Cangshan Mountain rises along the western edge of Erhai Lake in Dali and forms the southern tail of the majestic Himalayas. Because of its unique geology of 19 peaks and 18 streams, rich historic sites, diverse wildlife and abundant flora and fauna, Dali Cangshan Mountain was listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2014.
It is a popular tourist destination for most Yunnan tours, offering travelers a unique blend of natural wonders exploration and cultural experience. To explore the mountain, both hiking and cable cars are popular ways and about half a day to 1 day is needed.
Plan your perfect Cangshan trip with our ultimate guide to top things to do, recommended hikes, transportation, and essential pro tips.
📍 Fast Facts & Elevation Breakdown: Dali Cangshan Mountain
- In Chinese: 苍山 (Cāngshān) / 点苍山 (Diǎncāngshān)
- Location: West of Erhai Lake, in Dali, Yunnan, China
- Highest Peak: Malong Peak (马龙峰) at 4,122 meters (13,524 feet)
- Base / Dali City Altitude: ~1,970 – 2,000 meters (6,463 feet) above sea level
- Jade Belt Road Hiking Trail Altitude: ~2,600 meters (8,530 feet)
- Ximatan Cableway Top Station Altitude: 3,920 meters (12,860 feet)
- Access: Primarily via 3 main cableway lines and paved hiking trails
- Time Needed: Half day to 1 day
- Highlights: 19 alpine peaks, 18 streams, panoramic Erhai Lake views, high alpine lakes, ancient Buddhist & Taoist temples, rhododendron/azalea forests
- Ticket Price: CNY 35/USD 5 park entry; Cableways range from CNY 65 to CNY 335
- Opening Hours: 08:30 – 16:00 (Last entry: 15:00 – 15:30; downhill cableways close around 16:30–17:00)
- Suited To: Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and hikers
🗺️ Key Station GPS Navigation Coordinates (for Didi / Maps):
Cableway / Entrance Name |
GPS Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude) |
|---|---|
Gantong Cableway Base Station (感通索道) |
25.6421° N, 100.1583° E (25.6421, 100.1583) |
Ximatan Cableway Lower Station (洗马潭索道) |
25.6885° N, 100.1432° E (25.6885, 100.1432) |
Zhonghe Cableway Lower Station (中和索道) |
25.6982° N, 100.1488° E (25.6982, 100.1488) |
🚡 3 Main Cableways
🥾 Jade Belt Road Trail
🛕 Historic Temples
📖 Content Preview
Recommended Hiking Trails in Cangshan Mountain
Hiking is a very popular way to explore Cangshan Mountain. The scenic area is well-developed with clear signs, so it is friendly to solo travelers, including females. About the hiking routes, the Jade Belt Road section is flat and beginners can conquer it easily, while the route in high altitude area includes a long distance and requires a certain strength.
Route 1: A Complete Tour (High Altitude & Core Highlights)
- Route: Take Zhonghe Cableway uphill → Jade Belt Road → Seven Dragon Lady’s Pool → Take Ximatan Cableway to the peak station → Wash Horse Pool → Cableway downhill
- Hiking Distance: About 6 – 7 km
- Time Needed: About 1 day
- Suitable For: Tourists with good physical strength
- Why Recommended: Comprehensive mountain experience covering both the mid-mountain forest trail and high alpine lake views.
Route 2: Essence Tour (Balanced Hike & Temples)
- Route: Take Ximatan Cableway uphill → Wash Horse Pool → Return to Seven Dragon Lady’s Pool Station by cableway → Jade Belt Road → Take Gantong Cableway downhill → Gantong Temple → Jizhao Monastery
- Hiking Distance: About 6 km
- Time Needed: Over half a day
- Suitable For: Tourists with moderate physical strength
- Why Recommended: Captures the true essence of Cangshan Mountain within half a day, combining high-altitude views with historic temples.
Route 3: Easiest Tour (Beginner & Family Friendly)
- Route: Take Gantong Cableway uphill → Jade Belt Road → Qingbi Stream → Cangshan Grand Canyon → Return to Gantong Cableway and go downhill → Gantong Temple → Jizhao Monastery
- Hiking Distance: About 3 – 5 km
- Time Needed: Half a day
- Suitable For: All tourists, including seniors and families with children
- Why Recommended: Gentle, flat stone walkway all the way, ensuring a relaxing, safe, and scenic tour.
Tips for the Hiking Tour:
- Gantong Cableway offers a panoramic view of Erhai Lake all the way, so the scenery is the most beautiful among the three cableways.
- Zhonghe Cableway is an open carriage, offering a more immersive experience.
- It is highly recommended to take the Zhonghe Cableway uphill and the Gantong Cableway downhill.
- Go downhill before 16:30, as cableways start closing between 16:30 and 17:00.
- The weather is changeable on Cangshan Mountain, so bring a layer coat and rain gear no matter which season you visit.
A 3-day Dali tour featuring cable car ascent of Cangshan Mountain, Erhai lakeside relaxation, ancient town exploration, and Bai minority traditional houses in Xizhou.
Three Main Cableways in Cangshan Mountain
To help you choose the right cableway based on elevation, ticket budget, and physical condition, here is a quick side-by-side comparison of the three cable car lines operating on Cangshan Mountain:
Cableway Name |
Top Station Elevation |
Ride Duration & Distance |
Highlights & Scenery |
Ticket Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ximatan Cableway (洗马潭索道) |
3,920 meters (Near Peak) |
~40 mins | 5,555 meters |
Glacial lake (Wash Horse Pool), high alpine azalea forests, snow peak views. Closed 8-seat cabin lift. |
CNY 190 – 335 (round-trip, incl. entry) |
Gantong Cableway (感通索道) |
2,552 meters (Mid-mountain) |
~15 mins | 2,500 meters |
Gantong Temple, Jizhao Nunnery, Qingbi Stream, Seven Dragon Ladies Pool, Erhai panoramas. Transparent 6-seat cabin. |
CNY 65 (one-way) CNY 100 (round-trip) |
Zhonghe Cableway (中和索道) |
2,595 meters (Mid-mountain) |
~25 mins | 2,000 meters |
Zhonghe Temple, open-air 2-seater chairlift, direct access to Jade Belt Road hiking trail. Primitive forest views. |
CNY 65 (one-way) CNY 96 (round-trip) |
Ximatan Cable Car – Reach the Peak of Cangshan Mountain
- Elevation: 2,242 meters – 2,814 meters – 3,920 meters
- Ticket price: CNY 190 – 335
- Opening hours: Upward: 08:30 – 15:00; Downward: 08:30 – 16:00
- Route: Dragon Oath Cinema City (Tianlongbabu Film Studio) → Seven Dragon Lady’s Pool → Wash Horse Pool
- Time needed: About 40 minutes
- How to get there: Take the tourism direct bus at the south gate of Dali Ancient Town to the cable car stop directly (round-trip ~CNY 5). Or take city bus line C10 and get off at Cinema City (~CNY 2 per person).
Ximatan Cable Car is the only cable car to the peak of Cangshan Mountain and its elevation difference of 1,648 meters is one of the largest among cableways in the world. With a total length of 5,555 meters, it is also a major tourism cableway in China. To protect against wind and cold, the cable cars use an imported closed cabin lift with 8 seats. Along the way, you can see glacial relics, fir forests, and a sea of blooming azaleas in late spring.
Gantong Cable Car – Excellent Scenery Viewing Line
- Elevation: 2,260 meters – 2,552 meters
- Ticket price: CNY 65 for a single trip and CNY 100 for a round trip
- Opening hours: 08:30 – 16:30
- Route: Gantong Temple → Qingbi Stream
- Time needed: About 15 minutes
- How to get there: Take the tourism direct bus at the south gate of Dali Ancient Town to the Ticket Center of Gantong cable car, or get there by taxi directly.
Gantong Cable Car is designed with 6-seat transparent cabin lifts so that tourists can enjoy an unobstructed view of the surrounding scenery. During the 2,500-meter-long ride, you can look up at the snow peaks of Cangshan Mountain and overlook Dali Ancient Town and Erhai Lake.
Zhonghe Cable Car – Open Hanging Chair
- Elevation: 1,600 meters – 2,595 meters
- Ticket price: CNY 65 for a single trip and CNY 96 for a round trip
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00
- Route: Near the race course in Sanyue Street → Zhonghe Temple
- Time needed: About 25 minutes
- How to get there: Take city bus lines 4, C2, C7, or C10 to Shuidui Village, then walk east for about 15 minutes to the ticket center. Or take a taxi directly.
As the oldest cable car in Cangshan Mountain, it features an open hanging chair design with double seats, making it suitable for tourists who seek open-air views and love photography (not recommended for young kids or travelers with acrophobia). This route travels above primitive pine forests, providing clear aerial views over Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, and surrounding Bai minority villages.
Hike from Heyang Village through terraced tea plantations and pine forests, explore Taoxi Valley's misty waterfalls, and reach Xiaocen Peak for sweeping Cangshan panoramas.
Must-visit Sites on Cangshan Mountain Dali
Jade Belt Road – Halfway up the Mountain
The Jade Belt Road (Yudai Yunyou Lu) is a paved scenic hiking trail halfway up Cangshan Mountain, spanning a total length of 18 kilometers at an altitude of about 2,600 meters. From south to north, it connects geological landscapes such as Qingbi Creek Canyon, Cangshan Metamorphic Rocks, and Seven Dragon Ladies’ Pool, along with rich flora like Huashan Pine, Yunnan Pine, and Shredded Rice Rhododendron.
When walking this tranquil trail, travelers can discover ancient mountain temples and enjoy sweeping views of Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient Town below.
Wash Horse Pool (Ximatan) – At the Mountain Top
Located at the junction of Yuju Peak and Longquan Peak, Wash Horse Pool sits at 3,920 meters above sea level and is known as “the high alpine lake at the mountain top.” Ximatan Cableway transports visitors directly near its shore.
Formed during the Dali Little Ice Age of the Quaternary Period, this alpine moraine lake is especially charming from April to early June, when its crystal waters take on a deep blue hue framed by rugged rocks and alpine meadows. The cable car ride during this season offers a view over blooming azaleas. On clear days, visitors can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Erhai Lake and surrounding mountain ridges.
Seven Dragon Ladies’ Pool – In a Deep Valley Halfway up the Mountain
This pool system is located in the deep valley of Black Dragon Stream. As the stream cascades down the mountain, seven tiers of natural rock pools are formed, each displaying different water hues ranging from turquoise to deep indigo. With cascading waterfalls, moss-covered stone walls, and reflections of fir trees, it forms a picturesque alpine gorge landscape.
Zhonghe Temple – Halfway up the Mountain
Zhonghe Temple is a well-preserved Taoist temple complex hidden in the pine forests halfway up the mountain, with a history tracing back to the Qing Dynasty.
Standing on the view platform in front of the temple, you can look out across Dali Old Town and the crescent-shaped western shore of Erhai Lake. When the setting sun casts golden light over the ancient Bai villages at dusk, the scenery is breathtaking.
Gantong Temple + Jizhao Nunnery – At Mountain Foot
Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, Gantong Temple is one of the oldest temples on Cangshan Mountain and is historically regarded as the first Zen temple in Yunnan. Surrounded by ancient tea gardens, the temple offers a unique tea-and-Zen cultural experience where visitors can taste renowned Gantong tea.
Jizhao Nunnery is famous for its garden courtyard filled with numerous flowering succulents. Here, visitors can enjoy a quiet vegetarian meal and tea. Located just a 10-minute walk from Gantong Temple, the two are frequently combined in one excursion.
Butterfly Spring (蝴蝶泉) – At the Foot of Yunnong Peak
Located under Yunnong Peak of Cangshan Mountain, Butterfly Spring is situated about 27 km from the main scenic park near Zhoucheng Village and Xizhou Town. It was historically famous for thousands of butterflies gathering around the 15th day of the fourth lunar month. While ecological changes reduced butterfly sightings over the decades, local habitat restoration initiatives launched in 2026 aim to revive native populations.
Today, visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear spring water under a historic Butterfly Tree, visit the Butterfly Museum, and see live species in the Butterfly Conservatory.
Cycle along Erhai's shores, hike Cangshan Mountain, and uncover the Tea Horse Road history at Shaxi Ancient Town before reaching Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Practical Travel Information about Cangshan Mountain
Best Time to Visit Cangshan Mountain in Dali
Cangshan Mountain is accessible year-round, with spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) offering the most favorable conditions. Average temperatures during these seasons range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
In spring, blooming azaleas and lush vegetation create great opportunities for photography. In autumn, stable sunny weather provides crisp views across Erhai Lake and the 19 peaks of Cangshan.
How to Get to Cangshan Mountain
From Dali Ancient City
- Direct Shuttle Bus: Available at the Ancient City Visitor Center. A one-way ticket costs ~CNY 5 – 10 / USD 1 and takes about 10 – 20 minutes.
- Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Didi): Costs around CNY 15 – 20 / USD 2 – 3 with a travel time of 10 – 20 minutes.
From Xiaguan District (Dali Downtown)
- Public Bus + Transfer: Take Bus No. 4 to Cangshan Gate of Dali Old Town, then transfer to a taxi or shuttle bus.
- Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Fares range from CNY 30 – 50 / USD 4 – 7, taking 30 – 50 minutes depending on which cableway station you select.
From Dali Airport
- Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Direct travel takes 40 – 50 minutes and costs ~CNY 80 – 120 / USD 12 – 18.
- Airport Shuttle Bus + Taxi: Take the airport shuttle bus to Dali Old Town (~CNY 25 / USD 3, 1–1.5 hours), then take a short taxi to the mountain entrance.
From Dali Railway Station
- Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Costs ~CNY 30 – 50 / USD 4 – 7, with a travel time of 30 – 40 minutes.
- Public Bus + Taxi: Take Bus No. 4 or 8 to Dali Old Town (~CNY 3 / USD 0.5, 1 hour), then transfer to a taxi or local shuttle.
Practical Travel & Altitude Safety Tips
- Ticket Booking: International visitors can purchase tickets at the entrance counters. Official WeChat account “大理旅游集团” (Dali Travel Group) supports passport verification in Chinese.
- Altitude Sickness Prevention: While base areas (2,000m) and Jade Belt Road (2,600m) rarely cause altitude issues, ascending Ximatan Cableway to 3,920m involves rapid elevation change. Pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and rent a windproof jacket or buy a small portable oxygen canister at the lower station if needed.
- Wind Closures on Ximatan: Ximatan Cableway operates in two stages. If high mountain winds occur near the summit, the upper section (2,900m to 3,920m) may temporarily close for safety, operating only to the middle station at a discounted ticket fare.
- What to Wear & Gear: Weather can change quickly on the mountain. Wear layered clothing (quick-dry shirt, fleece jacket, windbreaker), sturdy non-slip walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bring a rain poncho.
- Mountain Safety: Stay strictly on marked stone walkways and wooden boardwalks. Unmaintained wilderness areas carry risks of steep cliffs and loose rocks. In case of thunder, descend promptly from open ridge lines.
Trace the Ancient Tea Horse Road from Shaxi to Lijiang, exploring Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, and Dali Old Town.
How to Plan a Dali Tour with Cangshan Mountain
Allocating 3 to 5 days is ideal for experiencing both Cangshan Mountain and other major attractions in Dali:
- Day 1: Arrive in Dali → Explore Dali Ancient Town
- Day 2: Hike or take cableways on Cangshan Mountain & visit Jizhao Nunnery
- Day 3: Cycle along Erhai Lake → Experience local Bai tie-dyeing or flower cake baking
- Day 4: Departure
If you have extra time, add a day to visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple and Xizhou Ancient Town on Day 4, departing on Day 5 to cover all core highlights of Dali.
Hike Cangshan Mountain's Jade Belt Road, cycle along Erhai Lake, learn Bai tie-dyeing, and make traditional Yunnan flower cakes in Dali.
Cangshan Mountain vs Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Comparison
Cangshan Mountain in Dali and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang are two iconic mountains in Yunnan, each offering distinct landscapes and travel experiences:
Comparison Aspect |
Cangshan Mountain (Dali) |
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Lijiang) |
|---|---|---|
Core Scenery |
Overlooking Erhai Lake, green pine forests, historic temples, high alpine lakes, azalea blooms. |
Dramatic snow-capped peaks, modern glaciers, high alpine meadows, Blue Moon Valley. |
Highest Accessible Altitude |
3,920 meters (Ximatan Cableway top station); Malong Peak is 4,122 meters. |
4,506 meters (Glacier Park Cableway top station); Shanzidou Peak is 5,596 meters. |
Hike Difficulty |
Relatively easy to moderate; flat paved Jade Belt Road (2,600m) is great for casual walking. |
Moderate to challenging due to higher elevation and colder summit conditions. |
Cable Car Lines |
Ximatan (Summit), Gantong (Mid-mountain), Zhonghe (Mid-mountain open chairlift). |
Glacier Park Cableway, Spruce Meadow Cableway, Yak Meadow Cableway. |
Altitude Sickness Risk |
Low on mid-mountain routes (2,200m–2,600m); moderate near Ximatan Summit (3,920m). |
Higher risk due to 4,500m+ elevation at Glacier Park; oxygen canisters are widely used. |
Best Visiting Seasons |
Spring (flowers & azaleas) and Autumn (clear weather & lake views). |
November to April (best snow cover and clear glacier views). |
Attractions Near Cangshan Mountain
- Erhai Lake: Located to the east of Cangshan Mountain (separated by Dali Ancient City and farmlands), this alpine lake is surrounded by biking trails, traditional Bai fishing villages, and scenic wetland parks.
- Dali Old Town: Located right at the eastern foot of Cangshan Mountain (~3–5 km away), this historic town features ancient city walls, Bai architecture, and lively streets.
- Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: Roughly 1.5 km northwest of Dali Old Town and 1.5 km from the Cangshan foothills, this landmark Tang-Style Buddhist complex faces the mountain to the west and the lake to the east, serving as one of Dali’s most iconic symbols.
- Xizhou Ancient Town: Situated ~18 km north, Xizhou is famous for well-preserved Bai courtyard architecture, morning markets, and traditional Xizhou baba snacks.
- Zhoucheng Village: Around 22 km north of Cangshan Mountain, a time-honored Bai village renowned for thousand-year-old tie-dye intangible cultural heritage and quiet rural scenery.
- Shuanglang Village: Approximately 45–50 km northeast, a picturesque lakeside hamlet on Erhai’s east bank, celebrated for panoramic lake-mountain views and stylish lakeside homestays (note: travel time is about 1 to 1.5 hours by car).
Plan Your Yunnan Dali Tour with China Xian Tour
Besides Cangshan Mountain, Dali is famous for Erhai Lake, ancient Bai towns, and unique minority traditions. When traveling with China Xian Tour, all logistical details—including private vehicle transfers, cableway ticket reservations, hotel stays, and hands-on activities like Bai tie-dyeing—are tailored to your preferences. Feel free to contact us anytime to customize your ideal Yunnan itinerary!
FAQs about Cangshan Mountain
What is the elevation / altitude of Cangshan Mountain and Dali?
Dali City and Dali Old Town sit at an altitude of approximately 1,970 to 2,000 meters (6,463 feet). Cangshan Mountain’s highest peak (Malong Peak) reaches 4,122 meters (13,524 feet), while the Jade Belt Road hiking trail runs at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) and Ximatan Cableway reaches 3,920 meters (12,860 feet).
Which cableway on Cangshan Mountain should I choose?
If you want to reach the near-summit glacial lake (3,920m), take Ximatan CablewayFor a relaxed trip with views of Erhai Lake and easy access to Jizhao Nunnery and Seven Dragon Ladies Pool, choose Gantong CablewayIf you enjoy open-air chairlifts and plan to hike the Jade Belt Road, select Zhonghe Cableway
Is altitude sickness a concern on Cangshan Mountain?
Most visitors experience no altitude issues in Dali Old Town or on mid-mountain trails like Jade Belt Road (2,600m). However, ascending Ximatan Cableway to 3,920m involves rapid elevation change, which can cause mild breathlessness. Walk at a steady pace and drink water; portable oxygen canisters can be purchased at the lower station if needed.
What are the legends of Cangshan Mountain?
The most famous legend is the “Longing for Husband Cloud” (望夫云). According to local lore, a princess of the Nanzhao Kingdom fell in love with a young hunter. A palace wizard cast the hunter into Erhai Lake, turning him into a stone mule. The grieving princess died of heartbreak on Yuju Peak and transformed into a cloud that appears over Cangshan, blowing away lake waters as she searches for her lover.
Are there hotel accommodation choices near Cangshan Mountain?
Yes. Abundant accommodation options are available both at the foot of Cangshan Mountain (boutique resort inns) and within Dali Ancient City (traditional Bai courtyard guesthouses).
