Cangshan Mountain
Dali, Yunnan, 671003
Located west of Dali Ancient City, Cangshan Mountain stretches for 31 miles (50 kilometers) and encompasses 19 peaks, with the highest at 13,523 feet (4,122 meters). There’s also 18 streams, numerous waterfalls, alpine lakes, pools, and temples. Accessible by hiking or cable cars, a scenic paved path winds its way around six mountains.
The basics
To reach the summit of Cangshan Mountain, you can hike or take a cable car—or do a combination of the two. At the top, you’ll enjoy views of clouds, snow, peaks, and streams, the four famous scenes of the mountain range. At 8,530 feet (2,600 meters), the flat and paved Jade Belt Road stretches for 11 miles (18 kilometers). Guided hikes to waterfalls, pools, and the summit are available, and include day hike and overnight camping options.
Things to know before you go
There’s an entrance fee to access the mountain, as well as separate fees for each of the cable cars.
Two of the cable cars (Gantong and Zhonghe) only go part way up the mountain, to the Jade Belt Road. Only the Ximatan cable car goes near the summit of Yuju peak.
Bring layers. It can be cold on the mountain, even in the summer.
Many attractions on the mountain are above 8,530 feet (2,600 meters), and altitude sickness can be an issue.
How to get there
Cangshan Mountain is located around 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) west of Dali Ancient City. A taxi is the easiest way to reach the mountain access points. It’s also possible to take a local bus to Gantong Temple Station and walk around 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) to the cable car. A sightseeing bus also connects Dali Old Town with the Ximatan cable car and Gantong cable car.
When to get there
You can visit the mountain year-round, but the best times to go are in the spring and fall. Spring in particular offers an abundance of flowers, especially azaleas around Ximatan pool. The Jade Cloud typically appears in late summer and early autumn. Expect higher prices for the cable car between April and October. From November to May, it’s common to see snow above 9,850 feet (3,000 meters).
What to see on Cangshan Mountain
One of the highlights of Cangshan Mountain is Zhonghe Temple, which also offers beautiful views of Erhai Lake and Dali Old Town. Gantong Temple is known for its tea, and the massive Zhenlong Chessboard. Xima Pool (which means washing horse pool) is said to be where Kublai Khan once bathed his horses. It’s also known for an abundance of azalea in the late spring and early summer. Qilong Nv Pool, with seven pools, is quite scenic, while Butterfly Spring is known for numerous butterflies in the springtime.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!