01City Guide
Butterfly Spring
蝴蝶泉
All Ages
Admission
Adult admission is commonly CNY 40. Extra entertainment projects, photos, and some on-site services can charge separately.
Typical Visit
1.5-2.5 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
There is no single entry ticket for the public corridor. Budget for bikes, approved electric carts, sightseeing carts, parking, cafes, and route transfers.
Hours
The corridor is an outdoor lake route. Use it during daylight; rental counters, sightseeing carts, cafes, and access controls can keep separate hours.
Transport
No metro. Enter from Longkan, Caicun, Yangnanxi, Xizhou-side access points, or other marked corridor entrances; outside vehicles are restricted in many sections.
Duration
1-2 hours for a short section; half day for a longer ride
Best Time
Mar-May and Sep-Nov; winter mornings can be good for gulls and clear views
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Pick a short section first
For a first visit, choose Longkan to Caicun or another short west-shore section. It gives the lake path experience without committing to a long ride.
Tip:The full corridor is too long for a casual visitor.
2
Use approved corridor transport
Many sections restrict outside vehicles. Use walking, bicycles, approved electric bikes, or corridor sightseeing carts depending on the entrance.
Tip:Confirm rules at the entrance before renting.
3
Stop often instead of chasing distance
The corridor is best for lake views, wetlands, villages, and relaxed stops. A shorter route with pauses is usually better than rushing a long section.
Tip:This is especially true with children or hot sun.
4
End near a known pickup point
Finish at a named pier, village entrance, or bus stop so taxis or drivers can find you. Do not end the ride at an unclear path point.
Tip:This prevents a long walk at the end.
Highlights
- One of the easiest ways to experience Erhai without car traffic
- Short cycling and walking sections near Longkan and Caicun
- Wetlands, villages, lake views, and Cangshan backdrop on clear days
- Flexible route lengths for families and casual riders
- Good connector between Dali Old Town, Caicun, Xizhou, and west-shore stops
Insider Tips
✦Do not try to complete the whole corridor unless cycling is the main plan of the day.
✦Check battery range before renting any electric vehicle.
✦Wear sun protection and carry water; shade is limited in many sections.
✦Use named entrances and exits when arranging pickup.
✦If the weather is windy or gray, choose a shorter section and add a village or cafe stop.
More Dali Attractions
02City Guide
Caicun Pier
才村码头
All Ages
Admission
Caicun Pier and nearby public lakefront areas are free to visit. Budget separately for bikes, carts, parking, food, cafes, and boat or local services.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours; longer if cycling the corridor
03City Guide
Cangshan Mountain
苍山
Adults Focused
Admission
Cangshan Geological Park admission is commonly CNY 35. Cableways are separate and vary by route; Ximatan, Gantong, and Zhonghe cableway products can differ by season and package.
Typical Visit
3-6 hours depending on cableway and walking route
04Urban Landmark
Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas
崇圣寺三塔文化旅游区
All Ages
Admission
Adult admission is commonly CNY 75. Sightseeing cart products are separate, with uphill and round-trip options often sold at different prices.
Typical Visit
2-4 hours
05City Guide
Erhai Lake
洱海
All Ages
Admission
Erhai Lake itself is not a single gated ticket attraction. Budget separately for bikes, electric carts, parking, boat rides, cafes, and individual villages or islands.
Typical Visit
Half day for one shore section; 1-2 days for a relaxed loop
06City Guide
Jinsuo Island
金梭岛
All Ages
Admission
Round-trip island boat tickets for visitors are commonly around CNY 20. Dragon Palace Cave and package products are separate and can cost much more.
Typical Visit
1.5-3 hours