Ximatan Cableway

Introducing Ximatan Cableway

Ximatan, located at the junction of Yuju Peak and Longquan Peak, stands 4,097 meters above sea level. The Ximatan Cableway is a sightseeing cableway for touring Cangshan Mountain. Starting at the Tianlongbabu Film Studio, it passes the Seven Dragon Maiden Pool before reaching Ximatan at the summit of Cangshan Mountain. The cableway offers breathtaking views of Cangshan Mountain and a distant view of Dali Ancient City. Upon reaching the summit, guests can ascend the stairs to Ximatan. Ximatan is a pristine, crystal-clear "mountaintop glacial lake" atop Cangshan Mountain, offering stunning views of the peaks, rocks, and trees reflected in the lake.

This route connects the most important scenic spots in the high, medium and low altitude areas of Cangshan Mountain, such as Ximatan, Seven Dragon Maiden Pool and Tianlongbabu Film and Television City. Visitors can reach the top of Cangshan Mountain conveniently, quickly and easily, enjoy the idyllic scenery of Erhai Lake and the ancient city, experience the passion of conquering the mountains, and savor the spirituality of the Seven Dragon Maiden Pool. During the nearly 40-minute round trip by cable car, visitors can fully appreciate the glacial relics landscape and vertically distributed forest ecosystem of Cangshan Mountain from the air, and feel the wonder of "four seasons in one mountain" through the changes in altitude.

The cableway is 5,580.83 meters long with a vertical height difference of 1,648 meters. The total investment is 360 million yuan. The entire set of equipment is imported from France. The cableway equipment is a two-stage driven single-line circulating detachable rope gripper and an 8-seat enclosed diamond cabin passenger cableway, which is safe and comfortable to ride.

Climate and best time to travel

The low-latitude plateau has a monsoon climate; the Ximatan Cableway is one of the world's most technologically advanced passenger tourist cableways. It also has the world's largest altitude difference and the longest climbing slope in the country, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: 1 hour

Tickets

Half-trip round trip: 140 yuan/person; Peak season round trip: 300 yuan/person; Off-season round trip: 240 yuan/person (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Tips: This price is for reference only; if there are any changes, the scenic spot will announce them in a timely manner.

Attraction opening hours

08:30-17:00; Ticket sales stop at 14:30 (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

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Most Popular FAQs for Ximatan Cableway

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Ximatan Cableway is located in the picturesque Dali region of Yunnan, offering visitors the chance to experience panoramic views of the natural beauty of Erhai Lake and the surrounding mountains. This cableway is a popular tourist attraction, giving travelers a unique perspective of the area’s rich history and scenic beauty.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Ximatan Cableway is located in Dali, Yunnan Province, China. You can reach it by taxi, bus, or private car from the Dali Ancient Town. It is also accessible by local tours that include transportation to the site.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Ximatan Cableway operates daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to catch the early sunlight over Erhai Lake and the surrounding mountains.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The ticket price for the cableway ride is approximately 100 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter at the base of the cableway or in advance through local tour operators. It's also possible to buy tickets online through official sites or travel agencies.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for most visitors, but it’s recommended during peak tourist seasons or weekends. Booking a few days ahead can save time and guarantee a spot during busy periods.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You should allocate 1 to 2 hours for the cableway ride and enjoying the views. If you wish to explore the surrounding hiking trails, plan for an additional 1-2 hours.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The breathtaking panoramic views of Erhai Lake and the Dali mountains from the cableway ride.
• The observation deck at the top of the cableway offering a 360-degree view of the area.
• The surrounding natural landscapes, including the distant snow-capped mountains and green valleys.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. There are no audio guides provided for foreign languages, so it may be helpful to join a local guided tour if you want detailed explanations in English or other languages.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The cableway ride itself offers numerous opportunities to capture the stunning landscapes of Erhai Lake.
• The top observation deck is the best spot for panoramic photos of the surrounding mountains, lake, and Dali city.
• The cableway stations, both at the base and top, provide excellent vantage points for photos of the cableway itself against the backdrop of the mountains.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the base of the cableway and take the ride up to the top station. Spend time exploring the observation deck and enjoy the views. If you wish, you can also take a short hike around the top area before descending via the cableway or exploring nearby scenic trails.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

The Ximatan Cableway does not offer night visits or light shows. The attraction is best experienced during the day for optimal views of the natural surroundings.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The cableway can be crowded during peak tourist seasons (especially in summer and holidays). To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or during weekdays, particularly in the off-peak months (autumn or winter).

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are rest areas and toilets available at both the base and top stations. A small cafe and souvenir shops are located near the base for snacks, drinks, and mementos. It's recommended to bring your own water for the cableway ride and hike.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The Ximatan Cableway is generally accessible for elderly and children, though the steep trails around the area may be challenging for some visitors. The cableway itself is suitable for all ages, and wheelchairs are available upon request for those with mobility difficulties.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted for ticket purchases, though many places also accept mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay). Credit and debit cards may be accepted in larger shops or restaurants nearby.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are small local cafes and restaurants near the cableway base offering Chinese food and snacks.
• For a more extensive dining experience, head to Dali Ancient Town, which has a variety of restaurants, from traditional Yunnanese to international cuisine.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many restaurants in Dali. Halal food options may be more limited but can be found in select restaurants catering to Muslim tourists.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• There are various guesthouses and hotels in Dali Ancient Town, about a 20-minute drive from the cableway. Recommended options include Dali Erhai Lake View Hotel and the Crowne Plaza.
• Closer to the cableway, there are smaller guesthouses and boutique hotels for a more relaxed stay.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Erhai Lake offers boat rides and scenic areas, which are easily combined with a trip to the cableway.
• The Dali Ancient Town is a must-visit, with its historical architecture, temples, and vibrant local markets.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops at the cableway base sell local handicrafts, traditional Yunnanese textiles, and accessories. In Dali, you can find more diverse souvenirs, such as local pottery, batik items, and Erhai Lake-themed mementos.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• From the cableway, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Dali Ancient Town or Erhai Lake.
• Rental bikes are available for exploring the area around Erhai Lake, offering a scenic and flexible way to continue your trip.