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 shore viewpoint is free. Landing on the island requires a short boat ride, commonly around CNY 15 for a round trip.
Hours
The shore viewpoint is an outdoor stop. Boat service is daytime and weather-dependent; go earlier if you want to land on the island.
Transport
No metro. Use a car, chartered driver, east-shore sightseeing bus, or carefully planned scooter route; navigate to Xiaoputuo Viewing Platform for the shore view.
Duration
30-60 minutes from the shore; 1-1.5 hours if taking the boat
Best Time
Nov-Mar for gulls; clear mornings and late afternoons for photos
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Navigate to the viewing platform
Use the shore-side Xiaoputuo Viewing Platform as your map point. It gives the clearest view of the small island and is easier than vague navigation pins.
Tip:Do not stop randomly on the ring road.
2
Decide whether to take the boat
Many visitors are satisfied with the shore view. Take the boat only if you want to enter the small temple island or have extra time.
Tip:The ride is very short.
3
Use winter for gull photos
From November to March, gulls often make the stop more active. Outside that period, treat it mainly as a lake viewpoint.
Tip:Do not expect gulls all year.
4
Fold it into an east-shore day
Xiaoputuo works well between Shuanglang and Wenbi Village. It is a short stop, not a place to build the whole day around.
Tip:Keep parking and road safety in mind.
Highlights
- Small island and temple view from Erhai's east shore
- Easy short stop on a Shuanglang-Wenbi Village route
- Winter gull activity around the shore
- Free viewing from the lakeside platform
- Optional short boat ride for visitors who want to land on the island
Insider Tips
✦Use legal parking near the viewing area because roadside stopping can be risky or fined.
✦Bring a wind layer; the open east shore can feel exposed.
✦Avoid overpaying for snacks or photos if you only want a quick view.
✦A long lens or phone zoom works better than trying to get too close from shore.
✦Skip the boat if your schedule is tight; the shore view is the main payoff.
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