West Lake (Xihu) in Eryuan County, Dali
Overview
Xihu (西湖), also known as Eryuan Xihu (洱源西湖) or Dali Xihu (大理西湖), is located in the western part of Dengchuan Bazi in Eryuan County (洱源县), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Nestled at the foot of Yunong Peak (云弄峰), the highest peak of Cangshan Mountain (苍山), it lies under the Fozhong Mountain (佛钟山) in the western part of Yousuo Town (右所镇). Xihu is over 40 kilometers from Dali Ancient City (大理古城), situated along the route from Dali to Lijiang (丽江).
Eryuan (洱源) is the source of the plateau pearl, Erhai Lake (洱海), which explains its name. Rich in natural resources, it has been praised as the “Land of Fish and Rice,” “Land of Plums,” “Land of Dairy Cows,” “Land of Hot Springs,” “Land of Orchids,” “Plateau Water Town,” and “Land of Suona” (唢呐之乡). Xihu is a national wetland park, a national AAA scenic area, and a provincial scenic spot in Yunnan. It is the second national wetland park in Yunnan, following the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces (元阳哈尼梯田), and the first natural national wetland park in Yunnan.
Geography and Features
Xihu is a freshwater lake situated on a plateau, covering an area of 5.5 square kilometers. It consists of three areas: Xihu, Jiangwei (江尾), and Luoping Mountain (罗平山), along with the Luosijiang (螺蛳江) scenic route. As a fault lake, it has an average depth of 1.8 meters and a maximum depth approaching 12 meters, making it an important water source for Erhai Lake.
Ecological Resources
The ecosystem of Xihu is remarkably diverse, featuring a natural ecological system that overlaps with artificial systems, including forest (shrub) areas, villages, farmlands, lakeside marshes, lake surfaces, and island villages. The wetland is home to unique fish species such as Erhai bighead carp (洱海大头鲤), gray loose-skin fish (灰裂腹鱼), and Dali loose-skin fish (大理裂腹鱼). It serves as a habitat for many wintering birds and hosts the largest population distribution of the rare purple swamphen (紫水鸡) in China.
Cultural Heritage
Xihu is home to six villages: Zhangjiadeng (张家登), Qingshuitang (清水塘), Dongdeng (东登), Zhongdeng (中登), Nandeng (南登), and Haitang (海塘), alongside an island, creating a picturesque landscape of villages within lakes and lakes within villages. In the Ming Dynasty, scholars like Yang Sheng’an (杨升庵), Li Yuanyang (李元阳), and Yang Nanjin (杨南金) often gathered for poetry and music on the lake.
In 1639, Xu Xiake (徐霞客) was enchanted by the beauty of Xihu, describing in his travel notes: “悠悠有江南风景，而外有四山环翠，觉西子湖又反出其下也。” (There are landscapes of Jiangnan, and outside are the four green mountains, reminiscent of the West Lake). In the Qing Dynasty, the scholar Yang Chengchun (杨承淳) praised the lake in his poetry: “湖光荡漾几回纹，渔父歌声闹水滨，信口舢敲湘汉句，断肠弄笛雁鸿云。”
(The lake’s surface ripples, the fisherman’s song stirs the waters, casually, a boat taps the verses of Xiang and Han, heartbreakingly, a flute plays the cries of wild geese.)
Bai Ethnic Cuisine
Visitors can savor authentic Bai (白族) cuisine at Xihu, including dishes like raw skin (生皮), lake-boiled fish (湖水煮活鱼), vegetable and bean soup (水菜豆米汤), claypot fish (砂锅鱼), stewed plums (炖梅), carved plums (雕梅), milk fan (乳扇), and three cups of tea (三道茶).
Transportation Guide
Xihu is located over 40 kilometers from Dali, along the route to Lijiang. Visitors can take a bus to Yuhu Town (玉湖镇) in Eryuan County and disembark at Yousuo Town, then walk north.
Recommended one-day itinerary: Dali — Eryuan County Town — Cibi Lake (茈碧湖) — Hot Springs — Dali (or onward to Jianchuan (剑川), Heqing (鹤庆), Lijiang, and Diqing (迪庆)).
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for enjoying the natural beauty and cultural activities.
- Local Etiquette: Respect local customs, especially in Bai ethnic areas.
- Wildlife Watching: Bring binoculars for birdwatching, particularly in winter when migratory birds are present.
- Food Recommendations: Try local specialties and ensure dietary restrictions are communicated clearly to vendors.
How to Get There
Xihu can be accessed via public transport from Dali, and it is advisable to check local bus schedules. For those driving, follow the main route to Eryuan County, with clear signage along the way.
Overview
Yunnan Eryuan West Lake National Wetland Park (云南洱源西湖国家湿地公园) is a national-level wetland park located at the northern foot of Yunong Peak (云弄峰), one of the nineteen peaks of Cangshan Mountain (苍山), within the territory of Yousuo Town (右所镇), Eryuan County (洱源县), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Situated at the source of Erhai Lake (洱海), it serves as an important source of water for Eryuan, belonging to the Lancang River (澜沧江) watershed.
The geographical coordinates of Yunnan Eryuan West Lake National Wetland Park are between 100°4′E and 100°45′E longitude, and 25°59′N and 26°21′N latitude. The park covers a total area of 1,354.07 hectares, with the lake surface at an elevation of 1,967.8 meters above sea level. The average water depth is 1.8 meters, with a maximum depth reaching 8.3 meters. It is classified as a fault lake, featuring six large islands and 88 smaller islands (at normal water levels).
Geographic Environment
Yunnan Eryuan West Lake National Wetland Park is uniquely positioned at the source of Erhai Lake, making it a vital ecological zone. The landscape comprises a rich diversity of natural ecosystems, including forests, shrubs, farmlands, lakeshores, marshes, lakes, islands, and villages. This variety creates a typical basin-lake structure that encapsulates all aspects of the region’s scenic diversity, including local customs, historical culture, fishing villages, island water towns, and geothermal hot springs.
Biodiversity
The wetland of Eryuan West Lake boasts rich biodiversity. A scientific investigation conducted by the Southwest Forestry University/National Plateau Wetland Research Center in 2009 documented the presence of 18 species of mammals, 16 species of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians, 26 species of fish, and 76 species of birds, with 39 of these being aquatic birds. Additionally, there are 306 species of vascular plants, including 115 wetland plants.
Among these, two species—wild water chestnut (Trapa ncise) and water lily (Ottelia acuminata)—are classified as nationally protected level II plants. Eight species of animals are also classified as nationally protected level II, including the tiger-striped frog (Rana rugulosa), common house gecko (Gekko gecko), gray goose (Anser anser), common buzzard (Buteo buteo), and others. The wetland is notable for its high conservation value, serving as the largest population distribution site in China for the rare purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) and a habitat for many wintering birds. Additionally, the outflow of the lake is a migratory route and spawning area for the unique Dali splitfin (Schizothorax taliensis).
Development and Establishment
In December 2009, the State Forestry Administration approved the pilot construction of the national wetland park. By December 2015, the park successfully passed the assessment and verification by the State Forestry Administration and was officially named Yunnan Eryuan West Lake National Wetland Park.
How to Get There
To reach Yunnan Eryuan West Lake National Wetland Park, visitors can travel to Eryuan County from Dali City (大理市). The best option is to take a bus from Dali to Yousuo Town. Upon arrival in Yousuo, follow the local signs to the wetland park.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for enjoying the natural beauty and observing wildlife.
- What to Bring: Binoculars for birdwatching, a camera for photography, and appropriate clothing for outdoor activities.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes in nearby villages, particularly those featuring fresh fish and Bai ethnic specialties.
- Respect Nature: Follow park guidelines to protect the natural environment and wildlife.
With its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, Yunnan Eryuan West Lake National Wetland Park offers visitors a unique glimpse into the natural and cultural beauty of the region.
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