Longkan Wharf of Erhai Lake in Dali City
Overview
The Longkan Wharf (龙龛码头) is located in the Xiaoguan District of Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省), near the Mang River (芒市河). The wharf stretches approximately 204 meters and is supported by four concrete pillars, characterized by features resembling a dragon raising its head and a crane looking up.
Scenic Features
The wharf is situated in the scenic area of Erhai Lake (洱海), making it an open spot ideal for photography and appreciating beautiful views. It serves as an ancient ferry terminal for Erhai Lake, where visitors can also spot seagulls and enjoy stunning sunrises. A few hundred meters south, there is a beautiful water cedar forest that enhances the picturesque landscape.
Historical Significance
Longkan Village (龙龛村) is one of the closest villages to the ancient city of Dali, located about three kilometers east of it, adjacent to Erhai Lake. Historically, the wharf was named after the eleventh king, Meng Shilong (蒙世隆) of the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏), who lived here for eight years. To honor the local residents who supported him, he named the nearby village “Longkan,” meaning “the place where the dragon lived.” Each year from the 16th day of the first lunar month to the second day of the second lunar month, a pilgrimage event occurs at Haiyan Temple (海晏庵), where worshippers gather before taking a boat from Longkan to Guanyin Pavilion (观音阁) on Jizu Mountain (鸡足山).
Film Location
Longkan Wharf gained fame as a filming location for the movie “Breakup Buddies” (心花路放), directed by Ning Hao (宁浩). This film and its soundtrack have made Dali a spiritual retreat for many, offering relief and healing to those who visit, despite any past troubles.
Village Description
Longkan Village is a quaint village outside the ancient city, near Erhai Lake. It is known for its traditional Bai (白族) architecture, which has started to change since 2006, undergoing renovations while retaining its historical charm. The village roads are excellent for cycling, but cars are prohibited, making bicycles a suitable mode of transport.
Environmental Highlights
The environment around Longkan Village is remarkable. The clear waters of Erhai Lake and the adjacent wetland park are home to numerous water birds, which might be difficult to distinguish between local species and migratory ones, like the Siberian red-winged hawk.
Recommendations for Visitors
If you’re a fan of films, you might search for the fictional Wutong Inn (梧桐客栈), though it doesn’t actually exist in reality. The area does have a few guesthouses, but options are limited and prices tend to be higher. Nearby dining spots offer a mix of local and international cuisine.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for stunning sunrises and the best light for photography.
- Getting There: You can drive or take a taxi to Hegui Inn (鹤居客栈). Be mindful that vehicles cannot pass through narrow lanes, and traffic can be heavy at the stone archway entrance.
- Photography Tips: Aim to arrive by 6:40 AM for the best photo opportunities. The left side of the water cedar forest is ideal for capturing fewer crowds with stunning views. Dress in light colors or whites, and consider props like a flower basket and a wide-brimmed hat for a perfect social media shot.
- Precautions: Dali experiences strong UV rays, so ensure you have sunscreen. The temperature can vary significantly between day and night, so bring a jacket.
Conclusion
The Longkan Wharf in Dali is a rustic gem that encapsulates the tranquil beauty of Erhai Lake and the serene village life of the Bai people. With its rich history and stunning natural landscapes, it’s a must-visit destination that provides a unique blend of cultural and natural experiences.
How to Get There
From Dali Ancient City (大理古城), Longkan Wharf is just 5.3 kilometers away, making it easily accessible by bike or on foot. Consider renting a bicycle to explore the scenic routes around Erhai Lake.
Travel Tips
- Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of local customs and protect the environment.
- Stay Hydrated and Protected: Keep hydrated and use sunscreen, as the sun can be quite intense.
- Capture Memories: Bring a good camera to capture the breathtaking views and local culture.
Longkan Ancient Ferry (龙龛古渡)
Overview
Longkan Ancient Ferry, located on the western shore of Erhai Lake (洱海) in Dali (大理), is a small dock in the Bai (白族) village of Longxiading (龙下登村), which has a history of over a thousand years. It once served as a landing point for boats and was an essential route from Longxiading village in Haixi to Luoquan Peninsula in Haidong (海东).
The site was originally known as “Lijiazhuang” (李家庄). According to legend, the eleventh king of the Dali Kingdom (大理国), Meng Shilong (蒙世隆), known as Emperor Jingzhuang, lived here for eight years in hiding during his childhood. After his father’s death, he ascended to the throne and, in gratitude for the villagers’ care, renamed Lijiazhuang to “Longkan,” meaning “place where dragons dwell,” and implemented many beneficial policies.
Today, Longkan Ancient Ferry has become a famous social media hotspot, celebrated as “the best place in China for love declarations” with the phrase “Cangshan Mountain as the vow, Erhai Lake as the promise.” It is also a prime location for sunrise viewing and one of Dali’s most beautiful landmarks.
Sunrise Experience
To witness the sunrise, we set off from our hotel at 6:00 AM on November 2, taking a taxi to Longkan Ancient Ferry. The driver enthusiastically informed us that it is the best spot for sunrise viewing; however, in spring and summer, sunrises typically occur between 5:30 and 6:30 AM, while in autumn and winter, they happen around 7:00 to 8:00 AM. Although he suggested we might be early, our spirits were high, and we were ready to wait.
Upon arriving at the village entrance, it was still dark. A stone archway marked “Longkan Xiading Bai Village” greeted us, with plaques commemorating its recognition as a “Yunnan Provincial Ethnic Tourism Village” in December 2015. Opposite was a stone tablet celebrating its designation as a model village for national unity and progress.
Following the driver’s directions, we walked along the cobbled paths towards Erhai Lake. Shops along the street were preparing for breakfast, and vendors near the shore were calling out to tourists to buy corn on the cob and hot drinks.
As we settled on the stone railing in front of Longkan Ancient Ferry, a cool breeze from the lake accompanied us. The number of visitors gradually increased, with some young people standing on the “Haitse” (海舌), a protrusion into the lake, ignoring the cold as they eagerly awaited the sunrise.
After about fifteen minutes, the dawn light began to appear on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake, gradually spreading across the sky in vibrant colors, filling us with excitement.
Around 7:00 AM, red clouds rose above the eastern shore, dazzling and thrilling us as we focused intently on the rising sun. However, at approximately 7:35 AM, thick clouds covered the red sky, preventing the breathtaking view we had hoped for, which was disappointing.
By 7:42 AM, the clouds receded slightly, revealing the golden sun rising slowly from behind Cangshan Mountain (苍山), illuminating the still-dark sky and the lake surface. At this moment, observers eagerly grabbed their phones or cameras to capture the enchanting sunrise, despite the cloud interference.
At 7:48 AM, the sky turned blue, and sunlight brightly lit the surrounding area. Many tourists continued taking photos of the red sun over the eastern shore, creating an inspiring scene.
Longkan Ancient Ferry was particularly beautiful, with sunlight filtering through the circular doors on either side of the wall, creating mesmerizing shadows.
Cultural Significance
Historically, Longkan Ancient Ferry served as a docking point for boats and was the necessary route for Longxiading village to reach the Luoquan Peninsula on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake. It has now become a landmark for the Bai people and a highly popular photo spot.
The site features a Bai-style wall with an inscription “Longkan Ancient Ferry.” The left circular doorway is inscribed with “Tianjing” (天境), while the right bears “Haiyue” (海月). Behind the wall, a narrow “Haitse” extends into Erhai Lake, constructed of gravel and about 2.5 meters at its widest point. A stone tablet erected by the State Ethnic Affairs Commission in April 2017 recognizes it as a “Chinese Ethnic Characteristic Village.”
Longkan Ancient Ferry has been labeled “the best place in China for love declarations,” with a small square featuring an inscription that embodies unwavering love, highlighted by a large pink heart sculpture and steps that read love affirmations such as: “Step by step, from meeting to growing old together, in happiness and adversity, we will be together forever.”
New couples, adorned in wedding attire, often walk hand in hand up these steps, reciting their vows—a truly magical and moving experience, making it a favored social media location.
Scenic Beauty
After 8:00 AM, with clear skies, the Longxiading village glowed with vibrant colors, framed by the green peaks of Cangshan and the rippling blue waves of Erhai Lake, forming a captivating natural painting. As we strolled along the winding ecological corridor of Erhai Lake, we noticed couples capturing their wedding photos—handsome men and beautiful women, all delightful to behold.
The coastline around Longkan Ancient Ferry is curvy, with various sizes of lake stones scattered along the beach, blending with the naturally colored grass. Close to the shore, a few water fir trees reflected in the water, creating a charming scene. Here, visitors can listen to the sound of waves lapping against the rocks.
The pristine ecological scenery attracts many young people to take photos and enjoy the most beautiful morning moments.
Local Culture and Activities
The Bai-style homes and inns along the western side of the ecological corridor offer a different view. Their blue tiles and white walls are aesthetically pleasing, with intricate patterns adorning some of the exterior walls, showcasing the Bai people’s love for life and their current prosperity.
With the growth of tourism, some Bai villagers set up stalls along the corridor to sell homemade Bai clothing or local specialties. Others rent out flower-decorated bicycles for tourists to use for photos.
Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon Square
Located north of Longkan Ancient Ferry, this square protrudes into Erhai Lake. A simple stone archway stands at the entrance, inscribed with “Haiyue.” Stones commemorating the “Four Scenic Views of Dali” (大理风花雪月) are scattered around the square, showcasing local beauty. From the square, looking south, the “Haitse” of Longkan Ancient Ferry appears like a fine line floating on the lake—a breathtaking sight.
At the square’s railings, several red firs reflected in the water create a stunning view. This area is also a popular spot for wedding photography, with photographers guiding couples to showcase their beautiful poses, adding a modern flair to this ancient Bai village.
Conclusion
Longxiading Village (龙下登村) is a millennia-old Bai village that serves as both a picturesque viewing spot and a vibrant home for daily life. Here, visitors can enjoy sunrises, admire the stunning scenery of Cangshan and Erhai, and immerse themselves in Bai culture.
How to Get There
Longkan Ancient Ferry is accessible by taxi or private vehicle from Dali city center. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: For sunrise viewing, arrive early, especially during autumn and winter when sunrises occur later.
- What to Bring: A camera for capturing the beautiful scenery and perhaps a light jacket for the cooler morning temperatures.
- Local Cuisine: Try the local snacks available at roadside stalls for an authentic Bai culinary experience.
