Cangshan Mountain
Cangshan Mountain, a 4,000-meter-high range south of Dali, Yunnan, is a UNESCO Global Geopark. With 19 peaks and 18 creeks, it forms a dramatic backdrop to Erhai Lake. Famed for marble peaks, alpine meadows, and rare flora (like the azure Cangshan gentian), it’s sacred to the Bai people and a hiker’s paradise.
Historical Overview
Formed during the Himalayan Orogeny, Cangshan’s geological history spans 500 million years. It was a holy site for the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom (7th–9th centuries) and later inspired poets and scholars. In 1984, it became a national park, balancing conservation with trails, temples, and modern viewpoints.
Geographical Layout
1. The mountain stretches 45 km north-south, with:Peaks: 19 summits, including Malong Peak (4,122m) and Cloud-Chasing Peak (3,968m).
2. Vegetation Zones: Subtropical forests (below 2,200m), temperate woodlands, and alpine meadows.
3. Key Features: Jade Cloud Road (a 16km mid-mountain trail), Seven Dragon Pools, and the Zhonghe Temple ruins.
4. Glacial Relics: U-shaped valleys and moraines from the Ice Age.
Major Attractions
Xima Lake: A 3,920m glacial tarn surrounded by wildflowers (June–August).
Zhonghe Temple: 1,300-year-old Buddhist ruins with panoramic views.
Jade Cloud Road: Suspended path linking Longquan and Qingbi Valleys.
Seven Dragon Pools: Series of cascading waterfalls and pools.
Gantong Temple: 1,000-year-old monastery with tea ceremonies.
Cangshan Geological Museum: Interactive exhibits on marble formation.
Yangzhi Plain: High-altitude meadow for horseback riding (May–Oct).
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (4–5 hours):
Gantong Temple → Jade Cloud Road → Qingbi Creek → Zhonghe Temple.
Highlights: Temples, waterfalls, and mid-mountain vistas.
- Adventure Route (Full Day):
Cable Car to Xima Lake → Trek to Malong Peak → Descend via Yangzhi Plain.
Highlights: Glacial lakes, summit views, and alpine meadows.
- Cultural Route (Half Day):
Gantong Temple → Seven Dragon Pools → Bai folk-art workshops.
Highlights: History, crafts, and sacred sites.
Ticket Purchase
Cangshan Scenic Area: ¥35 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
Cable Car (Wase to Zhonghe): ¥80 (one-way), ¥120 (round-trip).
Combined Ticket (Cable Car + Geopark): ¥180.
Free: Children under 1.2m.
Transportation
To Dali:
Air: Fly to Dali Airport (DLU), then taxi (¥40–50) to Old Town.
Train: High-speed rail from Kunming (2 hours).
Local:
Cable Car: From Tiansi Eight Areas (20 mins from Dali Old Town).
Bus: Route #4 from Dali to Gantong Temple (¥3, 1 hour).
Taxi: ¥30–40 from Old Town to trailheads.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Nov–Mar (off-season) or weekdays.
Best Seasons: Spring (Apr–May) for blooms; autumn (Sep–Oct) for clear skies.
Wear: Layered clothing (temps drop 6°C per 1,000m), sturdy boots.
Altitude Note: Acclimatize in Dali (2,000m) before hiking.
Respect: Bai ritual sites; no littering.
Try: Baicha (milk fan) and Sanyacha (three-course tea) in Gantong Village.
FAQ
What are the good places for viewing Erhai Lake in Cangshan Mountain?
Yunnong Peak is a great place to view Erhai Lake. In addition, the Yudai Cloud - Wandering Road in the middle of the mountain also offers a wide - angle view of Erhai Lake and Dali Basin, allowing you to have a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery.
Can we ride a horse to climb Cangshan Mountain?
Yes, you can. You can start from the Tianlong Babu Film and Television City, and the cost is 150 yuan per horse, which takes about an hour. And you can avoid the entrance ticket of Cangshan Mountain before 8 o'clock.
What local cultural activities can we experience on Cangshan Mountain?
You can visit some ancient temples on the mountain, such as Jizhao Nunnery and Boluo Temple, and experience the temple - fair culture and vegetarian - food culture. At the same time, you can also enjoy the unique architectural culture of the Bai people in some ancient buildings on the mountain.
How many kinds of cable cars are there on Cangshan Mountain? Where do they go respectively?
There are three kinds of cable cars on Cangshan Mountain. The Ximatan Cable Car (Cangshan Grand Cable Car) starts from the Tianlong Babu Film and Television City, passes through Qilongnv Pool and arrives at Ximatan. The Zhonghe Cable Car is an open - air basket - type cable car, which goes from the west of Sanyue Street Horse - Racing Field to Zhonghe Temple. The Gantong Cable Car goes from Gantong Gate to the upper reaches of Qingbi Stream.
When is Cangshan Mountain open?
Cangshan Mountain is open from 8:30 to 16:00, Monday to Sunday, throughout the year.
