description Lake Erhai Overview
Lake Erhai is a large tectonic plateau lake situated in Yunnan Province in southwestern China. It covers an area of approximately 250 square kilometers at an elevation of 1,972 meters above sea level. The lake is named for its distinctive ear-like shape and is bordered by the Cangshan mountain range to the west. It occupies a central role in the history of the Bai people and served as a geographic anchor for the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and the subsequent Dali Kingdom.
insights Ranking position
Lake Erhai ranks #81 of 214 in the Lake ranking, behind Dal Lake, ahead of Lake Bogoria.
help Lake Erhai FAQ
Where is Lake Erhai located and what is its elevation?
Lake Erhai is a large tectonic plateau lake situated in Yunnan Province in southwestern China. It sits at a high elevation of 1,972 meters above sea level, nestled between the cities of Dali and Xiaguan.
Why is Lake Erhai shaped like an ear?
The lake is named for its distinctive ear-like shape, stretching roughly 42 kilometers from north to south. Its elongated, crescent shape was formed by geological faulting along the Cangshan mountain range to the west.
Can you cycle or drive all the way around Lake Erhai?
Yes, renting an electric scooter or bicycle to ride along the scenic Huanhai West Road and the wider expressway encircling the lake is a very popular tourist activity. The full loop around Erhai covers a distance of roughly 120 kilometers.
What major city borders Lake Erhai?
The historic city of Dali is located on the lake's western shore, sitting in the shadow of the majestic Cangshan mountains. Dali serves as the primary base for tourists exploring Lake Erhai and the surrounding ancient cultural sites.
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