Haixihai Lake in Eryuan County, Dali

Overview

  • Chinese Name: 洱源县海西海
  • English Name: Haixihai Lake in Eryuan County, Dali
  • Location: Eryuan County, Dali, Yunnan Province

Introduction

Haixi Sea is a natural highland reservoir in Eryuan County. According to historical records: “Haixi Sea was originally known as Miqing Pool, but overnight it transformed into a sea, spanning approximately ten li… Surrounded by lotus blooms, it resembles a scene of a beauty gazing into a mirror.” Encircled by distant mountains with lush peaks, the serene waters reflect the cliffs, ancient temples, caves, and vibrant flowers, creating a breathtaking and picturesque sight known as the renowned “Mountain Reflection in the Sea” spectacle.

Every year on the 25th day of the sixth lunar month, the traditional Haixi Sea Song Festival is held. People gather in droves, and young men and women row boats on Haixi Sea, singing love songs to the accompaniment of the three-stringed instrument, picking water chestnuts, and collecting lotus flowers. This event is famously described as “Conveying love through songs with the three-stringed instrument, joyfully tying the knot at Haixi Sea.”

Beneath Guanyin Mountain to the north of Haixi Sea, there is a cave called Sleeping Dragon Cave. Inside, stalactites of various shapes and sizes abound, with two stones resembling a woman’s full breasts. It is said that during the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Jianwen took refuge here for several years, sustaining himself on the milk that dripped from these stones, hence the name Sleeping Dragon Cave. On the stone arch outside the cave, there is a couplet written by a revered monk: “The dragon rests in this heavenly cave, weary from its journey, while the stone milk fails to quench the master’s thirst, leaving an eternal sorrow.” Standing outside Sleeping Dragon Cave, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Haixi Sea’s natural scenery, including the shimmering water and leaping fish.

Nearby Attractions

  • Cibi Lake: Cibi Lake is bordered by mountains to the east and north, connected to fields in the southwest, and stretches lengthwise from north to south. It is a natural freshwater lake formed by a collapsed and eroded highland depression, and is one of the main lakes upstream of Erhai Lake. The lake is abundant with Cibi flowers, which bloom in summer and resemble lotus pods.
  • Liyuan Village: Liyuan Village, located on the shores of Cibi Lake, is named for the pear trees that grow throughout the village. The only way to access the village is by boat across Cibi Lake. The houses are nestled among pear trees, making it a typical Bai ethnic ancient fishing village with distinctive settlement characteristics.
  • Dali Geothermal National Park: Dali Geothermal National Park is a leisure and vacation tourist attraction known for its hot spring bathing culture. It is located near the shores of Cibi Lake. The park blends Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultural atmosphere with unique romantic charm, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to relax and unwind.

Travel Tips

  • Boat Rental: Boats are available for rent at Haixi Sea, allowing visitors to row across the lake, observe wild ducks in flight, and watch cattle play in the water.
  • Transportation: Take a bus from Xiaguan North Passenger Station, with departures every ten minutes between 6:40 AM and 6:30 PM. The fare is 20 yuan per person, and the journey takes about fifty minutes.
  • Local Specialties: Eryuan plums, Eryuan carved plums, Dali green plums, Eryuan garlic, Eryuan milk fan cheese, carved plum wine, and plum wine.
  • Local Cuisine: Eryuan raw skin (a type of dish), bean soup rice noodles, fire-roasted pork, and hot spring vegetables.