Ask a QuestionTaking a cruise on Erhai Lake is one of the classic ways to explore this beautiful body of water. Not only can you enjoy the stunning scenery up close, but you can also experience the rich Bai ethnic culture through the traditional Three-Course Tea performance. Here’s everything you need to know about taking an Erhai Lake cruise, including the types of boats, routes, and what to expect on board.
Erhai Lake cruises offer two main types of boats: luxury three-deck boats and fiberglass boats. Long routes typically use luxury boats, while shorter routes use fiberglass boats. The three-deck luxury boats, such as the Dujuan, Cangshan, Dayun, Erhai No. 1, and Erhai No. 2, are custom-built catamarans with capacities ranging from 400 to 950 passengers. Ticket prices for these boats range from 120 to 140 RMB per person.
Onboard facilities include KTV rooms, a performance hall for ethnic dance shows, shops, and a photography studio called "Five Golden Flowers." Once you purchase a ticket and board the boat, you can freely explore the public areas and decks. Private rooms and booths are available for an additional fee.
Currently, there are three main docks where the cruises stop: Dali Port in Dali City, Jinguisi Dock near Xizhou Ancient Town, and Shuanglang Ancient Town Dock. These docks offer both one-way and round-trip tickets, so be sure to confirm your starting point and return times when purchasing tickets.
Departs at 9:00 AM from Dali Port, stopping at Jinguisi Dock at 10:40 AM for 20 minutes, continuing to Nanzhao Customs Island for a 50-minute stop, and arriving at Shuanglang Ancient Town at 12:10 PM. The total sailing time is about 3 hours and 10 minutes.
This route is ideal for visitors staying in the city who want to visit Shuanglang. It saves on transportation costs from Dali City to Shuanglang while offering beautiful views of Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain.
Cruises depart from Dali Port at 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM, circling Erhai Lake and returning to the starting point. The round trip takes 60 minutes.
This route is perfect for self-driving tourists who can park their vehicles at Dali Port and enjoy a leisurely cruise around Erhai Lake.
Departing at 11:00 AM from Jinguisi Dock, the first stop is Nanzhao Folk Island for a 50-minute visit, followed by a 2.5-hour stop at Shuanglang Ancient Town. The return trip departs from Shuanglang at 3:00 PM, arriving back at Jinguisi Dock. Total duration about 4 hours.
This route is suitable for visitors staying in Dali Ancient City. You can start your day with a bike ride along the Erhai Ecological Corridor, board the boat at Jinguisi, and enjoy a few hours in Shuanglang before returning.
Departing at 3:00 PM from Shuanglang Ancient Town, the cruise stops at Nanzhao Folk Island for 40 minutes and Jinguisi Dock at 4:30 PM, before arriving at Dali Port at 6:10 PM. Total duration about 3 hours.
This route is ideal for visitors traveling from Lijiang to Shuanglang. You can take the cruise directly to Dali City, making it convenient to catch a flight or train.
Long-route cruises offer free Three-Course Tea performances.
In addition to the large cruise boats, you can take small ferries to Nanzhao Folk Island and Jinsuo Island, with round-trip tickets available.
Dali Port also offers short-route fiberglass yachts, which can be rented for group events or customized routes, making them perfect for corporate outings or gatherings with friends.
From 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, you can take a night cruise to enjoy the city lights and the evening breeze on Erhai Lake, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Please note that while the cruise routes are fixed, departure times may vary based on passenger volume. Be sure to check the schedule before your trip.
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