Cangshan Mountain

Introducing Cangshan Mountain
Cangshan is the high mountain range located just to the west of Dali Old Town. With 19 peaks at the elevation of 3,500 meters lined up from south to north, Cangshan Mountain is full of beautiful landscapes and amazing scenic sites that shouldn’t be missed. At the same time, it is also an established place for geological research as well as wild animal watching.

Cangshan Mountain Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Cangshan 苍山
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 4 to 5 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Hiking
• Opening Hours: 08:30-16:30 from Apr to Oct; 08:30-15:40 from Nov to Mar
• Entrance Fee: ¥40; ¥335 for Ximatan Cableway round trip, ¥115 for Gantong Cableway round trip, ¥95 for Zhonghe Cableway round trip
• Address: Yinxian Road, West of Dali Old Town, Dali, Yunnan

What to expect at Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain is comprised of 19 hill peaks stretching from north to south. The Nineteen Peaks of Cangshan Mountain stands lofty and sturdy, in start contrast to the elegant and beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake. Nearly all these peaks are above 3,500 meters high, seven of them over 4,000 meters above the sea level. The highest Malong Peak measures 4,122 meters. Between every adjacent two of the Nineteen Peaks, there is a stream which pours down and flows into the Lake, together widely known as the Eighteen Streams.

One of the wonders of the Cangshan Mountain is its snow, which does not disappear even in summer, gaining a long famous reputation as one of the Four Scenic Spots of Dali. In winter, a sweep of glistening snow extends dozens of miles; in summer there are still heaps of “silver” and piles of “jade” above the snow line. Especially on the highest Malong Peak, the snow lasts all year round, so that in summer, the hillside becomes verdant green while the hilltop is still capped by dazzling snow.

On Cangshan Mountain, the forests themselves also constitute an amazing view. From downhill upward, a structured alpine landscape is formed by the belt of young trees and grassland, the belt of pines and oaks, the belt of firs and miscellaneous trees, and the belt of alpine meadow, layer by layer clearly cut, changing colors orderly according to the alteration of seasons.

How to get to Cangshan Mountain
• Take bus No. 4 and get off at Gantongsi Station. Then Walk 2 kilometers to Lower Station of Gantong Cableway.
• Take a taxi or rent a bike in the old town to get the foot of Cangshan Mountain.

Additional travel advice on Cangshan Mountain
• UV is very strong in Dali even in winter, so please wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses during daytime.
• Please wear comfortable hiking shoes.
• The roads on the mountain are complex. Please take care while hiking.
• Long-sleeved clothes or warm jackets are necessary as the temperature is lower on the top of the mountain and at night.
• Children, seniors and people with poor healthy conditions are not recommended to make the hike.