One Day Cangshan Mountain Hiking Tour to Xiaocen Peak (in Dali)
Tour Overview
Dali’s landscapes are dominated by Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain. If you are an adventurer and look for a hiking tour in Dali, this Cangshan day trip is an ideal itinerary. Xiaocen Peak is among the finest alpine scenery.Ā This hiking tour enables you to experience the different ecosystems of the mountain, its pristine trails, and the breathtaking overlooks.
The full-day hike offers a unique combination of cultural interaction and nature’s grandeur. You will start in Heyang VillageĀ and hike the old walkways that go through the terraced rice fields and wild tea plantations. You will also be told about the tea-picking culture in Dali that is still practiced. The trail gets higher and higher and the scenery gets more and more beautiful and that thick pine forests are reached where coolness is felt and chirping of birds is heard.
After noon, the trail first brings you into Taoxi ValleyĀ where you will see hidden waterfalls bathed in mist, and the streams of the clearest water, and seasonal azalea bloomsĀ (April to May) – that really depend on the season – towards the beautiful alpine meadows and finally to XiaocenĀ Peak, where the reward for your effort will be the panoramic views of the ridges, gorges, and distant horizons. This Cangshan trekking experience reveals the best of natureās wonders on the mountain, from greenish valleys to the glacier-shaped summits.
Travel destination: Dali
Suitable for: Hikers, Nature Lovers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Hike from Heyang VillageĀ through terraced fields, wild tea plantations, and fragrant pine forests on a classic Cangshan Mountain trail.
- Explore Taoxi Valleyās misty waterfalls, clear streams, deep canyons, and vibrant spring azalea blooms.
- Reach Xiaocen PeakĀ for sweeping alpine panoramas of ridges, gorges, rolling mountains, and glacier-shaped summits.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Cangshan Mountain Hiking from Dali
When the time comes, your driver and guide will meet you at the hotel, and you'll head to Heyang Village (鹤é³ę). It's a quick half-hour trip to this small village nestled at the base of Cangshan Mountain. This is where the fun begins - your trek up Cangshan Mountain, starting almost 2,000 meters high. Take a big breath of that fresh air and soak it all in. You'll spot rice terraces and striking mountain ridges all around. Follow your guide on the trail that cuts through the wild tea fields, and get a feel for how they pick tea around here. Keep going forward. Mountain trails are bordered with tall pine trees, and you are in the cool atmosphere and under the fragrant canopies.
Tea Plantations on Cangshan Mountain Hike till approx. 12:30 p.m. and then you will take a lunch break. Do the leg pinching to let the tense muscles in your legs relax. Get the view of the mountains around you and listen to nature, e.g. bird singing and insect buzzing, etc.
After lunch, we continue hiking in the direction of Taoxi ValleyĀ (ę”ęŗŖč°·). Along the way, you will discover misty waterfalls, crystal-clear streams flowing through canyons, and moss-covered rocks formed by centuries of water flow. In spring (April to May), this route becomes particularly charming. Countless azaleas bloom along the path, turning the mountainside into a sea of colors.
Hike to Taoxi Valley Trekking up from Taoxi Valley via the alpine meadow, you will come to Xiaocen PeakĀ (å°å²å³°), one ofĀ the nineteen peaks of Cangshan Mountain at a height of 4,092 meters. Glaciers that have eroded the peak eventually shaped it into a pyramid-like top which became one of the most representative corner peaks of Cangshan Mountain. Here you are going to catchĀ the most amazing view of a great panorama: valleys carved deep, ridges rolling, waterfalls flying and mountains in far distance merging with the horizon. Get lost in the beauty of the view and click some moments that will be hard to forget. Later, go down the mountain along the paths.
Once you reach the mountain foot, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Dali Ancient Town, where your memorable full-dayĀ CangshanĀ hiking tourĀ comes to an end.
Tips:
- As there are many bushes, you are advised to wear long clothes and trousers. Hiking boots are necessary.
- Bring your own lunch and water.
- The sun is very strong here, so be sure to apply sunscreen.
- Don't move alone. Follow your leader.
Xiaocen Peak of Cangshan Mountain
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
