Cangshan Zhonghe Cableway

Introducing Cangshan Zhonghe Cableway

The Cangshan Cableway is located on Zhonghe Peak in Cangshan. Starting west of the Sanyue Street Racecourse in Dali Ancient City, it continues to the Jade Belt Cloud Road at Zhonghe Peak. As passengers ride the slowly moving cableway, they can admire the lush Cangshan Mountain, the snow-capped mountains, the azure Erhai Lake, and the Bai ethnic minority dwellings dotted across the tranquil Cang'er Basin. At its end, the Zhonghe Temple, a famous Dali temple, and the 18-kilometer-long Jade Belt Road stretching along the mountainside of Cangshan Mountain. Along the Jade Belt Road, visitors can visit scenic spots such as Taoxi, Zhongxi, Longyan Cave, Fengyan Cave, Qilongnu Pool, and Qingbi Creek, while also enjoying the captivating views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.

Zhonghe Cableway is one of the three cableways in Cangshan Mountain, one of the most famous scenic spots in Dali. Opposite to it is Erhai Lake. Cangshan Mountain is at a high altitude and is often shrouded in clouds and mist. Zhonghe Cableway and Gantong Cableway can form a circular tourist route.

Climate and best time to travel

The low-latitude plateau has a monsoon climate; the Cangshan Zhonghe Cableway is open-air, with a large span and a large drop, beautiful scenery, and suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours

Tickets

100 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

9:00-16:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Cangshan Zhonghe Cableway

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

Cangshan Zhonghe Cableway provides access to Cangshan Mountain, a historic and culturally significant site in Dali. The mountain is renowned for its natural beauty, temples, and views of Erhai Lake, making it a popular destination for tourism and nature appreciation.

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

The cableway is located on Cangshan Mountain in Dali. Visitors can reach the base by taxi, private car, or local buses from Dali Old Town. Walking is required to access the cableway station from the parking or bus drop-off area.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The cableway generally operates from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Early morning or late afternoon is best for fewer crowds and optimal lighting for photography.

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

The round-trip cableway ticket costs around 120–150 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the cableway station or online through official tourism platforms.

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

Booking in advance is recommended during weekends or holiday periods, ideally 1–3 days ahead.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

2–4 hours is sufficient to ride the cableway, explore the main viewpoints, and walk some of the nearby trails.

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

• Panoramic views of Dali city and Erhai Lake from the upper station.
• Scenic trails and pavilions near the cableway.
• Temples and cultural sites along the mountain paths.

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

Guided tours may be arranged in Chinese, and English guides can be requested in advance. Audio guides are limited.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Upper cableway station for panoramic landscapes.
• Scenic pavilions along mountain trails.
• Midway viewpoints showcasing Erhai Lake and Dali city.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Take the cableway from the base to the top, explore scenic viewpoints and temples near the upper station, then descend using the cableway or trails back to the base.

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

Night rides are not available. Special tours may occur during local festivals or events.

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

Weekdays and early mornings have fewer visitors. Public holidays and weekends can be crowded.

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

• Restrooms at the cableway stations.
• Small cafes or snack shops at the base and top stations.
• Rest areas with benches along nearby trails.

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

The cableway provides access for most visitors, including the elderly and children. Some mountain trails may be steep and less suitable for disabled visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted at the ticket counters and shops.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Several cafes and small restaurants near the base of the cableway offer local Yunnan cuisine and light snacks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available; vegan and halal choices may be limited.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodations in Dali Old Town are convenient for visiting the cableway, ranging from guesthouses to mid-range hotels.

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

• Dali Old Town for historic streets and architecture.
• Erhai Lake for boat tours and scenic walks.
• Three Pagodas of Dali, a major cultural landmark.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops sell postcards, local handicrafts, and small cultural items related to Cangshan and Dali.

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

Taxi, private car, or local buses can return visitors to Dali Old Town or nearby attractions.