Cangshan Mountain, located in west of Dali Ancient City and Erhai Lake in Yuannan Province, includes 19 peaks which extend 50km north to south in their column formation like a screen. The peaks, straight and magnificent, are overgrown with primeval forests, and 18 springs and streams filled with crystal-clear waters serpentine among them. Waterfalls and surging rivers emit thunderous roars.May and June are the perfect months to visit Cangshan Mountain since at that time it’s carpeted with many kinds of flowers. The azaleas are the most eye-catching.
What to see?
The highest peak of Cangsan Mountain is Malong Peak with the height of 4,122 meters which shoots up into the sky with its top clogged with dazzling snow all the year round. 'Clouds, Snow, Peaks and Streams' are four spectacular views of the Mountain.
Cangshan Mountain Snow
The snow on the mountain is the best of the Four Famous Scenes (wind, flowers, snow and moon) in Dali. The snow is dazzling and resplendent when the sun rises, especially in March. On a moonlit night, the snow reflecting off the mountain makes one feel as if they are in a crystal world.
Gantong Temple & Zhongtong Temple
About 5km from Dali ancient city, at the southern foot of Shengying Peak, lies Gantong Temple. Gantong Tea is a must-try if you are visiting the temple. It’s also one of the most famous teas of Dali city.
Zhonghe Temple on Zhonghe Peak, built during the Nanzhao Kingdom period (738-902), is one of the most famous Taoist temples in the city. The Songhuo Temple Fair held on the 9th day of the first lunar month is the biggest fair of the temple and can last many days. During this period, pilgrims from all over visit the temple.
Eighteen Sreams
The eighteen streams flowing down and around the nineteen peaks here are also famous. Qingbi Stream between Malong Peak and Shengying Peak is the most enjoyable of them all.
Besides the eighteen streams, there are many lakes over the altitude of 3,800 meters. The shores of the lakes are densely covered with forests,
which contain valuable medical herbs, rare species of trees and many kinds of flowers. Two of the most famous lakes are Xima Pool and Qilongnv Pool.
Cangshan Mountain Cable Car
Instead of hiking, visitors can take a cable car to enjoy Cangshan Mountain. There are three cableways in the Cangshan Mountain Scenic Area: Xima Pool Cableway, Gantong Cableway, and Zhonghe Cableway.
Xima Pool Cableway takes visitors from Tianlong Babu Studio City to Xima Pool on Cangshan Mountain. The route is about 5,580 meters long. From the cable car you can see Dali Ancient City and enjoy the natural scenery on Cangshan Mountain. The whole journey takes about 40 minutes.
Gantong Cableway is about 2,630m long and takes you to Gantong Temple.
Zhonghe Cableway is about 1,668m long, and ends at Zhonghe Temple near Jade Belt Rd.
Travel Tips
Add: Dali City, Yunnan Province
Entrance Fee: CNY 300 ( included cable car)
Opening Hours: 08:30:-16:30