Cangshan park: A Natural Epic from the Roof of the World to the Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon

Epic of the Earth -2 Billion Years of Orogenic Movement
The story of Cangshan began with a geological upheaval 2 billion years ago. It is a "natural geological history book", and its special geographical location makes it an important transitional area and regional zoning landmark for geology, geography, biology, and climate in China and even Southeast Asia. This is not only the place where "marble" is named, but also the internationally recognized place where the last glacial period of the Quaternary, the "Dali Ice Age," was named. For billions of years, the opening and closing of the earth's crust, the advance and retreat of the vast ocean, and the carving of glaciers have collectively shaped the magnificent and beautiful skeleton of the 19 peaks of Cangshan and the 18 streams flowing through it.

 Cultural Legends - From the Ancient Kingdom of Nanzhao to the Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon
In the folds of Cangshan lies the code of human civilization that has been buried for over three thousand years. The Cangshan Cliff Painting uses reddish brown lines to depict scenes of our ancestors hunting, worshipping, and living, freezing the earliest cooking smoke of the tribe on rocks. Under the foothills, the capital city of Nanzhao Kingdom, Taihe City, once stood tall. Today, the abandoned city walls still evoke the ancient style of the country. Cangshan also nourishes the romantic imagery of "wind, flowers, snow, and moon", among which "Cangshan snow" is the core of this artistic conception: the white snow on the top of the mountain that lasts through summer, together with the four season blooming flowers on the mountainside and the blue waves of Erhai Lake at the foot of the mountain, form the most beautiful picture of Dali. There are also touching legends such as "Wangfu Yun" that add endless mythological colors to Cangshan.

In depth understanding: Explore more wonders of China's world geological parks>>Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

 Natural Creation - Symphony of Glaciers, Streams, and Vertical Life
The natural landscape of Cangshan is a three-dimensional encyclopedia full of the rhythm of life.
Geological Wonders: Relics of Glacier Carvings
Cangshan is a holy land for studying Quaternary glaciers, preserving various intact glacier relics such as angular peaks, blade ridges, cirques, and ice eroded valleys (U-shaped valleys). The most representative one is Ximatan, a "mountain top glacial lake" located at an altitude of 3920 meters. The pond is clear and covers an area of about 4500 square meters. It is said that Emperor Kublai Khan of the Yuan Dynasty stationed troops here to wash his horses during his expedition to Dali. Standing by the pond, one can intuitively experience the amazing craftsmanship of ancient glacier movements, and the surrounding ice floes tell the ancient story of climate change on Earth.
Dynamic Water: Eighteen Streams and Clear Blue Streams
The 18 streams of Cangshan each have poetic names, such as Xia Yi, Wan Hua, Qing Bi. They start from the snow capped peaks and sing joyfully all the way into Erhai Lake. Qingbi Creek is one of the most famous, and its "Three Pools" landscape (Upper, Middle, and Lower Pools) was once praised by the Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake as "strange to light". The stream falls layer by layer on the huge granite riverbed, forming pools of various colors and clear to the bottom, which is a concentrated reflection of the spiritual energy of Cangshan.
Forest of Secrets: Vertical Ecological Gallery
Due to the huge altitude difference, Cangshan has formed seven complete vegetation vertical bands from the foot to the top, ranging from warm coniferous forests to alpine meadows. This is the hometown of rhododendrons. From late spring to summer, from an altitude of 2000 meters to 4000 meters, different varieties of rhododendrons bloom time and time again, especially in the "backyard" of Xipo Yangbi, where large wild trees of rhododendrons bloom like burning flames. The mountains are home to numerous rare animals and plants, including red pandas, white bellied pheasants, and blood pheasants, forming a complete ecological chain.

 Humanistic Charm - Faith and Poetry in the Mountains
The cultural landscape of Cangshan coexists harmoniously with nature, embodying a thousand years of tranquility and wisdom.
Yudai Yunyou Road: a flat 18 kilometer trail located on the mountainside of Cangshan Mountain, known as the "Ecological Observation Deck". Strolling here, you can enjoy the green valleys of Cangshan on the left and the ancient city of Erhai on the right. The scenery changes throughout the four seasons, especially when the "jade belt cloud" wraps around the mountainside, it feels like walking in a fairyland.
Shanzhong Ancient Temple: There are numerous temples scattered at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, carrying diverse beliefs. Jizhao Temple is famous for its succulent plants and elegant Zen atmosphere, and is known as the "most beautiful temple"; Gantong Temple has a long history and a deep connection with the ancient Tea Horse Road; Zhonghe Temple is adorned with a plaque that reads' Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon ', making it an excellent location for overlooking Dali Dam.
Seven Dragon Maiden Pool: Located deep in the Dragon Creek, it is a place where seven clear springs and pools cascade down. Legend has it that it is the bathing and playing place of the seven dragon maidens of the Erhai Dragon King. Each pool has different shapes and sounds. It is full of fantastic mythical colors. It is the essence of hiking exploration.
Cangshan Geopark Museum: Located at the foot of the mountain, it is a knowledge base for embarking on a journey to Cangshan. The museum systematically showcases the mysteries of the geological evolution and biodiversity of Cangshan over billions of years through rock specimens, glacier landform models, and animal and plant specimens.

Photography tips:
Ximatan is an excellent location for capturing glacier landscapes and high-altitude lakes, with a sea of clouds easily visible in the early morning;
The observation deck on Yudai Road (such as the "Wangfu Cloud" observation deck) is the best spot for taking panoramic shots of Erhai Lake and "Yudai Cloud";
Qingbi Creek is suitable for slow paced filming, as it can capture the stream with a silky texture;
The Zhonghe Temple Cableway (open-air hanging basket) is a unique mobile perspective for capturing the scenery of Cang'er Lake.

 Five essential tasks to unlock the three-dimensional Cangshan
Jumping over Cang'er Lake by Cableway: The first choice is the Ximatan Cableway, which is 5555 meters long and has a vertical height difference of 1648 meters. It is one of the world-class high-altitude sightseeing cableways. It takes about 40 minutes one way to reach an area at an altitude of 3900 meters, where you can see the vertical changes in geology and vegetation from temperate to cold zones, and overlook the hundred mile Erhai Lake like a mirror. The operation of the Ximatan Cableway is greatly affected by weather, especially during strong winds, and may be suspended. It is recommended to go there in the morning and check in advance.
Taking a Jade Belt Cloud Tour: The essence lies in experiencing the comfort of "walking in the painting". Choosing the section from Qingbi Creek to Qilong N ü chi or Zhonghe Temple, with a gentle road and rich ecology along the way, is the best way to experience the "quiet" and "beautiful" side of Cangshan. Depending on the route, it takes about 2-4 hours to hike.
Searching for a clear blue stream and an ancient temple: In the morning, hike the clear blue stream, touch the cold water of the stream, and enjoy the verdant scenery of three pools; At noon, head to Jizhao Temple and enjoy a light and delicious vegetarian meal. Enjoy a peaceful time amidst the succulents and flowers in the courtyard, creating a perfect combination of movement and stillness.
Encountering the High Mountain Rhododendron Sea: Late April to June is the best season every year. You can go to Yangbi County on the west slope of Cangshan, where there are contiguous wild rhododendron forests with vast areas, colorful scenery, and magnificent momentum. It is a natural wonder that cannot be missed in spring.
Tasting a wild mountain flavor: Must try specialties include Yangbi Walnut Banquet (walnut stewed chicken, walnut pastry, etc.), Ganma Chicken (a traditional dish of the caravan), and Jizhao An Su Zhai. For snacks, you can search for Yangbi roll noodles, roasted milk fans, and experience authentic Bai ethnic three course tea.

 Tourist Route Suggestions
One day panoramic cableway tour (suitable for most tourists):
Arrive at the Ximatan cableway station as early as possible in the morning, take the cableway up the mountain, and visit the Ximatan scenic area (about 2-3 hours). At noon, take the cableway down to Qilong Women's Pool Station and hike around Qilong Women's Pool. In the afternoon, you can continue hiking a section of Yudai Road, or take a cableway down the mountain and take a taxi to visit the Gantong Temple and Jizhao Temple areas. This itinerary allows for maximum efficiency in experiencing the high, medium, and low altitude core landscapes of Cangshan.
IntoTravelChina reminder: This itinerary requires a certain level of physical strength and requires close attention to the cable car operation time.
Two day 'Deep Natural and Cultural' Tour (Highly Recommended):
Day 1: Geological and Ecological Journey
In the morning, visit the Cangshan Geological Park Museum to establish a knowledge background. Then take the Gantong Cableway up the mountain, hike to Qingbi Creek, and hike north along Yudai Road to the vicinity of Qilong Women's Pool (about 3-4 hours). In the afternoon, go down the mountain and stay at the characteristic home stay at the foot of Dali Old City or Cangshan Mountain. Strolling through the ancient city at night and tasting Bai ethnic cuisine.
The next day: Pilgrimage meditation and exploration of the western slope
In the morning, go to Jizhao Temple to pay respects to Buddha, enjoy tea, and study in the studio, and feel the Zen spirit. In the afternoon, you can choose to charter a car to Yangbi on the west slope of Cangshan to visit the steep Shimenguan Canyon, or in spring, go deep into Guangming Village and other places to appreciate the thousands of acres of azaleas and ancient peach forests. Return to Dali in the evening or proceed to the next station.
The advantages of IntoTravelChina: We can book the most suitable accommodation for you, arrange the connection of all activities, and provide detailed hiking routes and safety guidelines.

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 How to reach: Seamless Connection Guide
Cangshan is close to Dali Old City, with convenient transportation.
Airplane/high-speed railway: After arriving at Dali Airport or Dali Station, take a taxi or bus to Dali Old City (about 30-40 minutes' drive).
From the ancient city to the cableway: There is a direct train from the tourist center at the south gate of the ancient city to the Sanjiao cableway station. You can also take a taxi or rent an electric scooter to get there. Each cableway station is about 10-20 minutes' drive from the ancient city.
Self driving: navigate to the parking lots of various cable car stations (such as the parking lot at the Ximatan cable car station) for convenient parking.

 Best Travel Time
Cangshan is beautiful all year round, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable and pleasant seasons.
Spring and Autumn Golden Season (March May, September November): The climate is mild and the sky is clear. In spring, mountain flowers bloom brilliantly, especially in April and May when alpine rhododendrons are in full bloom; In autumn, the forests are all dyed, and hiking on the Jade Belt Road is the most comfortable.
Summer rainy season (June August): Abundant rainfall and spectacular streams, but mountainous areas are rainy and slippery, with many clouds and mist, which may affect the viewing and cableway operation.
Winter snow season (December February): The snow on the mountaintop is obvious, and the "Cangshan Snow" landscape is the most typical, with magnificent scenery. But high-altitude areas are cold, so it is necessary to take measures to prevent and keep warm.

Accommodation Options
In Dali Old City (first choice): There are a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from boutique inns to high-end hotels. The advantages are convenient dining and transportation, rich nightlife, and easy itinerary arrangement.
Erhai Lake (Scenic Choice): Sea view homestays in Shuanglang, Caicun and other places, where you can enjoy the view of Cangshan Erhai Lake at the same time, but the price is relatively high and it takes a certain drive to reach Cangshan Cableway Station.
At the foot of Cangshan Mountain (a peaceful choice): There are some hidden inns near Gantong Temple and Wuwei Temple, with a quiet environment suitable for travelers seeking tranquility, but relatively few supporting facilities.

IntoTravelChina accommodation booking recommendations:
Accommodation is tight during the peak tourist season in Dali (Spring Festival, National Day, summer vacation, etc.). By booking with us, not only can you get real-time room availability and the best prices, but you can also recommend the most suitable accommodation area based on your itinerary focus (with a focus on Cangshan or Erhai Lake), and ensure seamless transportation connection. >>Click to contact IntoTravelChina travel consultant

Classic 4-day trip to Lijiang Snow Mountain: the Old Town of Lijiang → Yulong Snow Mountain (Glacier Park, Blue Moon Valley, Impression Lijiang) → Baisha Ancient Town and Shuhe Ancient Town → Lashihai. This is a classic introductory journey from holy snow capped mountains to soft times.

Classic 7-day panoramic tour of Yunnan: Kunming (Stone Forest, Old Street) → Dali (Xizhou Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, Three Towers, Cangshan Mountain) → Lijiang (Ancient City, Yulong Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley) → Shangri La (Songzanlin Temple, Pudacuo National Park). This is a complete cultural and natural painting that runs through the golden tourism route of Yunnan, from karst wonders to wind, flowers, snow, and moon, from snow capped mountains and holy lakes to Tibetan secret places. >>View the 7-day Yunnan panoramic tour route

he story of Cangshan is about the password of the earth's billions of years of change, the miracle of the vertical distribution of life, and the dwelling of millennium humanistic beliefs. IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating a deep, personalized, and worry free travel experience in China. Our travel experts can assist you with:
Tailored itinerary: Design the most reasonable Cangshan tour route based on your interests, physical strength, and time (cable car selection, hiking intensity, seasonal highlights).
One stop service: Get tickets, cable car tickets, special accommodations, transportation connections, local tour guides, and activity reservations.
Exclusive experience and safety guarantee: Provide detailed hiking guidance, high-altitude reaction prevention suggestions, and arrange geological experts to accompany and explain in-depth experiences.
Make your journey to Cangshan not just a distant view, but also a dialogue with the history and diversity of life on Earth.

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