Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake is located about two kilometers east of Dali city. With an area of 250 square kilometers, it is the largest highland lake next to Dianchi and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China. Erhai means "sea shaped like an ear" in Chinese. It is like a crescent lying between Cangshan and Dali city as seen from Cangshan Mount. Seen in a sunny day, the crystal water of Erhai Lake and the snow-covered Mount Cangshan form the scene of "Silver Cangshan and Jade Erhai".

Apart from the lake itself, the islands, temples and villages around are also worth visiting. Golden Shuttle Island, and the nearby fishing community of Bai Minority really offer many attractions to its visitors. The most unforgettable Xiaoputuo Island, originally devoted to Bodhisattva Kwan-yin, can be traced back to the 15th century. Though it is tiny, one can still experience and see the typical ancient Chinese Buddhist temple's unique architectural styles of its buildings' pointed eaves and decorations.

Mountain Cangshan

Mountain Cangshan is two kilometers west of the Dali city . With an average height of 4,000 meters , it has a cluster of 19 soaring peaks. The highest peak, Malong, rises 4,122 meters high. Together with Erhai Lake, the imposing mountain range makes Dali a true vacation paradise. The deep- snow capped peaks, shifting clouds, and meandering streams make the mountain really a stunningly beautiful tourist attraction. On Shengying peak, there is a huge chessboard with an area of 460 square metres! Streams trickle down between every two peaks. With thick forest and vegetation, the mountain also boasts a botanical garden and a zoo.