The southern end of the majestic Himalayan, Cangshan Mountain stands in the central Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan. It has 19 majestic peaks, of which, Malong Peak is the highest one, with a height of 4,122 metres (13,523 feet).
Cangshan Mountain is rich in forest resources, has a wide variety of flowers, and is also a paradise for wildlife, including the rare Yunnan snub-nosed monkey. With 2 billion years of history, Cangshan Mountain is a “natural geological history book”.
Due to its unique geology, landscapes, and abundant flora and fauna, Dali Cangshan Mountain was listed as a UNESCO World Geopark on 23 September 2014 – the second World Geopark in Yunnan, after Kunming Stone Forest.
Cangshan Mountain also features several ancient temples and historic sites. It is a popular tourist destination for any Yunnan tours, by offering travelers a unique blend of natural wonder exploration and cultural experience.
Dali Cangshan Mountain Facts
- In Chinese: 苍山
- Location:west of the Erhai Lake, in Dali, Yunnan, China
- Height:(13,523 feet)
- Travel tips: You can access the mountain range via cable car or hiking trails
- The time needed: 5-2 days. A tripto Cangshan Mountains typically takes a full day, but you can stay overnight in one of the mountain lodges to an in-depth exploration the next day.
- Highlights: The stunning views of landscape; A panoramic view of Dali Old Town; the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey
- Ticket price: from RMB 110 depending on which cable cars you take
- Opening hours:08:30-16:10
- Suited to: Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and hikers
Must-visit Sites on Cangshan Mountain Dali
Jade Belt Road (玉带路)
The Jade Belt Road is a scenic hiking trail halfway up Cangshan Mountain, with a total length of 18 kilometres and an altitude of about 2,600 metres. From south to north, there are geological landscapes such as Qingbi Creek Canyon, Cangshan Metamorphic Rocks, and Seven Dragon Lady’s Pool, as well as ecological landscapes such as Huashan Pine, Yunnan Pine, and Shredded Rice Rhododendron.
When walking this tranquil trail, travelers can discover some ancient temples, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient Town.
Xima Pond or Wash Horse Pool (洗马潭)
Located in the the junction of Yuju Peak and the Longquan peak, Wash Horse Pool is 3920 metres above sea level, and known as “the lake of the mountain top”. It is an alpine moraine lake during the Dali Little Ice Age in the Quaternary.
According to legend, when Yuan Shizu Kublai Khan invaded Dali, he led his troops over Cangshan Mountain and washed his horse here, which gave the name of the lake.
Butterfly Spring (蝴蝶泉)
Located under Yunlang Peak of the nineteen peaks of Cangshan Mountain, Butterfly Spring is set between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Sea, covering an area of 210,100 square metres.
Next to it is a stone pagoda with traditional Dali Bai architectural features, built with local Dali green stone blocks.
Best Things to Do in Cangshan Mountains
Walking and Hiking
Cangshan Mountains is an ideal destination for hiking, with several hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. Whether you are looking for easy walks or challenging treks, Cangshan Mountains won’t let you down. All the trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, Dali Old Town and Erhai Lake.
Exciting Cable Car Ride
To save your time and energy, you can take cable cars up and down Cangshan Mountain and enjoy the surrounding landscape. There are three cableways, namely Ximatan Cableway (洗马潭索道), Zhonghe Cableway (中和索道), and Gantong Cableway (感通索道). Each of the cableway provides visitors with easy access to different scenic spots.
Ancient Temples Exploration
Famous ancient temples on Cangshan Mountains include the Cangshan Temple,Zhonghe Temple and Gantong Temple which date back to the Tang Dynasty, and Wuwei Temple built in Song Dynasty. Explore these temples, you will learn about the region’s fascinating history and traditions.
Wildlife Watching
08:30-15:00Cangshan has a pleasant climate and dense vegetation, which is why it is inhabited by deer, muntjac, rock sheep, bison, mountain donkeys, wild boars, foxes, pheasants and a few rare animals such as the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey.
Popular Hiking Routes in Cangshan Mountains
Route 1: Jade Belt Road Hiking
Hiking distance: about 11km
Difficulty: moderate
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
The tail of Jade Belt Road is one of the most famous hiking trails on Cangshan Mountain. It is approximately 11 kilometers long and offers beautiful views along the way.
Route 2: Hiking from Ximatan to Zhonghe
Hiking distance: about 12km
Difficulty: challenging
Time needed: 7 to 8 hoHurs
From Ximatan to Zhonghe, this hiking route is a challenging trek and takes about 7-8 hours to complete. There are over 1000 stairs at Xianma that requires much strength and energy. You legs will be very tired, but your eyes will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Best Time to Visit Cangshan Mountain in Dali
Cangshan Mountain is located in the low latitude plateau and has a subtropical highland monsoon climate. The rainy season is from May to October.
The best time to visit Cangshan Mountains is usually from March to November when the weather is mild and comfortable, and the landscape is beautiful.
There are also various minority festivals and events held in Dali from March to November, providing travelers home and abroad with many chances to experience the local Bai minority culture and traditions.
How to Get to Cangshan Mountain
- If you are in Dali Ancient City, you can take a taxi to Cangshan Mountain Scenic Spot. You can also to go to the ancient city visitor centre to take the Dali Tourist Scenic Spot through-bus to go there.
- If you are in Xiaguan Villageof Dali, you can take the No.4 bus to Cangshan Gate of Dali Old Town, and then take a taxi or shuttle bus to get there.
- If you are at Dali Airport or Railway Station, you can take the scenicshuttle bus to get there.
Attractions Nearby Cangshan Mountain
- Erhai Lake: Right next toCangshan Mountains, it is a stunning body of water surrounded by lush greenery, traditional fishing villages and majestic mountains.
- Dali Old Town: 20 kilometers away from Cangshan Mountains,this charming and historic city is home to a wealth of ancient landmarks, including the ancient city wall and the Foreigners’ Street.
- Xizhou Ancient Town: Located about 18 kilometers north of the Cangshan Mountain, Xizhou is a well-preserved Bai minority townand famous for the beautiful ancient Bai architecture
Recommended Dali Tours with Cangshan Mountain
