Erhai Lake, Alpine fault lake in Dali, China.
Erhai Lake is a large mountain lake in Dali situated at an elevation of about 1,972 meters (6,470 ft). The water body stretches across a substantial area and is ringed by forested hills.
The lake carried different names throughout history, reflecting the peoples who lived in the surrounding region. Early settlements relied on these waters for survival and trade routes passed nearby.
The Bai people have shaped the landscape around these waters for centuries and continue to use the lake as part of their daily life. You can see fishing practices and boats moving across the surface, connecting the community to the water.
You can explore the water by boat and view different parts of the lake from the surface. Visit when weather is clear so the surrounding hills are fully visible.
The lake is home to several fish species found nowhere else in the world, making it a place of scientific interest. These endemic varieties have adapted over time to the specific conditions of the water.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
