Cangshan Mountain
Cangshan Mountain, a 4,000-meter-high range south of Dali, Yunnan, is a UNESCO Global Geopark. With 19 peaks and 18 creeks, it forms a dramatic backdrop to Erhai Lake. Famed for marble peaks, alpine meadows, and rare flora (like the azure Cangshan gentian), it’s sacred to the Bai people and a hiker’s paradise.
Historical Overview
Formed during the Himalayan Orogeny, Cangshan’s geological history spans 500 million years. It was a holy site for the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom (7th–9th centuries) and later inspired poets and scholars. In 1984, it became a national park, balancing conservation with trails, temples, and modern viewpoints.
Geographical Layout
1. The mountain stretches 45 km north-south, with:Peaks: 19 summits, including Malong Peak (4,122m) and Cloud-Chasing Peak (3,968m).
2. Vegetation Zones: Subtropical forests (below 2,200m), temperate woodlands, and alpine meadows.
3. Key Features: Jade Cloud Road (a 16km mid-mountain trail), Seven Dragon Pools, and the Zhonghe Temple ruins.
4. Glacial Relics: U-shaped valleys and moraines from the Ice Age.
Major Attractions
Xima Lake: A 3,920m glacial tarn surrounded by wildflowers (June–August).
Zhonghe Temple: 1,300-year-old Buddhist ruins with panoramic views.
Jade Cloud Road: Suspended path linking Longquan and Qingbi Valleys.
Seven Dragon Pools: Series of cascading waterfalls and pools.
Gantong Temple: 1,000-year-old monastery with tea ceremonies.
Cangshan Geological Museum: Interactive exhibits on marble formation.
Yangzhi Plain: High-altitude meadow for horseback riding (May–Oct).
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (4–5 hours):
Gantong Temple → Jade Cloud Road → Qingbi Creek → Zhonghe Temple.
Highlights: Temples, waterfalls, and mid-mountain vistas.
- Adventure Route (Full Day):
Cable Car to Xima Lake → Trek to Malong Peak → Descend via Yangzhi Plain.
Highlights: Glacial lakes, summit views, and alpine meadows.
- Cultural Route (Half Day):
Gantong Temple → Seven Dragon Pools → Bai folk-art workshops.
Highlights: History, crafts, and sacred sites.
Ticket Purchase
Cangshan Scenic Area: ¥35 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
Cable Car (Wase to Zhonghe): ¥80 (one-way), ¥120 (round-trip).
Combined Ticket (Cable Car + Geopark): ¥180.
Free: Children under 1.2m.
Transportation
To Dali:
Air: Fly to Dali Airport (DLU), then taxi (¥40–50) to Old Town.
Train: High-speed rail from Kunming (2 hours).
Local:
Cable Car: From Tiansi Eight Areas (20 mins from Dali Old Town).
Bus: Route #4 from Dali to Gantong Temple (¥3, 1 hour).
Taxi: ¥30–40 from Old Town to trailheads.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Nov–Mar (off-season) or weekdays.
Best Seasons: Spring (Apr–May) for blooms; autumn (Sep–Oct) for clear skies.
Wear: Layered clothing (temps drop 6°C per 1,000m), sturdy boots.
Altitude Note: Acclimatize in Dali (2,000m) before hiking.
Respect: Bai ritual sites; no littering.
Try: Baicha (milk fan) and Sanyacha (three-course tea) in Gantong Village.
