Xier River in Dali City

More Picture

The Xier River (西洱河), formerly known as “Xier River” (嶲洱河), was named after the ancient Xiren (嶲人) who lived along its banks, and is also called “Xi River” (嶲河). It serves as the outlet of Erhai Lake (洱海) flowing into the Lancang River (澜沧江).

The Xier River runs through Dali City (大理市) from east to west. Locals use it as a dividing line: the north side is called “Guanyi” (关迤) or the “Northern Area,” while the south side is called “Guanwai” (关外) or the “Southern Area.”

The river is 23 km long, with a natural drop of about 610 meters, an estuary flow of around 30 cubic meters per second, and a theoretical hydropower potential of 270,000 kW. It is considered the Lancang River tributary with the most favorable hydropower development conditions.

Basic Facts:

• Total length: 23 km
• Natural drop: ~610 m
• Estuary flow: 30 m³/s
• Also known as: Xi River (嶲河), Er River (洱河), Xier River (嶲洱河)

Beautification and Illumination

Every evening, under the glow of colorful landscape lighting, both banks of the Xier River (西洱河) sparkle with charm. Meideng Bridge (美登大桥), the Xier River Barrage (西洱河节制闸), and Taian Bridge (泰安桥) shine together, making the river brighter and more beautiful.

This transformation is the result of Dali City’s (大理市) Xier River Beautification and Illumination Project, which enhances the facades along the riverbanks, outlines building silhouettes, and raises the overall urban aesthetic.

The project has a total investment of over 4.8 million yuan and is nearing completion. It covers the section from Meideng Bridge to Taian Bridge, upgrading the lighting on both banks and decorating bridge structures. The new design features various distinctive spotlights, underwater lights, ground lights, solar lights, and LED lights, creating a nightscape that is both vibrant and tranquil.

The project is in its final stage and is expected to be fully completed by the end of October.

Tourism Planning

Scope:
The planning area covers about 4 km from Erhai Lake Park (洱海公园) to the Tiansheng Bridge (天生桥) section, including land along both banks and within the river channel.

Market Positioning:
Based on an analysis of Dali Prefecture’s (大理州) segmented tourist markets, the project aims to position the Xier River as a key leisure and sightseeing destination.

Development Strategy:

• Product-led and market-led design approaches
• Product life cycle strategy
• Market strategies for introduction, growth, maturity, and decline stages