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
The viewing area is free to visit. Budget separately for parking, bikes, carts, cafes, photos, and any local services.
Hours
The lakefront viewing area is outdoor and best visited around sunrise or daylight. Nearby vendors, rentals, and transport services keep their own hours.
Transport
No metro. From Dali Old Town, use taxi, ride-hailing, rented bike or scooter, or a corridor route; vehicles may need to stop outside the closest lakefront area.
Duration
45-90 minutes; longer if cycling the corridor
Best Time
Nov-Mar for gulls and red cypress trees; clear mornings for sunrise
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Arrive before sunrise if that is your goal
Longkan is popular for sunrise, so arrive early enough to walk from the drop-off area and choose a lakeside spot before the crowd builds.
Tip:Exact sunrise conditions depend on weather and clouds.
2
Use a precise nearby map point
Set a nearby pier, village entrance, or known drop-off point rather than assuming cars can reach the exact water edge.
Tip:Some inner roads are narrow or restricted.
3
Walk south or north after the main photo stop
If the central pier is crowded, move along the ecological corridor for quieter angles, trees, wetlands, and lake views.
Tip:The best experience is often a short walk, not staying in one crowd.
4
Pair it with Caicun or Dali Old Town
After sunrise, continue along the corridor toward Caicun or return to Dali Old Town for breakfast and a slower morning.
Tip:This keeps the early start useful.
Highlights
- One of Dali's most convenient Erhai sunrise points
- Winter gulls and red cypress scenery when in season
- Easy connection to the Erhai Ecological Corridor
- Short transfer from Dali Old Town compared with many east-shore viewpoints
- Good option for travelers who want a quick lake visit without a full loop
Insider Tips
✦Expect crowds at peak sunrise times, especially in winter and holidays.
✦Bring a warm layer for early morning wind by the lake.
✦Do not block village roads or stop in unsafe places for photos.
✦Use the corridor after the main viewpoint to avoid the busiest area.
✦If the forecast is cloudy, consider visiting later for a relaxed walk instead of forcing sunrise.
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 Ecological Corridor
洱海生态廊道
All Ages
Admission
There is no single entry ticket for the public corridor. Budget for bikes, approved electric carts, sightseeing carts, parking, cafes, and route transfers.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours for a short section; half day for a longer ride
06City 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