As one of the nine fresh water lakes on the plateau on the altitude of over 1970 meters, Erhai Lake has covered an area of 251 square kilometers with deepest point of 20.7 meters. Since the shape of Lake Erhai is like an ear of human being, thus, it was named as Erhai which literally means Ear Sea in English.
Lake Erhai is secluded by the picturesque Cangshan Mountain with its peaks covering by snow all year round. The clear water lake matches with the panoramic view has outcome with breathtaking scenery that attract the eyes of every visitors. The lake is rich with plenty of marine life such s fish, seabirds, shrimps, shells, mussels, water chestnuts, reed, seaweed and etc. Out of all, the Bow Fish which is crowned as the King of Fish is a unique local of Lake Erhai. Moreover, the number seabirds that is among the most when compared with all lakes throughout Yunnan Province.
The scenery of Lake Erhai might be varied every second as the climate as well as the power of natural is the greatest creator of the scenery of the surrounding. Anyway, the ancient people had concluded the scenic spots of Lake Erhai into eight major parts as follow: The Wonders of Mountains, The Mist and Clouds of Three Islands, Sea Mirroring the Sky, Brumy Putuo, The Boat in the Waves, Four Pavilions, Water in autumn and Moon in Lake Erhai. Besides that, there are also many popular man made artificial scenic spots around Lake Erhai such as the Tianjingge (Pavilion of the Sky Mirror), Shuiyuege (Pavilion of Water and Moon), Erhai Ancestral Temple as well as the Pavilion of Kwan-yin and Little Putuo Mountain. Besides being an attractive tourist spot, Lake Erhai is also a natural conservation zone of Yunnan Province as well.
The Three Islands which consists of Jinsuodao (Golden Shuttle Island), Yuji Island and Little Putuo Island; can be considered as one of the most popular destinations at Lake Erhai. Golden Shuttle Island is the largest one among these three islands. Seems like a shuttle that floats on the lake, the island has been developed into a tourist destination with the growth of many hotels and resorts on the island. When you are here, you must not miss the mouth-watering seafood gourmet anyway. On the other hand, the Yuji Island is said to be the spots with the most beautiful scenery throughout Lake Erhai. So for those who are seeking for the best of the best scenery, then a visit to this island will be compulsory. The Little Putuo Island is the place where the Bai ethnic people to worship the Guanyin Buddha. It was said that the Buddha had protected the fishing population of the people here. Nowadays, the island has become a representative of auspiciousness and good prosperity. The young couple who will be getting married will go round the island on colorful boats three circuits in order to pray for good luck and everlasting happiness in the future.