Paddle board | Go to the beautiful lake at the foot of the mountain

"Hello everyone, I'm Xiao Li, from Eryuan, Dali. I love the mountains and rivers of my hometown. Sometimes I go on adventures in rivers and lakes by kayak or paddleboard, sometimes I ride an off-road vehicle up the mountain, and I also like to explore the outside world. I used to be a surfing coach for a while, and now my new plan is to go out to sea on a sailing trip. I am now learning from a captain named Tie. Every Tuesday, I will take guests to Fengyu to visit the traditional market. During the plum blossom season, I will go hiking. During the plum blossom season, I will brew green plum wine. I hope to have the opportunity to share these daily experiences with you."

"What is our paddleboarding like? It's a journey into nature. It can be youthful and energetic - diving into the water, getting wet, not afraid of the water, but becoming one with it. Or, it can be free and unfettered - lying on the board, gazing at the blue sky, drifting with the current. The paddling technique is not important. As long as you feel comfortable and enjoy the freedom of nature, that's what matters. If you love this freedom, you'll want to learn and practice more."

Video of a summer paddle boarding activity:

destination: Dali West Lake (60 kilometers from the ancient city, about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car)

Set off: Around 14:00 (depending on the season, the latest time is shown in the reservation)

The activity ends around 19:00 and we go for dinner (or return directly).

return: 21:00-21:30 Return to Dali Ancient Town (including dinner and sightseeing time)

Difficulty: Everyone can participate. Children should be 3 years old or older and can share a board with an adult

Fees include:
Round trip transportation, paddle board activities, afternoon tea at the campsite.

Excludes:
Dinner at a local halal restaurant (AA, about 40 yuan/person).

Possible discomfort:
Most of our guides drive regular minivans.
On the one hand we are frugal, on the other hand we often need to carry outdoor equipment, go into the mountains, or drive on country roads, so a minivan is the best choice. However, the children tend to like the bumps and call it a "bumpy car" experience.

What might you experience?

1. Paddle/kayak through the lake and village.
   You’ll explore from a unique perspective – paddling through reeds and taking in the lush West Lake, majestic Cangshan Mountain, and quaint villages with whitewashed walls and dark tiled roofs. Paddling is just one way to take in this beautiful scene.

2. Beautiful, peaceful countryside fields.
   Pass through the vibrant fields and enter the countryside. This is one of the most beautiful and untouched areas of Dali, where no tourists come. By the lake next to the fields, under the vast sky, many guests say: "I think it's enough to sit here. I don't even want to go in the water."

3. Special local dishes.
   After the activity, we will go to a hidden local restaurant that is loved by locals and where the food is often praised by guests. Food is the best way for travelers to connect with locals. Of course, we will also taste Dali's fresh homemade iced milk, which is a must try.

We usually return around 9:30pm, sometimes later.
But to truly experience the beauty of the sunset over the lake and the village at dusk, special experiences and fixed schedules are not always completely compatible. This is true not only in travel, but also in life.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. I have no experience, can I still participate? Will I fall into the water?
Yes, you can! Don't worry, most guests have no prior experience. The paddle boards are perfect for beginners. You can enjoy paddling comfortably while kneeling or sitting. You probably won't fall into the water unless you try to stand up.

2. What if my friend doesn’t want to try paddle boarding or is not suitable for paddle boarding?
No problem! We can bring a backpack boat, which is a very light and safe kayak, to ensure they stay dry.

3. What should I bring?
One set of dry clothes, a towel, and flip-flops. Nothing else is needed. If you plan on swimming, you only need a bathing suit.

4. Is it safe?
Everyone will be wearing life jackets and you can also choose to explore the lake with a guide to ensure that you will get help if you need it.

5. Can children participate?
Yes, you can! Children over 12 years old can paddle board independently (but need to stay with a parent). Younger children can paddle board with a parent on the same board. Many children participate during the summer holidays.

Our paddle board destination is a lake at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by white-walled and black-tiled villages. The lake is clear and clean, perfect for fishing. This is one of the most beautiful lakes, a beautiful combination of water and mountains.

We will stop at Dengchuan Town, where you can buy local specialties such as fresh milk (5 RMB), homemade yogurt (3 RMB), homemade ice cream (2-4 RMB).

We pass through fields and villages to reach the shores of a secluded lake. We set up camp, prepare our paddleboards, and get started. You can choose to explore on your own or join a guided tour and paddle through the reeds. No experience is necessary - you will enjoy the fun of paddleboarding and the beauty of nature.

As night fell, we packed up and headed to a local restaurant (near the village market, split the bill, about 30-40 RMB per person). After dinner, we returned to Dali.