hengduan Mountain System which caused for crustal movement to form a plateau karst downfaulted lake. With an area of 58.8 square kilometers, Lugu Lake is in a shape of horseshoe which can be divided into Liang Lake Scenic Area and Cao Lake Scenic Area with one third in Yunnan Province and two thirds in Sichuan Province. The lake is composed of 5 independent islands, 4 peninsulas, 1 long island with sea dyke, 14 bays, 17 sandbanks and 21 bajadas.

Caohai Lake & Walking Marriage Bridge

Caohai Lake, also Grass Sea, is jade located in the southeast of Lugu Lake. It is a happy land of aquatic plant, waterfowl, fish, shrimp, cowry, spiral shell, frog…The Mosuo girls in red and white taking the boat sailing through the reeds. And you can hear they sing merrily. How pleasant to relax on the clear water and under the blue sky.

Walking Marriage Bridge is a romantic bridge across on Caohai Lake area. It is the place where Mosuo people date each other. In the daytime, young men and women express affection through dancing or singing if you are interested on someone. The young men call his beloved one “Axia” and the young women call her beloved guy “Azhu”. When the night falls, the “Azhu” come to Walking Marriage Bridge to meet their girls. Today, the used bridge is 300 meters long where you can take a walk with your darling hand in hand.

Three Magical Islands – Lige, Liwubi & Xiwae

Lige Island, Liwubi Island and Xiwae Island (Lock Island) are called the three magical islands of Lugu Lake.

Most travelers regard Lige Island as the most beautiful island which is situated at the foot of the Gemu Goddess Mountain, embraced by water on three sides. Climb up to the observation deck that travelers can enjoy panoramic view of Lige Island stretching into Lugu Lake.

Liwubi Island is located in the south central of Lugu Lake where the Mosuo dwelled on during their earliest years. There is a lama temple of Yellow sect called Liwubi Monastery here. Mosuo people will come to Liwubi Island to chant scriptures every lunar June 4th.

Xiwae Island, also called Tusi Island or Lock Island, is located in the northwest of Lugu Lake. In history, it was island with high military value for the great location and fenced walls, watchtowers to prevent the attract from bandits. In the 1920s, Joseph Lock who wrote “The Ancient Na-Khikingdom of South-West China” came to Xiwae Island and lived for a long time.

Gemu Goddess Mountain

Gemu Goddess Mountain, also called Lion Mountain, at an altitude of 3450 meters, is the holy mountain for Mosuo people. In the lunar calendar of July 25th, the local Mosuo people gather together to pay worship to this holy mountain which lasts for more than 1000 years. To get up Gemu Goddess Mountain, travelers can hike up or take cable car from Nisai Village. The highlight of Gemu Goddess Mountain is the Goddess Cave facing with Lugu Lake, offering an observation deck to have panoramic view of Lugu Lake.

Famous Mosuo Villages

There are many beautiful villages surrounded the lake. Travelers can pay a visit to Luoshui Village with many wooden houses around the lake. Here, you can enjoy the bonfire camp organized by the local Mosuo people. Going ahead to the north is Lige Village embraced by water on three sides which is a fantastic place to watch sunrise. Next to Lige Village is Nisai Village which is famous for the Sweetheart Trees. The Little Luoshui Village is the last tribe of Mosuo with only 24 households. It is the last village of Yunnan Province. It is traditional, primitive and keeps the original lifestyle of Mosuo people.

Mosuo Museum

Mosuo Museum, next to Mosuo Tusi Palace, is facing with Lugu Lake with beautiful environment. It is the only museum in China to present Mosuo people’s history, culture and folk customs. Opened in 2013, it shows the Tusi System, Lamaism, Mosuo Intangible Cultural Heritage and the cultural treasures include stoneware, bronze ware, pottery, Tusi remains and Mosuo folk objects, etc.

Zhamei Monastery

Zhamei Monastery, 13 kilometers from Lugu Lake, is the Lama monastery of Gelugpa which was built in Ming Dynasty. It is also the largest lama monastery for Mosuo people and Pumi group. The main building is composed of the main hall and two side halls in wooden structure, yellow tiles, gilded roof. In the side hall, there is a 12-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, the clay sculpture in Tibetan style. There are six mural painting with exquisite line, bright color, vivid modeling.

About Mosuo People

The shores of the lake is inhabited by the Mosuo people who have peculiar customs and ways, up to now still retaining remnants of matriarchal society. Men and women are not united by wedlock, each living at the mother’s home respectively, yet keeping a casual cohabitation relationship. Thus the place is called “A Quaint Realm of Matriarchy”.

The male and female youth of the Mosuo people, having fostered mutual love in the long period of productive labour and social activities, begin to reciprocate “tokens”. The male party, in accordance with his economic conditions, presents the female party with gold or silver ornaments, jade bracelets, beads and silk threads, etc. The “tokens” returned by the female party are generally some personal accessories which the other party likes. Given such an affection on both sides, the seniors of the male party would bring some “loquat meat”, and some tea, sugar or wine to pay a visit to those of the female party. Once agreement is obtained from them, an axia (spouse) relationship is established for the two. However, such relationship can also be fixed without going through the above procedure.

After this the two parties continue to live in their own homes. The male “axia” labours for his home in the daytime, and goes to the female “axia” at night for cohabiting with her in her home. The family of the female “axia” looks upon the male as one of its own members. During the rush farming season, the male “axia” goes to the home of the other party to help with work. Those who have fixed their “axia” relationship call each other “azhu”, which means “dear companion”, but never husband or wife. Therefore, it is not appropriate to speak of “father”, who instead is only referred to as “maternal uncle”. The female is predominant and is therefore the leader of a family. With the Mosuos goddess worship and the remnants of the matriarchal period, the Luguhu Lake area is indeed one of the rare specimens of “The Female’s Kingdom” in the world and a ‘living fossil of the matriarchal society hard to come by”.

Recommended Visiting Route

Travelers usually spend 2 or 3 days visiting Lugu Lake area. On the first day, you may arrive in Lugu Lake at late afternoon, and you can take a canoe sailing on Lugu Lake to visit the islands (Liwubi Island, Princess House Island, Lise Island or Xiewae Island) and enjoy sunset on the boat which offers you fantastic opportunity to take some gorgeous pictures. At night, attend bonfire party to have fun with the local Mosuo people. On the second day, traveling around Lugu Lake to visit some of the featured villages and spots (Lige Village, Nisai Village, Little Luoshui Village, Dazu Village, Zuosuo Town and Caohai Lake) is the must-do activity. You can spend one day either by biking or renting a car (or use our private car) to cycle around. You’ll have the chance to pay a family visit to Mosuo’s home to experience their living traditional culture, also visit Mosuo Museum to know more history and culture about Mosuo people. On the third day, visit Zhamei Monastery when you leave Lugu Lake.

Recommended Tour with Lugu Lake
2 Days Lijiang Lugu Lake Tour and Matriarchal Society Discovery

Best Time to Visit Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake is surprising beautiful place which can be visited all year round. Flowers are blossom in different season, presenting you a charming painting scenery. The best time to visit Lugu Lake is from March to November and as for photographers, come from March to May and September to October that you will shoot brilliant pictures.

Spring: it is a land of idyllic beauty – emerald lake like a clear mirror with the surrounding peach flowers and pear flowers blossom happily, mountains reflecting in water, boats sailing quietly on the tranquil lake…
Summer: it is a summer resort – pleasant and cool weather with gentle breezes blowing, mist floating in the midair after rainy, azalea in pink and white blossom in the mountain…
Autumn: it is a fairyland as beautiful as Jiuzhaigou – the surrounded mountains turn into a red and golden world with leaves changing, the glittering lake, the gorgeous sunglow, geese chirping in the sky that you can image how beautiful the scene is.
Winter: it is a world of waterfowl – different kinds of wild ducks playing on the water.

If you interested in the grandest festival of Mosuo people, come to the lunar July 25 that you can see Mosuo people dressed in traditional festival to pay a worship to Gemu Goddess Mountain.

Luguhu Lake Accommodation

In the Lugu Lake tourist area, there are more than 400 hotels and rooms ranging from inns and guesthouses to five-star hotels. The accommodations are mainly located in Caohai village, Dazshui village, Sanjia village, Lige village and Dazui village. If you have a fixed budget, it is recommended to live in local dwellings and experience local Mosuo’s customs. Here we list some of the accommodations for your reference.

Useful Travel Tips

1. What to Pack

Lugu Lake is situated at 2690 meters high and ultraviolet ray is strong. The lowest temperature is 4 ℃ and the highest temperature is around 19 ℃ and the rainy months are from June to August. Sun-blocking scream and sunglasses are needed in four seasons. When visit in Summer, bring a light jacket and umbrella.

2. Accommodation

You are guaranteed to enjoy comfortable stay when visiting Lugu Lake. You can choose your accommodation from luxury hotels to budget but featured hostels. All the hotels and hostels are facing with Lugu Lake which means you can enjoy the lake scenery on the deck or in your room.

3. Food & Dining

Muosuo people offers you good meal and fine wine. You can try Preserved Pork, Roast Fish and Suluma Wine (low alcohol, taste sour and sweet with faint scent).

4.Be cautious about the “visiting marriage”

Know the rules and customs about “visiting marriage” and think again when someone shows his affection to you.

Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake (Ear-shaped Sea), known as “Pearl of Plateau”, is the second largest highland lake of Yunnan. Since the lake has a shape of an ear, it gets the name Erhai (Ear Lake). Taking a boat and cycling around the lake are fantastic ways to explore “Silver Cangshan Mountain and Jade Erhai Lake” scenery. It is ranked the second in Yunnan Province and the seventh freshwater lake in China by area and water storage.

Why is Erhai Lake so special?

Erhai Lake is famous as “Pearl of Plateau”, which is the second largest lake in Yunnan Province and the seventh freshwater lake in China by area and water storage. It also enjoys the charming scenery. In a sunny day, the crystal waters of Erhai Lake and the snow mantled Cangshan Mount radiate with each other. Moon in the Erhai Lake is also one of four elements of Dali. In a word, it is an approving attraction.

1.The second largest lake in Yunnan

2.The seventh freshwater lake in China

Where is Erhai Lake?

In the ancient literature Erhai Lake has been called: Erhe River, Yeyu River, Yeyuze, Mihe River, Kunming Pool, etc, which was formed the plateau lake by collapsed west Erhe River, and due to its appearance looks like ears, so it named after Erhai Lake (Er is the homophone of ear in Chinese character). Although its area is smaller than Dianchi Lake, as a result of deep water level, its storage capacity is larger than the Dianchi Lake. Erhai Lake is originated in Pibi Lake of Eryuan County, the source from Bagu Mountain. The main part of Erhai Lake is in Dali City. The north part of Erhai Lake is connected to Eryuan County. It is the branch of Lancang River and Yangbi River.

How to Get to Erhai Lake?

Getting to Erhai Lake means to reach the cruise piers around Erhai Lake to take boat or reach the nearby villages for leisure sightseeing. There are four cruise piers including Caicun Pier, Longkan Pier, Erhai Lake Pier and Taoyuan Pier and among them Caicun Pier and Longkan Pier are the most used ones to take boats sailing on Erhai Lake.

Transfer to Erhai Lake & Its Pier

From Dali Old Town to Caicun Pier: It is about 3.5-4 km. Travelers can take Bus C2 from North Gate to Caixun Pier. If by taxi, it may cost around 20 Yuan.

From Dali Old Town to Longkan Pier: It is about 4.5 km. Travelers can take Bus No.8 from Regent Hotel Stop to Yuexicun Station and walk about 3.5 km to Longkan Pier. Travelers can take Bus No.3 from North Gate to Longkan Pier. If by taxi, it may cost around 30 Yuan.

Other ways to Erhai Lake

• You can take bus or taxi to this Dali tourist attraction.
•  If you plan to take bus and are at railway station, you can firstly take No. 8 bus to Fuxing Road at Dali Ancient city. And then get off and go straight to the Boai Road to take No. 2 bus. No.2 bus will stop at Cai Village Dock, get off at this stop, you will arrive at the lake.
•  If you think it too difficult for you to take bus to the lake, you can just choose taxi. The driver will send you to the destination.

Introduction

History

Erhai Lake has been famous and recorded in the history as early as the Han dynasty. In 122 BC, Zhangqian was sent on a diplomatic mission to the western regions and back to Changan, when he reported to the emperor Wu of the western regions, he said that in Balkh (now Afghanistan) he had seen Shu cloth which was brought via Sindhu (India). He strongly advised: going to Sindhu from Shu county is convenient and shortcut that it gains everything and lose nothing. According to Zhangqian’s advice, the emperor sent messengers to southwest to seek the road to Sindhu. Roads were blocked by Kunming tribe near Erhai Lake, eventually failed to connect to Sindhu. In 120 BC, due to Kunming tribe blocked the way, emperor Wu decided to call up manpower in the capital Chang’an and dug a man-made lake, called “Kunming Lake” for training of water army, in order to conquest Kunming tribe of Erhai Lake region. Of course, the water army in Chang’an “Kunming Lake” that the emperor Wu trained to conquer the Yunnan plateau could not have come in handy. However, this story was recorded in Selections from Records of the Historian by Sima Qian.

In the history there is record that on the east and west side of delta there is grassy shallow bay, where is a good place for fish breeding, and the aquatic products are rich in there, local called “fish soil pot”.” According to the “West Erhai Lake Record”: there are a lot of fishes and they are in good quality compared with the fishes in other water area. Emperor Weiwu ate it in four seasons and said: “the fish from Dianchi Lake is extremely tasty in winter”.

The Legend of Mt. Cangshan and Erhai Lake

Emperor’s daughter had just married and then her husband went out to war and did not return more than ten years. People who came back said that her husband was dead, the princess began to cry day and night, finally her tears became the Erhai Lake and the princess life was depleted. At that time her husband returned, but it was farewell and her husband was overwhelmed with sorrow and solemnly loudly swore that he would turn into mountain and keep the sea mountain, thus there came the Mt. Cangshan and Erhai Lake. When the fishermen fishing see above features two clouds winding when it should be home to draw back and forth, because it was the princess and her husband together, they will be delighted to cry because of short meet, while the erhai lake will become a baffling craze, ethos cloud chung, very afraid, every time holed up in erhai lake people around this time, till the end.

Main Attractions

1.Nanzhao Folk Island (南诏风情岛)

Nanzhao Folk Island, also called Nanzhao Love Island, is one of the three islands in Erhai Lake. It is about five minutes from Shuanglang by cruise. Besides the hills, threes, beach, there are eight man-made sights to see – the Statues of “Mother Shayi”, the Seascape Villas, the Guanyin Acuoye Statue on the Luck of Yunnan Square (Fuxing Square), the big hotel called the Nanzhao Summer Palace, the Square of the Patron Gods, a small amusement part on the beach, the Taihu Rocks and a View of Fishing Families. Travelers who visit Nanzhao Folk Island need to pay 50 Yuan and you’d better spend about 2 hours there.

2.Little Putuo Island (小普陀)

Little Putuo Island is the smallest island located in the east of Erhai Lake, close to Wase Village. This island is like a seal floating in Erhai Lake and the Ming-dynasty Little Putuo Temple is situated on the island. The temple has two floors, one is for worshiping Buddha Bodhisattva and the second is for worshipping Avalokiteshvara (KWAN-YIN). The best time to enjoy great scenery of Little Putuo Island is in the morning, showing you misty and mysterious island. Photographers can catch the chance to take fantastic pictures of Little Putuo Island either from afar or on the island.

3.Jinsuo Island (金梭岛)

Looking from the sky, there is a small island like a shuttle lying in the Erhai Lake. That’s Jinsuo Island which means golden shuttle English. It is located in the southwest of Haidong Town, 250-600 m from east bank of Erhai Lake, facing Qiliqiao Village in the west across Erhai Lake. There are over 200 Bai households living on the island. Travelers can wander through Bai minority houses, fertile fields, beautiful flowers, green trees…Also, relax yourselves down to taste Bai Ethnic Minority’s “Three Courses of Tea” and local food and enjoy beautiful scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake quietly. Travelers need to pay 20 Yuan to visit Jade Dragon Palace. To the southeast of Jinsuo Island is situated a smaller island called Yinshuo Island (silver shuttle), the sister island of Jinsuo Island.

4.Luoquan Peninsula (罗荃半岛)

Luoquan Peninsula is situated in the east bank of Erhai Lake, facing Dali Old Town across the lake. It is an ideal place to view Silver Cangshan Mountain and Jade Erhai Lake. Several Buddhist sites are worth exploring on the island, including one temple called “Luoquan Temple”, one pavilion called “Guanyin Pavilion” and one pagoda called “Luoquan Pagoda”. The ticket of Luoquan Peninsula is 30 Yuan.

5.Erhai Park (洱海公园)

Erhai Park, located in the southern tip of Erhai Lake, is the best site to view beautiful scene of Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain. Standing at the lake edge, it is a steady climb up with 270 stone steps leading to two viewing decks – the Observation Pavilion and Long Corridor where stunning Erhai Lake vistas await. When you first reach Dali in Xiaguan, you can pay a visit to Erhai Park, either have leisurely walk or take cruise at Erhai Lake Port to other islands of Erhai Lake. No entrance fee is needed to visit Erhai Park.

6.Xizhou Ancient Town (喜洲古镇)

Xizhou Ancient Town, located about 18 kilometers north from Dali Old Town, is a typical town with Bai’s characters with over 1000 years’ history. Taking a visit to Xizhou, you’ll catch the best chance to enjoy Bai’s typical architectures and houses as well as taste the Bai People’s “Three Courses of Tea”. To have full understanding of Bai’s architecture, it is recommended to visit Yan Family’s Courtyard to know more about “Three Rooms and a Wall Screening”, “Four Joints and Five Courtyards” which are decorated with woodcarvings, colored patterns, marbles and wash drawings.

7.Zhoucheng (周城)

Zhoucheng is located in the north of Xizhou Ancient Town, west side of Erhai Lake. It is called the “Land for National Tie-dye” where travelers can learn how to make a tie-dyed cloth. Visit one of Bai’s family workshops and see the local Bai people use traditional tie-dye techniques to make cloth. In the family workshop, you’ll appreciate colorful tie-dyed clothes, caps, bags, etc. Bright colors, an unlimited variety of patterns and color combinations, and the simplicity of the techniques contribute to its enduring appeal.

8.Shuanglang Town (双廊)

Shuanglang, the most scenic town around Erhai Lake, is located in the north of Dali and the northeast of Erhai Lake. For over a thousand years, the local Bai ethnic people here made their living fishing in the lake. And now the small tranquil village is popular with visitors unwinding and enjoying a slower tempo. Enjoy several hours or a peaceful night here to explore among the old alleys and traditional architecture or take a boat out on Erhai Lake or kick back and do very little.

Recommended Route for Tourists

Cruise Around Erhai Lake

Type One: Erhai Lake Long Cruise
1. Depart from Erhai Lake Pier (Xiaguan Pier) around 08:00~09:00, visit Nanzhao Folk Island and enjoy Bai People’s Three Courses of Tea and arrive at Taoyuan Pier;

2. Depart from Taoyuan Pier around 13:30~14:00, visit Nanzhao Folk Island, enjoy Bai People’s Three Courses of Tea and arrive at Longkan Pier around 17:30~18:00.

Type Two: Erhai Lake Ecological Cruise

1. Depart from Longkan Pier around 09:00~10:00, visit Longquan Peninsula or Jinsuo Island, enjoy Bai’s three Courses of Tea and arrive at Taoyuan Pier around 12:30~13:00;

2. Depart from Taoyuan Pier around 14:00~14:30, visit Nanzhao Folk Island and enjoy Bai’s Three Courses of Tea and arrive at Longkan Pier around 17:30~18:00.

The cruise information may adjust based on the season, weather and number of travelers, etc. To inquiry more Erhai Lake cruise itineraries and tickets, please feel free to contact our professional travel consultants and they are here to help give you suggestions and book the cruise for your Dali tour.

Cycle around Erhai Lake

Route One: Cycle on the west bank of Erhai Lake, 46 KM for One Day
Your biking tour begins Dali Old Town, pass Three Pagodas and stop to explore Xizhou Old Town , continue to head to Zhoucheng and drive back via the same route. You need to drive about 23 kilometers for one way and 46 kilometers altogether.

Route Two: One Circle around Erhai Lake, 128 KM for Two Days
Day 1: around 50 Km for 4 hours’ riding. Dali Old Town – Three Pagodas – Xizhou Town – Zhoucheng Village – Taoyuan Dock – Shangguan Town – Shuanglang Village (Nanzhao Island).

Day 2: around 80 km for 6 hours’ riding. Shuanglang Village – Wase Town (Little Puto Island) – Haidong Village – Jinsuo Island – Huanhai Road – Airport Road – Erhai Dock – Haixi Village Highway – Caicun Dock – Dali Old Town.

Recommended Tours

1 Day Dali City Highlights Group Tour

2 Days Dali Pilgrimage Hiking Tour from Erhai Lake to Jizu Mountain

2 Days Dali Cycling Tour around Erhai Lake

6 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Group Tour

Best Time to Visit Erhai Lake

The best time to visit Erhai Lake should be from June to August, during that time is very comfortable. The seasonal variation of Dali is not obvious, there is no obvious hot summer and bitter winter. And the weather in Dali is spring all the year round.

Nearby Attractions

Useful Travel Tips

When you are at Erhai Lake, it is advisable to visit the fishing villages of Bai people nearby, which is the few fishing villages on the altiplano. The famous movie of 1950s, the Five Golden Flowers, reflected the life here. Erhai Park in Xiaguan was designed and built for tourists to sea Erhai Lake. You can get there from any place in the city proper by taxi and that will only cost you 5 yuan. If you are interested, you can take ships there to visit Erhai. There are wooden ships and yachts. Remember to bargain before you get aboard. Ordinary boats do not go to the Nanzhao Love Islands. They usually come back after arriving at Golden Shuttle Island, Small Putuo Island and Kwan-yin Pavilion. If you rent boats, safety is the most important. When it is summer and autumn, especially when Husband Awaiting Clouds turn up on the Cangshan Mountain, it is better for you not to go on the sea.

Recommended Cycling Route for Tourists
1. Dali Ancient City Yuer Road—Mt. Cangshan West Gate—No.214 National Road—Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas—Erhai Ring Road—Xizhou– Shuanglang
2. Dali Ancient City Yuer Road—Mt. Cangshan East Gate—Dali Road—Caicun Village—Erhai Ring Road—Xizhou—Shuanglang
3. Shuanglang—Wase—Small Putuo—Haidong Town—Jinsuo Island—Xizhou back to Shuanglang
4. Shuanglang—Xizhou—back to Shuanglang

Best Time to Travel Erhai Lake
The best time to visit Erhai Lake should be from June to August, during that time is very comfortable. The seasonal variation of Dali is not obvious, there is no obvious hot summer and bitter winter. And the weather in Dali is spring all the year round.

Clothing
Erhai Lake is in Yunnan, the weather is pleasant. Tourists can bring the spring clothing and do not need to bring the thick clothes. In addition to it is a little bit cold at night, the temperature is suitable during other time.

International Flights Schedules of Kunming Changshui International Airport

1.Jiuxiang Rafting

Yiliang Jiuxiang Chaishitan Scenic Spot is one of the best summer choices. A ten-kilometer rafting trip will definitely give you a cool holiday. The Chaishitan drifting is located in the upper reaches of the Panlong River in Yiliang, where the water flow forms a few levels of drifting adventures. As one of the nearest drifting areas in downtown Kunming, there is an idyllic scenery along the river.

Line A: Under the Kunlin Expressway Shilin Station, turn Shilin-Jixiang Tourism Line Highway-Chaishitan Scenic Area, Nanpanjiang Drifting-Yiliang-Kunming

Line B: Kunming Expressway Yiliang Station, transfer to Yiliang-Jixiang Highway-Chaishitan Scenic Area, Nanpanjiang Drifting-Yiliang-Kunming

2.Kunming Qinglong Gorge Rafting

Qinglong Gorge has 7 kilometers of beautiful drifting routes, up to 103 meters, with high participation, great experience, large drop, plenty of water, and boat rush. It has become the most exciting dynamic, fashionable and trendy water sports entertainment in Sichuan. The drift time is about two hours. Surrounded by greenery, there are rapids and shoals along the way, and there is a pool of pools, drifting in the meantime, giving people a sense of relaxation, which is a unique feeling different from ordinary life!

3.Xishan Ronin Camp CS Rafting

Here you can play rafting, see the waterfall, and cross the virgin forest! Not only that! You can walk the tightrope, rock climbing, zip line, trapeze! Everyone grouped into a real battle showdown, which can be divided into the capture of the flag, the offensive and defensive war, the maze encounter… shuttle through the obstacles, look for each other’s figure, fight against the enemy.

4.Anning Tufeiwo CS Rafting

There are more than 20 projects here, including rock climbing, zipping, ubiquitous, waterfalls, high-altitude flying, lover bridges, and tightrope. Boating in the water, pedal boat operation is very simple, mobile phones and other valuables can be placed in the locker at the reception, or into a waterproof bag (purchasable), choose the object, the happy play war began.

5.Duoyi River Rafting

The Duoyi River has a total length of 12 kilometers and has more than 40 waterfalls. It rushes to the Pearl River after the convergence of Wanfeng Lake, Huangni River and Nanpan River in the junction of Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou. The drifting of Duoyi River is not exaggerated like a fairyland. The water is very clear and urgent. It is inevitable that the whole body will be soaked all the way. The water is also super cool. The terraces and mountains are in front of you, and the dynamics of life are felt.

6.Maguohe River Rafting

Mahehe Scenic Area is located in Malong County, Yuzhong Plateau. It consists of three sections: Mahe River, Wanmu Grassland and Xianglushan. There are 37 scenic spots with a scenic area of 28 square kilometers. The scenery of the river crossing the river is a typical river valley scenery. It is 16 kilometers long, with cliffs on both sides of the river. The rocks are strange and strange. The trees are green and the vegetation is intact.

7.Phoenix Valley Rafting

Shizong Phoenix Valley Drifting Scenic Spot is located in Wulong Zhuang Village, Shizong County, Qujing City, which is known as one of the 60 tourist towns in Yunnan Province and is known as “Xiaoxi Shuangbanna”. This area is located in the low-heat valley trough area, with beautiful natural environment and pleasant scenery. Wulong River is soft and affectionate, and the folk customs are unique and rich.

8.Tiger Leaping Gorge Rafting

The drifting of the Tiger Leaping Gorge is very exciting, because there are very few people who can cross the Tiger Leaping Gorge so far. It is the most dangerous part of the entire Yangtze River, with a total length of 25 kilometers. In 1986, the Yangtze River Drifting Team successfully drifted through the Tiger Leaping Gorge and created a miracle in the history of drifting. When you cross the Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can feel the heroicness of the bustling ‘to the middle of the stream, the wave of the boat’.

9.Nanlahe River Rafting

Drifting in the Nanla River, the original scenery along the river, the wild fish in the river can be seen everywhere, you will find that the nature can be so beautiful, the fish can swim freely.

The local government in Southwest China’s Yunnan province and Tencent jointly launched a mobile application in early June for travelers visiting Yunnan. It is the first provincial-level digital travel platform in China, and a one-stop tourism app that provides tourists with various services, including facial recognition hotel check-in, car rental, electronic highway payment, travel route map, GPS, online shopping, store rating, etc.

What is Wechat pay ?

As stated above, WeChat Pay allows individuals to make electronic payments using their smartphone. A significant number of Chinese citizens use WeChat Pay instead of paper currency, and as a tourist, setting up a WeChat Pay account can make purchasing products, sending money, and paying bills considerably easier. If you choose to make a purchase in China, the app will automatically convert your currency into CNY (and vice-versa for tourists). Once the buyer confirms the deal in the app, the money will be deducted from your home account.

WeChat Pay supports a large number of currencies, which include, but are not limited to USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and NZD. Vendors agree to accept these currencies, and if your country’s currency is not supported, transactions can be made in USD.

Setting up a Wechat pay account

Setting up a WeChat Pay account as a tourist is relatively simple, and the process only consists of a few steps. To start using WeChat Pay in China, you must first download the app and link your WeChat wallet to your personal bank account. It is important to note, however, that you must have a Chinese bank account or a credit card from your home country. In the past, only Chinese credit cards where accepted, but the app now allows tourists to use international credit and debit cards in the app.

To set up WeChat Pay account, complete the following steps:

• Open the app and select the “Me” option. After selecting this option, tap “Wallet.”
• Select the “Bank Card” option.
• Choose “Add a Card.”
• Enter your card number into the prompt.
• Enter your passport ID number, name, and phone number.
• Once you have entered your card and personal information, you will be sent a confirmation code via SMS. Enter the code into the prompt.
• Once you enter the code, you will be asked to create a payment passcode. Similar to a PIN number, a passcode will allow you to approve payments.
• Accept the user agreement and begin using WeChat Pay to make transactions.
If you intend to use a foreign credit card in China, you will need to enter your billing information and the security code on the back of the card. You will also be asked to verify the card number. It is important to note, however, that some credit card issues charge foreign transaction fees, which can be up to 2% of the overall purchase price of a product or service. Your card issuer may also initially refuse to allow you to input your information due to fraud suspicions. This issue can usually be solved by contacting the issuer directly.

What is Alipay ?

Alipay is the dominant payment app in China and can be used for purchasing goods and services, direct transfer, paying bills, and other functions. Alipay connects directly to your Chinese bank to make payments and transfers.

Setting up a Alipay account

1. Download the Alipay APP

You can do so by following this link and clicking “立即下载” (or by looking for it in your favorite APP store):

https://m.alipay.com

You can sign up simply with your phone number

2. Open the “Me” section of the APP

3. Enter the “My Account: Cards, Membership” section

4. Tap on the “My Cards – Add Now” button

5. Set a six digit payment password

6. Tap on “My Cards – Add Now” again

7. Add your bank card number after entering the transaction password that you have set during step 5

8. Fill your bank card information

Make sure to enter your name exactly the way it is displayed in your bank statements.

Enter your ID details:

For foreign nationals- Select Passport as ID type
For HK and Taiwan users- Use Home visit Permit as ID type

9. Enter the SMS phone verification confirmation code

Using WeChat or Alipay in China to Pay?

You can also use Alipay and WeChat to pay items for sale in apps that lack traditional payment functionalities. For example, with Ele.me or Meituan you can order takeout at local restaurants and pay using Alipay or WeChat.

In addition to standard transactions, these mobile payment apps have taken the convenience of mobile payment to a higher level by allowing you to pay for bills like cellphone service and Internet with the app. Depending on your area and provider, you may even be able to pay for utilities like electricity and water too.

Mobile payments have made cash almost obsolete in major Chinese cities, with Alipay (known as Zhifubao in Chinese) leading the way as China’s top mobile and online payment service. Here’s how you can set up and use Alipay:

1. Download the Alipay App
   • Visit https://m.alipay.com or your favorite app store to download the latest version.
   • Sign up using your mobile phone number. Alipay will send a confirmation code via SMS for verification. Set a password when prompted.
2. Navigate to the “Me” Section
   • Open the app and tap on “Me” at the bottom right corner.
   • Tap on “My Account”. If you haven’t added a card before, tap “Add Card” next to the “My Cards” section.
3. Set Your Payment Password
   • In the “My Account: Cards, Membership” section, set a six-digit payment password. This password will be used for online payments.
4. Add Your Bank Card
   • Tap “Add Now” under “My Cards”.
   • Enter your Chinese bank card number. Alipay will automatically display your bank’s name.
   • Fill in your name and other required information. For international Visa/Mastercard credit cards, follow the prompts.
5. Verification
   • Verify your identity by entering your personal information exactly as registered with your bank.
   • Alipay will send a confirmation code to your registered phone number. Enter this code to link your bank card to Alipay.
6. Final Steps
   • Your bank card will now be visible under “My Cards”. You can use it to make purchases across China.
   • To pay, simply tap the “Pay” button to generate your personal QR code for scanning by retailers or friends.
7. Complete Setup
   • Enter your transaction password (set during step 3) and fill in any additional required details, including SMS verification.

Best Ways for Travelers to Pay for Things in China

China operates primarily on a cash economy, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. However, in larger coastal cities, alternative payment methods are more widely accepted.

1. Credit and Debit Cards
   • Obtain a UnionPay card when opening a bank account in China for assured acceptance.
   • Major international cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted in tier-1 cities at hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and transportation hubs.
   • Contact your card company before travel to ensure international usage compatibility.
2. Travelers’ Cheques
   • Can be cashed at major banks with a valid passport.
   • Recommended to use the main branches of Bank of China in smaller cities for ease.
3. Currency Exchange
   • Exchange foreign currency for yuan at major banks or licensed moneychangers.
   • Accepted currencies typically include USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY; avoid unregistered moneychangers.
4. Online Payments and Mobile Payment Services
   • Alipay is widely used for online and mobile payments; requires a Chinese bank card and some fluency in Mandarin to set up.
   • No English version of the website currently, but detailed instructions are available online.
5. ATM Cash Withdrawal
   • International cards are accepted at ATMs with English language options.
   • Banks may charge a flat fee plus a percentage of the transaction amount.
   • UnionPay cards are widely accepted, but there are transaction limits and potential availability issues, especially for larger withdrawals.

1. WeChat ID or Phone
If you know the WeChat id or phone number of a person, then enter it in the search box to find the person. Send a request to the person to add you as a friend and start discussing.

2. Friend Radar
Tap on “Friend Radar” and WeChat will show the people living nearby using the app in a radar like map. You can tap on the person and send friend request to start a chat.

3. Join Private Group
Wanted to start a private discussion with the people nearby your location? Tap on “+ icon > Add Contact > Join Private Group”. You need to enter four digit passcode to create a new private group. After starting the group, share the passcode to your fiends and ask them to join the group. Alternatively, you can get the four digit passcode from other group members and join their private group.

4. Scan QR Code
This is generally useful when someone is asking you to add as friend. Tap “+ > Add Contacts > Scan QR Code”. Scan the QR code of the person sharing the code with you. After scanning, you can add the person as your friend and start chatting.

You can also simply scan a QR code by tapping on the “ + icon > Scan” option.

5. Mobile Contacts
Tap on “Mobile Contacts” option and upload all you mobile contacts. After uploading you can look for the people using WeChat and send friend request to them.

6. Official Accounts
Search for any official brand or company’s WeChat account.

7. WeChat Work Contacts
Tap on this option to find people using WeChat Work by their phone number.

8. Shake
It’s a funny way to find people doing same action like yours.

Tap “Discover > Shake” and select “People” option.
Now shake your phone to find the people who are shaking the phone at the same time.

• You will hear a camera shutter sound and WeChat will start looking for people shaking their phones.
• WeChat will show the person details.
• Tap on the person and send greetings.
• Once the person accepted your request, you can start chatting instantly.
• Similarly, you can also find TV programs and music with shake option.

9. Search
Tap on “Discover > Search” to find things you are looking for. Here you can search details from moments, stickers, novels, articles, official accounts, etc. You may not be able to connect to individual person from this searching.

10. People Nearby
Looking to find someone living nearby your area? Well, weChat have an option for that too!!! Go to “Discover > People Nearby” to get the list of people using WeChat nearby your location. Tap on three dots button to filter the list with males, females or with greetings. After tapping on a person from the list, you can send a greetings to him/her to initiate a chat.

11. Message in a Bottles
This is another ways to find unknown friends. It’s like a game of picking up and throwing messages in a bottle. Go to “Discover > Message in a Bottle” section. You will see an ocean of water with three options in the dock – throw, pick up and my bottles.

WeChat is a free messaging app with calls feature which allows user to easily connect with family and friends across the globe. There are many ways to add your friends in WeChat.

1.Add Wechat ID
If your have your friend’s WeChat ID, you can add your friend directly using their WeChat ID. Tap on the ‘+‘ symbol on the top left corner and select Add Contacts. Type in your friend’s WeChat ID and tap on Search. This will link to your friend’s details page. Tap on Add to complete friend request and wait for your friend to confirm.

2.Add by scanning WeChat QR Code
If you have your friend’s WeChat QR code, you can also add your friend by scanning the WeChat QR code. You can access the WeChat QR code scanner by tapping the ‘+‘ sign on the top left corner, then select Scan QR Code. Align the QR code within the frame to start scanning.

3.Add by Mobile Contacts
If your friend’s phone number is on your phone and his WeChat account is linked to that phone number, WeChat would have automatically added your friend to your WeChat contacts. However, you can manually add friends by using the phone number. To do this, tap the ‘+‘ sign on the top left corner, and select Add Contacts. Type in your friend’s phone number and proceed to search for his WeChat profile.

4.Add by People Nearby
WeChat have a unique feature where you can look around and make friends with people nearby. But be advised that once you enable this feature, other people around you would be able to find you as well, and they will be able to see your 10 latest photos on the album. To look for people nearby, tap on the Discover tab on the top and select People Nearby. You will be brought to the People Nearby page where you can look around and start sending greetings. If he or she adds you, you are then friends.

5.Add by Shake
Shake is a two way function where both people using this function at the same time can see each other. Tap on the Discover tab on the top and select Shake. Hold your phone and start to shake it. Within moments, it will recommend you someone who shakes at the same time since she wants to make friends as well. If you are interested, you can send her greetings.

6.Add by Drift Bottle
Drift Bottle is another unique feature of WeChat which let users to leave a message or voice note to be picked up by some random user. If the other person is interested with your content, both of you may have common interests and may even become friends. You can also pick up drift bottles left by someone else. Tap on Discover tab on the top and select Drift Bottle. At the Drift Bottle page, you can choose to throw a bottle with your own message or pick up bottles of others.

7.Add by Showing your QR Code
If you wish your friends to be able to add you and do not want to add them one by one, you have the option to show them your QR code and let them add you. Then you can accept or reject their request. Tap on the 3 dots on the top left, then select your profile. At the profile page, tap on My QR Code. You can even show your QR code on your website or blog.

Yunnan Travel Guide

Things To Do

• Yunnan Overview
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Travel Information

• Yunnan Travel Tips
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Article of Yunnan Tour, Yunnan Travel, Yunnan Travel Agency, Yunnan Trip, Yunnan Guide

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