Gantong Cableway

Introducing Gantong Cableway

The Gantong Cableway is nestled at the foot of Shengying Peak in Cangshan Mountain, with Cangshan Mountain in its back and Erhai Lake in front. It's adjacent to the Buddhist sanctuary Gantong Temple. The company's Gantong Manor Hotel, a foreign-friendly hotel in the style of Bai ethnic minority dwellings, occupies over 60 acres, surrounded by gurgling streams and blooming flowers. It's an ideal destination for leisure, sightseeing, and vacations. It boasts a comprehensive range of reception facilities, integrating entertainment, sightseeing, shopping, dining, and accommodation.

Along the Gantong Cableway to the Qingbi Creek of Cangshan Mountain, a 2,630-meter-long sightseeing cableway has been built through the famous Cangshan Grand Canyon, with an investment of 84 million yuan. The entire cableway equipment was imported from Austria, known as the "Ropeway Kingdom," and is beautiful and elegant.

This detachable cable car, with a six-passenger, transparent, enclosed cabin, offers a safe, comfortable, and fast ride. Aboard the cable car, you can gaze up at the snow-capped peaks of Cangshan Mountain, overlook Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient City, and the Three Pagodas Chongsheng Temple. In the distance, you can also see Jizu Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, creating a unique and captivating scene in Dali. At the cable car station, you'll find a "return to nature" ethnic teahouse where you can sample Bai ethnic group Three-Course Tea and Pu'er tea, and watch ethnic dances. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Qingbi Stream, the Seven Dragon Maiden Pool, the mysterious Cangshan Grand Canyon, and the Jade Belt Cloud Road, creating a breathtaking, enchanting, and mysterious experience.

Climate and best time to travel

The low-latitude plateau has a monsoon climate; you can take the cable car to see the Qingbi Creek, the Seven Dragon Girl Pool, the Cangshan Grand Canyon, the Jade Belt Cloud Road, etc. Sitting in the cable car is like traveling in a fairyland, with magnificent scenery in sight. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours

Tickets

Cable car ticket price: (You must also purchase a 30-yuan ticket to Cangshan National Geopark when taking the cable car to Cangshan Mountain)

Full ticket: 80 yuan/person

One-way: 50 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

9:00-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Gantong Cableway

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

The Gantong Cableway is part of Dali's effort to enhance tourism and provide easier access to the stunning natural landscapes of the Cangshan Mountains. The cableway offers a unique perspective of the mountainous region and serves as a popular gateway to the scenic areas around Erhai Lake.

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

Gantong Cableway is located in the Cangshan Mountain area, near Dali city. The cableway can be accessed by taxi or private car from Dali's Old Town, which is approximately a 20-30 minute drive away. Public transportation options may require transfers and can take longer.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Gantong Cableway operates from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild, and the landscape is most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (summer) to make the most of your cableway experience.

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

The entrance fee for the Gantong Cableway is approximately 80-100 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the cableway station on the day of your visit, or online in advance through travel booking platforms.

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

Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn), especially if you're visiting on weekends or public holidays. A few days in advance is typically sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit to the Gantong Cableway and its surrounding areas typically takes 2 to 3 hours, including the cableway ride, exploration of viewpoints, and short hikes. If you plan to spend more time enjoying the scenery or hiking, it could take up to 4 hours.

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

The must-see highlights include the cableway ride itself, which offers spectacular views, as well as the panoramic viewpoints at the top of the Cangshan Mountains. Walking trails and a visit to the nearby temples are also popular activities.

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

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may be available in English depending on the provider. Audio guides may also be available for rent at the station.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints are located at the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Dali, Erhai Lake, and the Cangshan Mountains. The cableway itself provides unique angles for photography, especially when crossing the peaks and valleys.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with a cableway ride to the top, then explore the nearby viewpoints. Take time to walk along the trails and enjoy the lush mountain scenery. If you're interested in culture, visit the nearby temples, which offer both natural beauty and historical significance.

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

Night visits or light shows are not available at the Gantong Cableway. The attraction operates during daylight hours only, offering a natural experience during the day.

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

The Gantong Cableway can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, particularly in the high tourist seasons (spring and autumn). To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays.

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

There are basic facilities available at the cableway station, including toilets, water stations, and small shops selling snacks and souvenirs. However, food options are limited, so it's advisable to bring your own snacks if needed.

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

The cableway is generally accessible to elderly visitors, children, and people with disabilities, though some walking trails may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. The cableway itself is a convenient way to experience the area without strenuous physical activity.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted, but mobile payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used and preferred. Credit cards may also be accepted at some locations.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few small restaurants and cafes near the base of the Gantong Cableway that serve local dishes, including Yunnan-style noodles and rice. For more extensive dining options, consider traveling to Dali Old Town, where you'll find a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food is commonly available in Dali, including around the cableway. Halal food options may be found in Dali Old Town, where there are restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels and guesthouses near the Gantong Cableway, including options ranging from budget to mid-range. For a wider range of accommodations, you can stay in Dali Old Town and travel to the cableway via taxi or private car.

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

Nearby attractions include Erhai Lake, Dali Old Town, and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. These are all within a short distance and can be easily combined for a full day trip from the cableway area.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops near the cableway base, offering typical items such as local crafts, Yunnan tea, and handmade jewelry. You can also find Dali-themed souvenirs like postcards and small trinkets.

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

After visiting Gantong Cableway, taxis or private cars are the best options to continue your journey. Public buses are available but may take longer and involve transfers. Dali's public transport network can help you reach nearby attractions like Erhai Lake and Dali Old Town.