The Erhai lake in Yunnan, China: The Romantic Rendezvous of a Lifetime

Last updated: Jun 12,2025 By: Cindy; Hits: 173

The Erhai lake , a highland lake surrounded by Cangshan Mountains, is the poem and faraway place in the hearts of countless romantics. It is not only a geographical wonder, but also a spiritual totem of the Bai people and a sacred place for lovers to make their vows.

If you are about to take your lover on a trip, you may want to learn about the story of Erhai in Yunnan, China:

The Origin of Erhai

About 250 million years ago, the Indian plate collided violently with the Eurasian plate, the Tibetan Plateau was uplifted, and the fracture basin where Erhai is located gradually accumulated water to form a lake. Geologists call it the “Tectonic Fault Lake”, and the ancestors of the Bai people used myths to give it spirituality - the legend says that the Erhai is a jade mirror that fell down to the mortal world when a fairy was dressing up, and the shattered lens was turned into a shimmering lake.

Because the lake is shaped like an ear, it was named “Erhai”. Although called “lake ”, is actually a freshwater lake, its area of about 250 square kilometers, equivalent to 36 Hangzhou West Lake. The lake's water is crystal clear, with a transparency of up to 4 meters, and is rich in minerals, showing a gradation of colors from emerald green to peacock blue under the sunlight, which is why it has been rated as one of China's most beautiful lakes by China National Geographic.

Erhai Lake-4.jpg

The Romance of Erhai

According to the legend of the Bai people, the moon fairy used to bathe here and put the blessing of love into the lake water, so there is a folk proverb that says, “The moon on the Erhai lake shines on the snow of Cangshan Mountain, and we will have white heads together in this life”. Couples who go boating on the lake on the 15th night of the lunar calendar are said to be able to see the wonders of the twin moons - the bright moon in the sky overlapping with the shadow of the moon in the water, symbolizing the unity of love between man and heaven.

Modern film and television have made Erhai a landmark of love: the message wall at the Wutong Inn in “The Flowering of the Heart” is filled with quotations of infatuation, and the dock where Xu Hongdou and Xie Zhiyao met in “Going to the Windy Places” has become a holy place for confessions. Local B&Bs laughingly say, “The success rate of marriage proposals by the Erhai lake is three times higher than that of the city, probably because even the air here carries a sweet smell.”

What to do in erhai lake with our own partner

Cruise on the lake: Take a cruise around Erhai Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains.

Cycling around the lake: Cycle around Erhai Lake and enjoy the lakeside scenery along the way.

Moon watching: On the night of the full moon, the moon view of Erhai Lake is the most charming. You can sit quietly by the lake and enjoy the lake view under the moonlight.

Mountaineering and hiking: Climb Cangshan Mountain or the surrounding peaks to overlook the panoramic view of Erhai Lake.

Erhai Lake Panoramic Aerial Photography

Bai ethnic culture experience: Visit Bai ethnic residences and learn about the Bai ethnic lifestyle and traditional culture.

Tie-dyeing craftsmanship of Bai nationality

Erhai Secret Land

Shuanglang Ancient Town: Yang Liping's Sun Palace and Moon Palace are located here, and the glass promenade seems to be suspended over the lake. It is recommended to go to Yuji Island at 7:00 a.m. to see the sunrise rising from the light of Jesus, and the fishermen rowing their piggyback boats to cast their nets, which constitutes a light and shadow like an ink painting.

Shuanglang Ancient Town

Xizhou Ancient Town: The yellow walls of the Corner House and the rice paddies are a delightful contrast, and the “Three Square and One Shining Wall” architecture of the Yan Family Residence hides the remnants of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Don't forget to experience the White Tea performance, “one bitter, two sweet, three aftertaste” is like the true meaning of love.

Xizhou Ancient Town-1

Xiaoputuo: It is a local tradition to take a boat around the island for three weeks to pray for blessings, and the boatman will teach you to call out “Ah Peng Ge (Ah Mei), Jin Hua (Ah Sister)” in Bai language, which is very interesting.

Xiaoputuo

Haiyue Park: the “sky mirror” of the Erhai lake , with a 270-degree view around the lake, dead trees and shallow water forming a natural photo studio. It is recommended to wear a long red dress and shoot at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, as the light will turn the lake surface into a mirror, which will make a blockbuster photo in minutes.

Sea Tongue Park

Tips for experienced players

Best time to go

Rape flowers bloom around the lake from March to May, and autumn colors drench the Cangshan Mountains from September to November. Avoid the rainy season from July to August, but if you get caught in a sun shower, you may encounter a double rainbow spectacle.

Transportation tips

The whole journey around the lake is about 130 kilometers, and it takes 2 days to ride (counterclockwise direction is recommended to avoid afternoon glare), and the combination of “Hercynian Ecological Corridor + Haidong Self-driving” is available for in-depth tours, and motor vehicles are prohibited in the Hercynian section, so it is suitable for riding and taking photos.

Accommodation Guide

Couples preferred double corridor lake view room; literary youth can live in CaiCun dock: 6:30 in the morning to open the window that is to see the “Erhai blue tears” phenomenon

budget limited selection of the town of digging color, 100 yuan B&B balcony can also harvest the sky full of stars

avoid pit reminder

prudent selection of the “net red glass ball” photography The “Bamboo” is the most popular and most popular of all.

Haidong Highway has many curves, so make sure to check the brakes on your rental car.

Respect the customs of the Bai ethnic group: don't step on the thresholds, and don't wear all-black clothes during the Torchlight Festival.

Panxi Village S-bend-5

Conclusion

When you are sitting on the benches at the Longkan Pier, watching the seagulls skimming across the azure water; when you are riding along the S-bend of Panxi Village, listening to the white amahs chanting an ancient tune; and when you are touching the grain of the millennium-old trees with your fingertips, you will suddenly understand why Xu Xiake wrote the words “The wonder of the Erhai lake ”. “The wonder of the Erhai lake is superior to that of central Yunnan”. The flow of time here seems to be different, and every moment is worth treasuring with all your senses.

The real charm of the Erhai lies in those unplanned encounters: perhaps an unplanned fishing lantern festival, or the words of an old Bai craftsman who teaches you tie-dyeing, “The deeper the blue color, the longer the longing”. May you find your own wind, flower and snow moon here.