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 public town streets are free to walk. Yuji Island, Nanzhao Folk Island, cafes, galleries, hotels, and boat products charge separately.
Hours
Dali's official A-level scenic-area list describes Shuanglang as free and open year-round. Shops, cafes, galleries, island boats, and small venues keep separate hours.
Transport
No metro. From Dali Old Town, use a chartered car, self-drive, sightseeing bus, or long ride-hailing trip; transport is less convenient late at night.
Duration
2-4 hours; overnight if staying in a lakeside hotel
Best Time
Mar-May and Sep-Nov; sunset is the best time for a slower visit
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Decide whether Shuanglang fits your route
Shuanglang is best if you want a lakeside stay, cafes, or an east-shore stop. If you only want historic streets, it may feel too commercial.
Tip:It is not the easiest place for a quick old-town visit from Dali Old Town.
2
Walk the lakeside section first
Use the lakeside streets and waterfront paths for the main experience. The value of Shuanglang is the lake setting, not the shop-lined main street.
Tip:Avoid dragging luggage through the rougher inner lanes if possible.
3
Add Yuji Island or a cafe only if time allows
Yuji Island and lakeside cafes can slow the pace in a good way, but they are optional. Choose one rather than trying to enter every small paid area.
Tip:Some popular venues may require reservation or spending.
4
Pair it with Nanzhao Folk Island or Xiaoputuo
If you are already on the east shore, combine Shuanglang with Nanzhao Folk Island or Xiaoputuo instead of making a single long trip for the town alone.
Tip:Plan your return transport before sunset.
Highlights
- One of the closest old-town-style stops directly beside Erhai Lake
- Good base for a slow lakeside hotel stay
- Easy access to Nanzhao Folk Island by short boat ride
- Lakeside cafes and small galleries for a slower afternoon
- Better as part of an east-shore route than as a standalone priority stop
Insider Tips
✦Go with realistic expectations: the town is commercial, but the lake setting is the reason to visit.
✦Stay overnight only if you want the hotel and cafe experience, not because the town needs a full day.
✦Confirm parking or drop-off points if you have luggage.
✦Book return transport early on busy days or after sunset.
✦Use Shuanglang as a rest stop between east-shore viewpoints rather than a rushed checklist 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 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