Cangshan Mountain

Dali’s Cangshan Mountain, stands as the principal peak at the southern end of the Yunling Mountains, bordering Erhai Lake to the east and overlooking the Heihei River to the west. The range comprises 19 majestic peaks, each soaring above 3,500 meters in elevation, with the highest reaching 4,122 meters. In this way, Cangshan Mountain is often called the “eaves of the roof of the world.” 

Perpetual snow blankets the summits, earning it the reputation of “snow that never melts, even under the scorching summer sun.” From the summit, one can overlook the stunning vistas of Dali city.

Dali Cangshan Mountain Facts

  • In Chinese: 苍山
  • Location: Located in the central part of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, west of Erhai Lake, about 2 km to the west of the Dali city
  • Altitude: About 3,074–4,122 meters. Its highest peak, Malong Peak, reaches an elevation of 4,122 meters.
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 am - 17:00 pm
  • Tickets: 35 yuan per person
  • Suggested Visiting Duration: 5-8 hours
  • Best for people: Hiking enthusiasts, families with kids
  • Cangshan Mountain, Dali

    What to See on Cangshan Mountain

    A trip to Cangshan Mountain of Dali offers more than panoramic views. Key attractions in Cangshan Moutain include ancient temples, pristine alpine lakes, and unique geological sites. A trip to Cangshan Mountain will undoubtedly be an unforgettable highlight of your Dali tour.>> Recommended 4 Days Dali Adventure Tour: Hiking & Biking

    For ancient architecture enthusiasts, temples on the Cangshan Mountain are worthy visiting. Such as Jizhao An, which is renowned for its distinctive approach of cultivating flowers instead of burning incense, earning it the title of “China’s most beautiful Buddhist nunnery.”

    Another gem is the Seven Dragon Girls Pool, a series of seven stunning, emerald-colored pools and cascading waterfalls nestled deep in a forested valley

    Cangshan Mountain Cable Car

    Ascending Cangshan Mountain on foot is a significant undertaking. Fortunately, here are 3 cable cars on the Cangshan Mountain.

    Xi Ma Tan Cable Cars

    The Ximatan cable car is the only cable car that can reach the summit. It features three stations—lower, middle, and upper—spanning a vertical rise of 1.6 kilometers and a total length of approximately 5.5 kilometers, truly connecting three distinct landscapes in one journey.

  • The ticket Price: Peak season ¥335/adult (full route)
  • Opening Hours: 8:30-16:30 (last entry at 16:00)
  • Route: Tianlong Babu Film Studio - Seven Dragon Girl Pool Scenic Area - Ximatan Scenic Area
  • Best For: Visitors who want to reach the highest accessible point with minimal physical effort.
  • Gantong Cable Car

    This cable car provides a route that access to the central scenic area of the mountain. With a total length of 2,630 meters, this section boasts the highest concentration of attractions, including Gantong Temple, Ji Zhao An, the Zhenlong Chessboard, and the Qingbi Stream.

  • Ticket Price: round-trip ¥115 (includes entrance fee)
  • Opening Hours: 8:30-16:30 (last entry at 16:00)Route: Gantong Temple - Qingbi StreamBest For: Active travelers planning a Cangshan Mountain hike along the scenic Jade Belt Road.
  • Dali Cangshan Mountain temple

    Zhonghe Temple Cable Car

    Zhongtong Temple’s open-air gondola cable car offers a romantic journey through the scenic beauty of Cangshan Mountain. while experiencing the forests of Cangshan Mountains up close while enjoying panoramic views of Old Dali Town and Erhai Lake.

  • Ticket Price: round-trip ¥95
  • Opening Hours: 8:30-16:00 (last entry at 16:00)
  • Route: Dali Old Town March Street Horse Racing West - Zhonghe Peak Jade Belt Road
  • Best For: A shorter, more meditative experience focused on culture and sweeping views.
  • Hiking on Cangshan Mountain

    Jade Belt Road

    The Jade Belt Cloud Trail is an 18-kilometer scenic path constructed halfway up the main peak of Cangshan Mountain. This is the most famous and accessible Cangshan Mountain trail. Hailed as a wellness trail, this route remains nearly flat throughout, offering breathtaking views overlooking Old Dali Town and Erhai Lake. It is suitable for most fitness levels of hiking enthusiasts.
  • Route: Gantong Cable Car - Qingbi Stream - Jade Belt Road - Zhonghe Cable Car
  • Ticket: entrance tickets ¥35 + cable car ¥80 (round-trip)
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Hike to Jizhao An

    This easygoing route is perfect for beginners, seniors, or children. The highlight is savoring delicious vegetarian cuisine in Jizhao An while taking in the stunning scenery of Qingbi Stream.

  • Route: Gantong Cable Car - Jizhao An - Qingbi Stream - Gantong Cable Car
  • Ticket: entrance ticket ¥35+one-way cable car ¥65
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Hike to Xi Ma Tan

    For a more challenging hike Cangshan Mountain, experienced hikers can trek from the Seven Dragon Girls Pool station to the Xi Ma Tan summit area. This high-altitude route is steep and demanding.

  • Route: The Tianlong Babu Film Studio - Jade Belt Path - Longxi Pool - Qingbi Stream - Jizhao An - Gantong Temple
  • Ticket: entrance fee ¥35
  • Duration: 5-7 hours

  • Hiking Tips: Always check the Cangshan Mountain weather forecast before you go. Start early to avoid afternoon mists. Wear comfortable shoes, take a warm jacket, and always carry enough water and snacks. The mountain’s high UV levels make sunscreen and a hat essential.

    Cangshan Mountain, Yunnan, China

    How to Get to Cangshan Mountain

    Close to Dali city, The quickest way to get to Cangshan Mountain is from Dali Old Town.

    By Bus

    Cangshan mountain’s eastern foothills are just 2 kilometers west of the Old Dali Town. From the tourist center at the South Gate of Old Dali Town, you can take a direct shuttle to the various cable cars on Cangshan Mountain. Alternatively, take Bus No. 4 and get off at Gantong Temple, then walk approximately 2 kilometers to reach Gantong Temple.

    By Taxi

    Taking a taxi is the fastest way to reach Cangshan Mountain. You can take a taxi from Old Dali Town to the Ximatan Cable Car. The entire journey takes about 30 minutes and costs ¥50-60.

    Cangshan Mountain Weather and Best Time to Visit

    Cangshan Mountain offers stunning scenery year-round, but weather conditions can change significantly within a single day. Be sure to check the Cangshan Mountain’s weather forecast before your visit.

     Best Seasons to visit Cangshan Mountain are widely recognized as spring and autumn (April-May & September-October). These months’ weather are the most stable and pleasant, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and lush greenery or autumn colors. It’s the ideal time for hiking and clear views.

    Explore Cangshan Mountain with Your Personal Guide: Easy Tour China

    To fully appreciate not only the majesty of Cangshan Mountain and its surroundings without the logistical hassle, but also visit other the most famous mountains in China,consider joining a professionally guided tour. Easy Tour China will offer expertly crafted itineraries that combine this natural wonder with the cultural heritages of Dali, Yunnan Province. Here are the suggested Dali travel itineraries that included Cangshan Mountain of Dali.

  • 3 Days Relaxing Dali Tour with Extension to Shaxi Ancient Town
  • 4 Days Dali Adventure Tour: Hiking & Biking
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