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Cangshan Mountain, located in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, was called Xiongcang Mountain and Diancang Mountain in ancient times. It is the main peak at the southern end of the Yunling Mountains. It consists of 19 peaks from north to south. It faces Erhai Lake to the east and Heihui River to the west. It starts from Dengchuan in Eryuan in the north and ends at Tiansheng Bridge in Xiaguan in the south. It is about 50 kilometers long, like a green barrier, standing majestically on the west bank of Erhai Lake.
The clouds of Cangshan Mountain are even more remarkable. They gather and disperse, sometimes as light as wisps of smoke, sometimes as thick as splashed ink. Among these ever-changing cloudscapes, the most remarkable are the "Wangfu Clouds" and the "Jade Belt Clouds." At the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, after rain, white clouds often appear midway between the nineteen peaks of Cangshan Mountain, sometimes like a soft veil, sometimes like gentle waves lapping against the shore. In the early morning, a milky white belt of clouds stretching across the mountainside becomes a dazzling array of colors under the rising sun. In winter and spring, when air currents are unstable, a sudden clump of grayish-white clouds appears in the azure sky, moving from far to near, growing larger and larger. From a distance, the clouds resemble a young woman draped in veil.
In the dead of winter, the vast expanse of Cangshan Mountain is blanketed in white snow. Even in March, the snow still piles up like silver and jade above the snowline. The snow on the highest peak, Malong Peak, remains year-round. In midsummer, the mountainside is lush and verdant, while clouds still linger on the peak, laden with snow. Meanwhile, the cloudscapes of Cangshan Mountain are ever-changing, with the "Wangfu Clouds" and "Jade Belt Clouds" being the most famous.
Cangshan Mountain starts from Dengchuan in Eryuan in the north and ends at Tiansheng Bridge in Xiaguan in the south. Its 19 peaks are Yunnong, Canglang, Wutai, Lianhua, Baiyun, Heyun, Sanyang, Lanfeng, Xueren, Yingle, Guanyin, Zhonghe, Longquan, Yuju, Malong, Shengying, Foding, Maer and Xiyang from north to south.
Cangshan Mountain and its vicinity include Qingbi Creek, Tianlong Cave Scenic Area, Gantong Temple, Zhenlong Chess Game, Yudai Yunyou Road, Baolin Temple, Nanzhao Dehua Stele, Zhonghe Temple and other scenic spots.
Recommended play time: 1 day
30 yuan/person
Peak season (April-October): 8:30-16:10
Off-season (November-March): 8:30-15:40
Cangshan Mountain, often referred to as the "Mountain of Eight Immortals," is a significant cultural and natural landmark in Dali. The mountain has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, with temples and religious sites scattered across its slopes. The mountain is not only a natural treasure, with diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes, but also holds deep spiritual significance for the local Bai people.
Cangshan Mountain is located just to the west of Dali Old Town. You can easily access the mountain by taxi or private car from Dali. There are also buses and minibuses that go directly to the base of the mountain. Alternatively, you can walk from Dali Old Town, though it may take about 30-40 minutes to reach the starting point of the trails.
Cangshan Mountain is open year-round, with no specific opening hours for hiking the trails. However, the cable car operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. Avoid the summer months as they tend to be crowded.
The entrance fee for Cangshan Mountain varies depending on the activities you choose. A typical entrance fee for hiking is around ¥50, while the cable car ride costs approximately ¥80-¥100 one-way. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or online via local tour websites.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for general entry, especially if you visit during off-peak times. However, it is recommended to book cable car tickets in advance during peak seasons (especially during holidays) to ensure availability.
To fully explore Cangshan Mountain, including a hike and a visit to the temples, you should allocate at least 4-5 hours. If you plan to take the cable car and enjoy a more relaxed visit, you can complete it in 2-3 hours.
Guided tours are available at Cangshan Mountain in both Chinese and English. These can be arranged on-site or in advance. Audio guides are also available, though they are mostly in Chinese. If you are unfamiliar with the area or the local culture, a guided tour is highly recommended.
A recommended route is to start with a cable car ride to the top of Cangshan Mountain, then explore the trails and visit Zhonghe Temple. Afterward, take the cable car down and visit the Blue Moon Valley for some relaxation and photography. You can end the day with a peaceful walk around the surrounding villages at the base of the mountain.
There are no night visits or light shows available at Cangshan Mountain. However, the mountain is known for its serene atmosphere, making it a peaceful location for evening walks if you're staying nearby.
Cangshan Mountain can get crowded during holidays and weekends, especially during the summer and Chinese New Year. The best times to visit for fewer crowds are during weekdays in the spring or autumn. Early mornings are typically the least crowded time to visit.
There are several facilities available on the mountain, including toilets, rest areas, and small shops selling snacks and drinks. There are also cafes and restaurants at the base and along the cable car route where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Cangshan Mountain is accessible for elderly visitors and children, especially with the cable car providing an easy way to reach the higher points. However, some of the hiking trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues. It’s advisable to check accessibility in advance if you need specific accommodations.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in most areas of Cangshan Mountain, including for the cable car, shops, and restaurants. Cash may still be accepted, but it’s best to carry a mobile payment method for convenience.
There are a few restaurants and cafes near the entrance and cable car stations of Cangshan Mountain, offering traditional Yunnan cuisine and snacks. For more dining options, you can head to Dali Old Town, which is just a short drive away and has a wide variety of restaurants.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many of the restaurants near Cangshan Mountain, as Yunnan cuisine features a wide variety of plant-based dishes. Halal food options may be limited in the immediate area, but you can find them in Dali Old Town.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near Cangshan Mountain, particularly around the base and in Dali Old Town. These range from budget hostels to more luxurious resorts with stunning views of the mountain and Erhai Lake.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near Cangshan Mountain where you can purchase locally made handicrafts such as Bai silver jewelry, textiles, pottery, and paintings. Dali Old Town also offers many shops selling unique souvenirs related to the region's culture and history.
After visiting Cangshan Mountain, you can take a bus, taxi, or private car to other nearby attractions such as Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake, or the Three Pagodas. Public buses are frequent, but taxis and private cars provide a more convenient option for a smooth transition to the next destination.
