Sansheng Island, West Erhai Lake: Stunning Eco-Corridor and Charming Xindi Café

If you're in Dali and want to tour around Erhai Lake, enjoy its stunning scenery, and do it on a budget without renting a car, I think the Haixi Ecological Corridor is an absolutely brilliant choice!

Outside cars and electric scooters are not allowed on the Haixi Ecological Corridor—you can only get around by bicycle, take the scenic shuttle bus, or walk. There are dedicated shared bikes within the area, as well as rentals.

When you mention Instagram-famous spots by Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan, the crowded S-bend definitely comes to mind. But the Erhai Lake ecological corridor stretches a full 129 kilometers—how could there be only one scenic spot like the S-bend in Panxi Village? In fact, there are many such smooth, sweeping curves along the lakeside. Longkan, Caicun, Majiuyi... the waterfronts of these villages are all incredibly beautiful, and if you do a little research you'll have heard of them. But the place I'm introducing today is one that almost only locals know: Sansheng Island!

Erhai Lake in Dali has many small islands or peninsulas. The islands most people know are usually in the eastern part of the lake, like Jinsuo Island, Yinsuo Island, Xiaoputuo, Yuji Island, and Nanzhao Fengqing Island. Actually, on the west side of Erhai Lake there are two little-known peninsulas that are equally beautiful. One is called Haishe (Sea Tongue) by locals, because it juts out into the lake like a long tongue.

After getting off the car, right in front was a wide, open grassy field. Walking to the right, you can see the Dali skyline: half modern high-rises, half traditional Bai ethnic-style houses, blending seamlessly without any sense of contradiction—for a moment you might think you're in some coastal city.

According to locals, Sansheng Island was very famous in ancient times. As early as the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Wuhou came here to review his troops. The bravest in boat racing were made centurions, and those who cleverly retrieved a brocade pouch from the waves were made generals. He also reportedly crossed Erhai Lake here and captured Meng Huo four times. Therefore, rulers of the Dali Kingdom in successive generations emulated this, holding boat races here to select generals. They also came here to celebrate national festivities. In later times, anyone with ambition or martial arts training would come to Sansheng Island to pray for blessings. The Chan Master Dandang once said: "One step on Sansheng Island, three lifetimes as a man among men." You can imagine the island's reputation back then!

As I strolled along the Erhai ecological corridor, listening to the pleasant sound of waves lapping the shore and gazing into the distance, I felt utterly content. The entire eco-corridor is off-limits to motor vehicles (except for electric sightseeing carts), so you can only walk or cycle. It's thus perfect for bringing kids to ride balance bikes or scooters. We saw many couples taking wedding photos on the shore—it was exceptionally sweet and romantic.

Under blue skies and white clouds, the majestic Cangshan Mountain stands tall while Erhai Lake gleams clear. The 129-kilometer green ecological corridor stretches on endlessly, making it ideal for a cycling loop around the lake. As you pedal, you can appreciate the constantly changing views of Cangshan and Erhai up close, wrapping all the romance of "wind, flowers, snow, and moon" around you.

The hip café by Erhai Lake—passing by on a bike ride along the corridor, stop for a photo. A large window facing the lake is just too perfect for pictures; the second floor is also great. We went in the afternoon and it was quite crowded; I couldn't help wondering why so many young people didn't have to work! We even spotted someone doing a sunrise photo shoot in the morning—this place is really photogenic.

Come to Dali and watch a seaside sunrise—this café is absolutely perfect for sunrise viewing! If you miss the sunrise, then go watch the sunset glow! Pay no mind to others, just lean back on the sofa with a book—that's a joy in itself. Order your favorite coffee, open a book you brought or pick one up from the shelf, tune out the chatter of passersby, and travel quietly through the pages.

This trip is all about relaxing and taking it easy. By the time we arrived at Xindi Café, it was already past three in the afternoon. The café has two floors, each room with a beautiful window, and the second floor boasts an unobstructed terrace. I have to say, the designer truly understands how to present beauty for the eyes. Push open the window and you see Erhai Lake—Xindi is just that kind of café, quietly "living" by the lakeside. Basking in Dali’s warm sunshine, with the breeze from Erhai Lake blowing, I could quietly sit here all day without it being too much. Next time I’m by Erhai Lake, I’ll definitely come back for another visit.

The woven straw umbrellas complement Erhai Lake perfectly, giving off strong holiday vibes. The simple wooden style with white gauze fluttering in the wind—exactly the atmosphere I love. Watching a sunrise and sunset by Erhai Lake is a romance that countless people chase. When the dawn wind ruffles the calm lake surface, sit by the café window or go up to the second-floor terrace and wait for the sunrise or sunset.

The café’s interior style is all the owner’s personal design. By chance, coffee moved into this house by Erhai Lake, and through a fusion and collision with its design, a new style emerged, creating a resort-style lakeside café. As for drinks, we randomly ordered the rose lychee, osmanthus latte, sea salt caramel latte, and a Mexican beef wrap—all were excellent!

The cheerful ringing of bicycle bells sounded, and joggers hurried past. Travelers walked by, some fast, some slow, stopping at the lakeside to take photos and commemorative shots. Couples taking wedding photos left behind their eternal vows here, and also took away the sincere blessings of those watching from the window. Sitting quietly in the café, through a window I encountered endless vitality and glimpsed many different lives.

"Poetry and the distance" is a deep yearning in everyone’s heart for an unforgettable encounter. And Dali is even more of a paradise that draws people in. On the villa terrace, basking in warm sunshine, watching TV dramas, sipping fragrant coffee, watching couples on the beach taking photos, and watching teenagers on bicycles. Strolling along the Erhai eco-corridor, with Bai-style houses on one side and Erhai Lake on the other.

Dali has both romantic ideals and worldly bustle. Using the Erhai Ecological Corridor as a carrier, combined with eco-greenways, cultural micro-landscapes, boutique hotels, cultural squares and other tourist services along the route, new tourism products such as hiking and folk experience have been cultivated, drawing throngs of visitors to Dali.

Taking a set of romantic photos by Erhai Lake is a dream for many travelers. Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, blue skies, white clouds, grasslands—every sight is an earthly wonder. Walk to Longkan on the eco-corridor and you'll stumble upon the romantic atmosphere of a "travel photography paradise."

📍 A stop on the Erhai Ecological Corridor, about a 15-minute drive from the ancient town.

🚗 Navigate directly to "Sansheng Island" and you can park 200–300 meters from the destination. The roads too close to the lake are narrow and parking is difficult.

The sightseeing bus route: Yangnanxi - Erbin - Sansheng Island - Luojiuyi - Longkan Ancient Ferry - Xiaoyizhuang - Caicun.

The sightseeing bus service is very considerate, with many options to choose from. There are section-based fares, as well as full one-way and round-trip fares. A one-way ticket allows up to 6 rides on the same day, meaning you can get on and off up to 6 times along the way. A round-trip ticket allows 12 rides on the day.

Bicycles: I don’t remember the exact cost, but in my memory it was quite cheap, around 1 yuan for 15 minutes. The only downside is that at the moment I haven’t seen any tandem bikes, nor bikes with a child seat at the back.