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
Ticket products usually combine island admission with the round-trip boat. Plan for CNY 50-70 depending on platform, season, and discount eligibility.
Hours
Dali's official A-level scenic-area list shows 08:00-18:30, with last entry at 17:30. Boat schedules can change with weather and visitor flow.
Transport
No metro. Reach Shuanglang first, then take the short boat from the local pier to the island.
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Time
Mar-May and Sep-Nov; morning is quieter than late afternoon
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Treat it as a Shuanglang add-on
The island is close to Shuanglang and works best when you are already on the east shore. Do not cross Erhai just for this one stop if time is limited.
Tip:The boat ride is short.
2
Walk the island loop slowly
After landing, follow the main path around the island for lake views, pavilions, and Nanzhao-themed buildings.
Tip:The island is small enough to avoid rushing.
3
Use the cultural buildings for context, not depth
The buildings introduce Nanzhao themes, but much of the experience is scenic and reconstructed. Keep expectations practical.
Tip:This is not a major museum visit.
4
Return before transport becomes awkward
Check the latest return boat time when you arrive. After returning to Shuanglang, keep enough time for your drive or ride back.
Tip:Weather can affect boat comfort.
Highlights
- Short boat access from Shuanglang
- Compact island loop with Erhai views
- Nanzhao-themed pavilions and photo points
- Good add-on for visitors already staying or stopping in Shuanglang
- Useful viewpoint for seeing the lake from a different angle
Insider Tips
✦Do not expect a long island trip; most visitors only need 1-2 hours.
✦Bring water because island food and drink can cost more than in town.
✦Be cautious with long free explanations that lead into shopping stops.
✦Wear comfortable shoes for steps and uneven paths.
✦Skip it if you are short on time and already have strong east-shore viewpoints planned.
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