This trip involved renting a car with my roommates from Dali Old Town to Erhai Lake (also known as Zibi Lake Scenic Area - Rest Pavilion). We parked at "Zibi Lake Scenic Area - Rest Pavilion," briefly walked across the boardwalk, and then took a car to Guanyin Mountain—the highest point of Zibi Lake for panoramic views.
Guanyin Mountain: There's only one narrow road leading up to the summit, where there's a parking lot. Of the three viewing platforms on Guanyin Mountain, only the northwest-facing rest pavilion is open. From the viewing platform, you can see the cityscape of Erhai Lake and a portion of Zibi Lake. We specifically chose to go at sunset, but the sun was glaring and the mountain was behind us, so those hoping to photograph the sunset should probably skip it.
- Zibi Lake: The view from the southeast side of Zibi Lake was better; if you have enough time, it's worth a walk there. Driving in the afternoon, the southwest side, with its redwood forest, is also quite nice, although the trees aren't as vibrant from the mountaintop. The scenery at the pier is so-so. If you want to kill time, you can go to the lawn on the other side and laze around, or set up a camping chair – that would be very comfortable.
- I have to say, renting a car in Dali is really cheap! Renting a car on "Qunar" only costs 30 yuan a day. A car full of five people, driving towards Zibi Lake, was pure bliss.