Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake are the must-visit scenic spots in Dali, known as the "Snow-covered Cangshan Mountains and Jade-Green Erhai Lake."

Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake is the largest highland lake in Yunnan after Dianchi as well as one of the seven largest freshwater lakes in the country. Erhai in Chinese means "sea shaped like an ear." The name implies the lake is ear-shaped and as large as a sea.

The lake covers an area of 250 square kilometers and is located about two kilometres east of Dali. Seen from Cangshan Mountain, it lays like a crescent between Cangshan and Dali. On a sunny day, the crystal waters of Erhai Lake and the snow-crested Cangshan Mountain dazzle each other with the sunshine reflection, and enlighten admirers with the time-honored description of "Silver Cangshan and Jade Erhai."

Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan Province is the largest highland lake next to Dianchi and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China. Many newlywed couples come to visit the lake every year, hoping to take good luck. The best way is to take a cruise on the lake. Photos are taken on July 30, 2009. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/ Xu Liuliu]

To rent a boat and take a cruise on the lake, you will be greeted with a warm and unique ceremony from the local Bai people. Three cups of tea will be offered in succession. The first cup of tea is made from local bitter tea leaves. It tastes medicinal. The second looks like soup. It is made from walnuts, cheese and sugar. It tastes sweet. The third cup of tea is made by mixing prickly ash, ginger and Chinese cinnamon with honey and bitter tea. It is pungent, with a distinct aftertaste.

According to the local custom, the three cups of tea are symbolic of the three stages of one's life journey: going through all kinds of hardships when young, feeling the joy of life when old and recalling both bitter and happy experiences. In the Bai language, the word for "pungent" sounds the same as the one for "affectionate." The tea is surely a bond of friendship.

To sit and drink the tea, which is served in such a traditional manner, is a rewarding cultural experience, as well as being very relaxing and enjoyable. Once you have tasted the third cup of tea, you will not forget the warmth and hospitality of the Bai people.