Little Putuo
Xiaoputuo, a petite yet captivating island located on Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan Province, China, is renowned for its serene ambiance and religious significance. The island is dominated by a small but exquisite temple, which stands as a testament to local Buddhist culture and attracts numerous pilgrims and visitors. Surrounded by the tranquil waters of Erhai Lake, Xiaoputuo offers a peaceful retreat where one can admire the picturesque scenery, observe migratory birds, and experience a sense of spiritual tranquility. Its unique charm and cultural heritage make Xiaoputuo a must-visit destination for those exploring the natural and cultural wonders of Dali.
Introduction & Historical Significance
Nestled in the eastern waters of Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan Province, Xiaoputuo Island is a 4A-level scenic area and provincial cultural heritage site with a 400-year history. Originally constructed in 1624 during the Ming Dynasty by the Gao brothers, it was dedicated to Guanyin (Avalokitesvara) and served as a sacred Buddhist site and navigational landmark for ancient mariners. The island, covering just 130 m², embodies Dali’s maritime culture and Han-Bai religious syncretism, featuring Ming-era architecture and inscriptions. Recognized as a "Pearl of Erhai," it symbolizes spiritual tranquility and regional history.
Architectural Layout & Design
The island harmonizes with its natural setting through minimalist yet ornate design:
- Guanyin Pavilion: A two-story wooden temple with upturned eaves, intricate dougong brackets, and gold-leaf carvings, housing a 3.8m-tall gilded Guanyin statue. The pavilion’s octagonal design reflects Buddhist cosmology.
- Stone Railings & Steps: Hand-carved granite balustrades and 108 stone steps leading to the pavilion, symbolizing the 108 human afflictions pacified by Buddhist practice.
- Ancient Banyan Trees: Centuries-old trees shading the island, their roots intertwining with stone benches and inscription plaques.
- Maritime Landmarks: A Ming-era lighthouse replica and stone steles documenting the island’s construction history and Buddhist teachings.
Major Attractions
- Guanyin Pavilion Meditation: Daily chanting sessions and incense ceremonies held at dawn and dusk.
- Seagull Spectacle (Winter): From November to March, thousands of Siberian seagulls gather, creating a "snowstorm" over Erhai—visitors can feed them with approved snacks.
- Erhai Panoramic Views: 360° vistas of Cangshan Mountain, Dali Ancient City, and the lake’s changing hues at sunrise/sunset.
- Historic Stele Garden: Inscriptions by Qing-era scholars and modern calligraphy artists.
- Ring-Road Boat Tours: Circumnavigate the island on traditional wooden boats (¥30-50/person).
Ticket Information
- Island Access: Free 24/7; pavilion entry ¥15-25 (includes incense and guided commentary).
- Boat Services: Shuttle boats from nearby Ha Yin Village (¥20-40 round trip).
- Guided Tours: ¥80-150 for cultural-historical tours covering architecture, Buddhism, and local lore.
- Combined Tickets: Discounted packages (¥100-180) with Erhai Lake cruises or Cangshan cableways.
Transportation Guide
- Public Transit: Bus 2 from Dali Ancient City to Ha Yin Village (¥5, 20 mins); walk 10 mins to the dock.
- Self-Drive: 25-minute drive from Dali Old Town via G214 Highway; parking at Ha Yin Village (¥10/day).
- Boat Access: Seasonal shuttle boats (8 AM–5 PM) and private charters available.
- Bicycle/E-Scooter: Rentals from Dali for scenic lakeside rides to the island.
Best Time & Tips
- Optimal Seasons: Winter (Dec–Feb) for seagull flocks and crisp air; spring (Mar–May) for blooming wildflowers; autumn (Sep–Nov) for clear skies. Avoid summer humidity and crowds.
- Photography: Dawn for misty lake-island silhouettes; sunset for golden-hour lighting on pavilion eaves and seagulls.
- Cultural Etiquette: Remove hats in pavilion; feed seagulls only with approved grain (no bread).
- Packing: Sunscreen, hats, binoculars for birdwatching, and waterproof bags for boat rides.
- Dining: Nearby Ha Yin Village offers Bai snacks like erkuai (rice cake) and sanduo (fried fish), while the island has minimal food stalls (bring snacks).
Nearby Attractions & Itineraries
- Combined Tours:
- Morning: Xiaoputuo seagull feeding + pavilion meditation + Erhai photo stops.
- Afternoon: Boat to Nanzhao Island or Cangshan cableway hike.
- Evening: Dali Ancient City night markets or Jinsha River sunset cruise.
- Cultural Synergy: Pair with Xizhou Ancient Town for Bai architecture or Shuanglang for lakeside cafés.
- Day Trip Route: Dali Old Town → Xiaoputuo → Xizhou → Hai Tong Peninsula → Erhai Sunset.
Xiaoputuo Island epitomizes Dali’s maritime soul—where spirituality, nature, and history converge. As a UNESCO-recognized gem, it continues to enchant travelers seeking serenity and cultural authenticity in China’s southwest.
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Basé sur plus de 10 000 avis de voyageurs
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
