洱海 is Dali's landmark attraction. Check the official WeChat for tickets and hours. Arrive before 8am to beat the tour-bus rush after 9. Plan 3-5 hours for the full site — wear comfortable sneakers.
Recommended route: Entrance → core viewing area → 洱海 main sight → peripheral spots → exit. For photos, spend 30 minutes at 洱海 exploring different angles. On-site restaurants are overpriced — bring your own snacks and water.
Pitfall warnings: ① Refuse street hustlers offering "discount tours" — 90% are scams; ② Buy only official tickets, not marked-up third-party ones; ③ Get the electric buggy — walking distance is too long; ④ Rushan spots near 洱海 cater to tourists — overpriced and mediocre. Eat back in town. Budget reference: tickets + transport + food ~200-400 RMB/person.