Plan at a glance
Plan the north and south shores separately
Dali Lake, also known as Dalinor Lake (达里诺尔湖), is a large lake destination in Hexigten Banner. Its visitor areas are divided between the north and south shores, each with its own entrance and highlights. Enter through the official entrance for the shore you plan to visit; ordinary paths along the lake are not necessarily open to visitors. Driving or hiring a car makes it easier to reach the spread-out sights. If travelling without a car, check shuttle connections in advance.
South Shore status (as of October 20, 2026)
According to a notice republished on October 11, 2026, the South Shore had suspended visitor access, while the North Shore remained open. This was the reported status as of October 20, 2026. Check current arrangements before travelling; the South Shore itineraries below apply only after it reopens.
Choose the shore that suits your visit
If time is limited, the North Shore is a good choice for wetlands, birdwatching, and waterside scenery. For panoramic lake views, Mount Mantuo (曼陀山), and sunset, plan for the South Shore after it reopens. Allow about 2–3 hours for one shore; the actual time depends on which facilities are open, the weather, and bird activity. The two shores are not connected by a continuous walking route from a single entrance.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
North Shore | birdwatching and lakeside scenery
At the North Shore, look out for the birdwatching promenade, viewpoints, and Dali Lake Museum (达里湖博物馆). During spring and autumn migration, leave time to watch the birds. Stay on open paths and at designated viewpoints, bring binoculars, and keep your distance; do not chase or feed the birds. Whether the museum, binoculars, and pier are available depends on the arrangements on the day of your visit.
South Shore | Mount Mantuo and Bihai Yintan
From Mount Mantuo on the South Shore, you can look down on the lake and surrounding landscape; Bihai Yintan (碧海银滩) is suited to a walk along the shore. The light is softer in the evening, but leave enough time to descend, catch a shuttle, and return. Do not miss the last shuttle while waiting for sunset. The South Shore is currently closed for the season; check separately for a reopening date.
Migration and fish runs
Dali Lake is a stopover for migratory birds, and there are birdwatching opportunities in both spring and autumn, although the species and numbers vary from day to day. Huazi fish (华子鱼) migration is usually associated with spring. In 2026, the local event was scheduled for April 25 to May 5; do not assume the dates from a previous or future year will be the same. Check that year's announcement before travelling.
For a separate stone-forest visit with its own entrance and area transfers, see Asihatu Stone Forest Scenic Area.
Build your day
North Shore half-day | about 2–3 hours
After confirming the North Shore is open, start at its scenic-area entrance. First visit the museum or exhibition that is open that day, then follow the open route to the birdwatching promenade and viewpoints. If boats are running from the pier, ask on site about the route, trip length, and return arrangements. If you cannot confirm boat service, stay within the North Shore and do not count on a boat crossing to the other shore.
South Shore half-day | after reopening
When the South Shore is open, enter through its scenic-area entrance and visit Bihai Yintan, then follow on-site directions to the Mount Mantuo viewpoint. If you plan to watch the sunset, first confirm when the trails close and when the last shuttle departs. In strong winds, cold weather, or a temporary closure, shorten your visit and return as directed. While the shore is closed, do not navigate to its entrance and then look for an alternative dirt road.
Both shores and the Dada Line | allow time between areas
If both shores are open and the day's road and boat arrangements are clear, you can drive to each shore separately. Do not assume a ferry runs every day or that it operates to a fixed timetable. If you plan to take the Dada Line (达达线), split Dali Lake and Asihatu Stone Forest into separate legs or days. The Dada Line is about 135 km long and passes grassland and sandy-area spruce forest; recalculate driving time based on actual road conditions and stops.
Get there
Navigate to the shore you plan to visit
For the North Shore, search for “达里湖北岸景区” or “达里湖博物馆” in your navigation app. Search for “达里湖南岸景区” only after the South Shore reopens. Before setting out, confirm that the destination is the official entrance for the area you intend to visit. A lakeside path shown on a general map is not necessarily a visitor entrance; do not drive onto grassland, mudflats, or closed areas.
Driving, hired cars, and the Dada Line
Dali Lake's visitor areas are spread out, so driving or arranging a hired car in advance is recommended. Leave extra time for travel between shores and for the return journey. The Dada Line connects Dali Lake and Asihatu Stone Forest over a long distance; weather, roadworks, or stops to enjoy the scenery can extend the trip. Before using public transport, confirm which shore it reaches, the last-mile shuttle, the return trip, and the last departure. If the connections do not work for your schedule, arrange a hired car or pickup in advance.
Use official entrances and marked routes
Enter only through an open ticketed entrance and follow the scenic area's signs. Use open entrances and marked routes, and avoid driving onto unauthorized lakeshore roads.
Know before you go
Tickets, opening hours, and facilities
Ticket prices, whether shuttles are included, museum access, and daily opening hours may differ between the two shores. Before setting out, check ticket prices, shuttle arrangements, and opening times through the scenic area's public channels. Follow the ticket office and on-site notices at the shore that is open.
Birdwatching and winter activities
Binoculars are useful for birdwatching in spring and autumn. Keep quiet and follow the instructions from the protected area and scenic-area staff. Winter fishing and other winter activities depend on that year's opening announcement. A frozen lake does not mean that you can walk on the ice; do not go onto the ice or approach working waters without permission.
Weather, signal, and food
The lake area is exposed, and changes in weather and wind can affect how it feels on shore and whether boats operate. Wear windproof, warm clothing and download an offline map. Restaurants and opening hours around the scenic area vary by season. Local dishes such as Huazi fish may not be available year-round or at every restaurant; ask about that day's menu and prices, and bring drinking water and simple snacks.