Cangshan National GeoPark
- Chinese Name:苍山
- Add: Dali
- Opening Hours:
- Area: 519.9 km²
- Ximatan Cableway: round trip ticket price: 335 yuan
- Gantong Temple Cableway: One-way ticket 50 yuan, round trip 100 yuan
- Zhonghe Temple Cableway: One-way ticket 30 yuan, round trip 60 yuan
- Cangshan Mountain Ticket: 35 yuan
- Zhonghe Temple Vegetarian Meal: 20 yuan
- Stretches: 50 kilometers from north to south and 10-20 kilometers from east to west
- The main peak: Malong Peak, is 4,122 meters above sea level
- Peaks Number in Cangshan Mountain：19
Cangshan National GeoPark
Explore the Majestic Cangshan Geological Park
Located in the heart of Dali, Yunnan Province, Cangshan Geological Park is a stunning natural wonder that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Cangshan Mountain Range. With its dramatic peaks, diverse ecosystems, and fascinating geological formations, this park offers a unique adventure for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.
A Natural Masterpiece
Cangshan Geological Park is renowned for its 19 majestic peaks, the highest reaching over 4,000 meters above sea level. These towering mountains are often shrouded in mist, creating a mystical atmosphere. Crystal-clear streams, alpine meadows, and dense forests add to the park’s enchanting scenery, making it a paradise for hikers and photographers.
A Journey Through Time
The park is a living museum of geology, with formations dating back millions of years. Marvel at the striking marble cliffs, rugged valleys, and glacial relics that tell the story of the Earth’s ancient past. The unique geology of Cangshan has also made it a significant site for scientific research.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Cangshan is not just a natural wonder but also a place of deep cultural and spiritual importance. Scattered throughout the park are ancient temples, pagodas, and tea plantations that offer insight into the traditions of the Bai people and the region’s historical connection to Buddhism.
Adventure and Serenity
Whether you’re looking for adventure or a tranquil retreat, Cangshan Geological Park has something to offer. Explore well-maintained hiking trails, ride the cable car for panoramic views of Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient Town, or simply relax and take in the serene beauty of your surroundings.
An Unforgettable Experience
Cangshan Geological Park is more than just a destination—it’s an experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur and humanity’s rich heritage. Let the majestic peaks and serene landscapes inspire your next journey to Dali.
Discover the wonders of Cangshan Geological Park and create memories that last a lifetime!
Cangshan National GeoPark Tourist Map
Cangshan National GeoPark Travel Guide
Three cableways
Cangshan, this majestic mountain, has three different cableways, providing tourists with a variety of mountaineering experiences. But if you are visiting Cangshan for the first time, you may be confused about how to choose a cableway.
🚡 Zhonghe Cableway: Embrace the Serenity of the Forest
The Zhonghe Cableway (中和索道) offers a tranquil escape into nature with tickets priced at RMB 35 and round-trip cable car rides at RMB 60. This 25-minute journey on swing-style cable cars allows you to immerse yourself in the lush scenery of pine and cypress trees, with a chance to spot playful squirrels darting through the forest.
At the summit, you’ll arrive at Zhonghe Temple, where a viewing platform opposite the temple provides breathtaking panoramic views of Erhai Lake. Inside the temple, you’ll find charming displays of succulent plants. At 11:30 AM, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the temple’s vegetarian meal.
Behind the temple, a staircase leads to two hiking options:
- The Cangshan Hiking Road: A 12-kilometer trail featuring stunning sights like the Nine Dragon Women Pool, Qingbi Stream, and the Mystical Chessboard.
- The Peach Stream Short Trail: A lighter option spanning approximately 2.8 kilometers.
Return via the Zhonghe Cableway for a relaxed descent. This route is perfect for those seeking an easy yet picturesque experience of Cangshan’s beauty.
🚡 Ximatan Cableway: Discover the Magnificence of Cangshan
The Ximatan Cableway (洗马潭索道) is the longest in Cangshan, consisting of two sections with a transfer at the Nine Dragon Women Pool station. At the 3,996-meter observation deck, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of Cangshan’s majestic peaks.
🚡 Gantong Cableway: Experience the Mystique of the Mystical Chessboard
The Gantong Cableway (感通索道) provides access to the mesmerizing Mystical Chessboard. A short walk from the parking lot to the cableway entrance connects you to the Gantong Temple and Jizhao Nunnery. At 11:30 AM, enjoy a wholesome vegetarian meal at Gantong Temple. The parking lot also features a convenient shuttle bus to Dali Ancient Town, costing just RMB 5.
Explore Cangshan’s diverse beauty and cultural treasures through these unique cableway experiences!
Things To Do
1.Vegetarian food in the temple
2.Hiking at Yudai Road
Recommended Route:
Zhonghe Cableway to Cangshan Mountain, for one reason: you give all your travel time to nature (best experience, best value for money)👍👍👍
- Best value for money
- Open chairlift to get close to nature
- Nanzhao Dragon Vessel Mountain
- The most standard check-in place in Dali overlooking Cang’er
- The starting point of the most beautiful section of Yudai Road
- Cableway down the mountain, the scenery is invincible and superb
