Cangshan Mountain

I wanted to love this, but maybe I had an unlucky day. The sky was clear in Dali, so we paid for the cable car, but once we reached the top, thick fog rolled in and completely blocked the view. The queue to get down took over an hour, and the ticket plus cable car is quite expensive for what we ended up seeing. The forest path itself is pretty and the air is fresh, but after a while every foggy pine tree looks the same. Check the mountain forecast before you commit.

I got up before dawn and was one of the first people on the cable car. The clouds were rolling through the peaks in slow motion, and for long stretches I had the forest trails completely to myself. The only sounds were birds and the occasional rustle of wind through the pines. Standing at one of the viewing platforms, with the mist drifting past and Erhai shimmering far below, I nearly cried. Cangshan is not just scenery, it's a feeling.

Solid mountain day trip. We did the Jade Belt Path, which is mostly a well-built walkway hugging the cliffs. The views are genuinely fantastic, especially the side looking out to Erhai. Only reason I'm not giving a perfect score is the queuing chaos near the cable car station and some inconsistent signposting further up. Managed to take a wrong turn once. Still a great experience, just go with patience.

Okay, the cable car is not cheap, but honestly, the ride up Cangshan Mountain was worth every yuan. Once you step out at the top, the whole Dali plain and Erhai Lake spread out below you like a painting. I walked the boardwalk for a couple of hours and just kept stopping to stare. There were a few monks walking quietly along the path, which made it feel even more magical. My favorite memory from my entire Yunnan trip.

We started early from the Zhonghe Cable Car and hiked along the trail toward Ximatan. The pine forest smelled amazing, and the views over Erhai Lake kept getting better with every step. Wildflowers were everywhere, even in late spring. It felt like a proper mountain adventure without needing to be a serious climber. Easily one of the best days I had in Dali.

Honestly a bit let down. The weather was cloudy, so the cable car dropped us into thick fog and we couldn't see anything from the viewing platforms. Paid a lot for the cable car and the scenic area ticket, and the whole upper trail just felt like an overcrowded tourist line. Maybe it's amazing on a super clear day, but for me it wasn't worth all the effort.

Solid 4-star day out. The cable car ride itself was smooth and the view of Erhai Lake from above is beautiful. Once we got to the higher walking trail, a bit of mist came in, so we didn’t see the full mountain panorama. Still, the Cangshan forest is lovely – lots of azaleas and huge old pines. Just wish they had clearer signs at some trail junctions.

As a landscape photographer, I’ve seen a lot of mountains, but Cangshan Mountain really stands out. Early in the morning before the cable car crowds arrived, I got shots of snow-dusted peaks reflected in Ximatan Lake. The air is so clear at this altitude. Just take your time walking, and maybe rent an oxygen bottle if you're not used to elevation.

Stayed in Dali for five days and spent two of them hiking on Cangshan. Best route for me was starting early near Gantong Temple and walking up to Zhonghe. Less crowded, great stone stairs, and you get these quiet patches where it’s just you, the birds, and the clouds rolling between the peaks. My legs were sore for days, but worth every step.

Cangshan Mountain was the highlight of my Yunnan trip. We took the cable car up from the Cangshan side and hiked a few hours along the Jade Cloud Road. The views down to Erhai Lake are unreal, and the pine forest smells so fresh up there. Bring layers – the wind at the top is chilly even when it's warm in Dali town. I'd do it all over again.

Honestly, I was a bit let down. Arrived early hoping for clear views, but thick fog surrounded the peak the entire time—couldn't see a thing beyond 10 meters. The cable car round trip costs 120 RMB, and the entrance fee is another 40, which feels steep for what I got. The path near the summit was also icy and slippery without any warning signs. Might be great on a clear day, but my trip was a dud.

Great mountain with incredible vistas—no doubt about it. I did the Zhonghe to Ximatan loop and the wildflowers in July were gorgeous. However, the weekend crowds were intense, and the cable car queues took over an hour. Also, some trail signs were missing, making navigation a bit confusing. Still a solid 4-star experience; just go on a weekday and download offline maps beforehand.

Cangshan isn't just about the summit—the temples along the way are equally amazing. I spent a whole day visiting Gantong Temple and Jizhao Nunnery. The vegetarian lunch at the nunnery was simple but delicious, and the garden full of hydrangeas was so peaceful. This side of the mountain feels sacred and untouched. Perfect for anyone who wants a quiet cultural experience paired with nature.

Took the Gantong Cable Car up and wow—the panorama of Dali from the top is breathtaking. You can see the entire lake and the old town spread out below. The air is crisp and cool even in summer, so bring a jacket. Only caution: the altitude got to me a bit (about 3900m), but the clean bathrooms and well-marked boardwalks made it easy. Highly recommend for photographers!

Absolutely stunning! I started hiking from the Zhonghe Temple at dawn, and the fog rolling over the pine forest was magical. The trail up to Cangshan is steep but well-maintained, and reaching the snow-capped peak made every step worth it. The view of Erhai Lake from above is something I'll never forget. If you're fit, skip the cable car and take the path—it's an adventure!

My wife and I brought our 6-year-old and he still talks about the 'mountain that touches the sky'. The cable car is very safe and kid-friendly. We did just the short walk near the top station – easy enough for little legs – and the views of Dali old town and the lake below were incredible. The air is so fresh and clean. We also loved the little souvenir shop that sold handmade wood carvings. A perfect family day out!

Phenomenal! I'm a photographer and Cangshan is a dream. The light changes constantly through the day – golden hour hits the peaks like fire. The cloud shadow play over the valleys is surreal. I spent six hours on the Zhonghe Trail and every turn offered a new masterpiece. Also, the cable car station staff were super helpful when I dropped my lens cap down a slope. 100% recommend for nature lovers and shutterbugs.

Honestly, I was a bit disappointed. The weather was foggy when we went so we couldn't see anything from the top. The cable car ride felt overpriced for 15 minutes of white nothingness. Also, the tea house near the summit only accepted cash and had no English menu – not a huge issue but frustrating when you're out of yuan. Maybe I just had bad luck, but for the hype I expected more.

I'm a big hiker so I did the full Gantong Trail instead of the cable car. The scenery is stunning – mossy forests, rocky cliffs, and those famous azaleas in spring. But I have to be honest: the trail markers are confusing in some sections and there aren't enough rest benches. If you're not super fit, the cable car is the way to go. Still a solid 4-star experience for the views alone.

Cangshan Mountain was absolutely breathtaking. We took the cable car up early in the morning and the clouds were parting over the peaks – it felt like walking into a traditional Chinese painting. The trails are well maintained and the views of Erhai Lake from the top are unforgettable. Definitely the highlight of our Dali trip. I'd go back in a heartbeat!

The mountain itself is gorgeous, but I was a bit disappointed by the maintenance of some trails. Several steps were loose near the 七龙女池 (Seven Dragon Maiden Pools) section, and the signage could be clearer. However, the waterfalls were lovely and the cool mist was refreshing after the climb. If they improve the trail upkeep, it would be a solid 5-star experience.

Visited on a drizzly day, which honestly dampened the experience a bit. The cloud cover was so thick I couldn't see more than 20 meters ahead at the summit. Paid quite a bit for the cable car but felt the views didn't justify the cost. That said, the temple near the middle station had a peaceful atmosphere and the staff were friendly. Maybe I'll give it another shot on a sunny day.

Decided to do the full 苍山徒步 (Cangshan trek) from the southern route. The trail was challenging but manageable for an intermediate hiker. What really stood out was the diversity of scenery—from lush pine forests to rocky ridges with wildflowers. The tea house at the top served a much-needed bowl of 饵丝 (rice noodles). Highly recommend starting early to avoid afternoon haze.

We took the cable car up to the 洗马潭 (Ximatan) area. The alpine lake was stunning, crystal clear with snow-capped peaks reflected in it. The boardwalk was easy to walk on, and the oxygen stations were a nice touch for those feeling altitude. The whole experience felt magical, like walking through a painting. Will definitely come back in spring for the azaleas!

Hiked the Jade Cloud Trail on a clear morning. The views were absolutely breathtaking, especially from the halfway point where the clouds parted to reveal Dali's old town below. The cable car ride was smooth and well-maintained. Only wish I had more time to explore the higher peaks. A must-do for any nature lover visiting Yunnan!

Such a serene escape from the city bustle! We took the slow route and walked along the jade belt cloud path for hours. The pine forest smells amazing, and the silence is only broken by birdsong and the occasional wind chime from a nearby temple. Saw a group of monks resting at a pavilion—felt very peaceful. If you want a quiet, meditative day in the mountains, come here. Just start early to avoid the crowds.

Honestly, I was a little disappointed. Maybe I came on a bad day, but the summit was completely covered in fog and I could barely see ten meters ahead. Paid quite a bit for the cable car and entrance fee, and then the hiking trails were super crowded even on a weekday. Also, the food stalls at the top were overpriced and mediocre. I'm sure it's beautiful when the weather cooperates, but my experience left me wanting more.

Hands down one of the best mountain experiences in China. The cable car ride is an adventure itself—soaring over the forest and seeing the 19 peaks stretch out. Once at the top, we visited the Heavenly Mirror Lake and the Seven Dragon Maidens Pool. The water is so clear and turquoise! Also spotted some rare birds. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers. Can't recommend enough!

Great hike overall but be prepared for a workout. We started from the Gantong temple and climbed up to the Zhonghe temple via the cloud road. The steps are endless and my legs were burning, but every time I turned around, the view of Dali old town and Erhai lake just blew me away. The only downside was that the weather changed suddenly and we got caught in a bit of rain. Still, super rewarding experience.

Absolutely stunning! The view from the top of Cangshan is something I'll never forget. We took the cable car up to the highest station and then hiked a bit on the jade belt trail. The clouds were swirling around the peaks, and the air was so crisp and clean. Even the wild azaleas blooming along the path added a pop of color. If you're in Dali, this is a must-do. Bring layers though—it gets chilly up there!

Spent a full day exploring the Cangshan ridges and it was a photographer’s dream. The light changes every hour, and the wildflowers in spring are stunning. I particularly loved the old tea horse trail section—fewer tourists and more authentic stone steps. Local guides near the base are worth hiring if you want to learn about the plant life. Already planning a return trip.

Expected more for the price. The cable car ticket plus entrance fee adds up quickly, and the food at the top was overpriced instant noodles. Some scenic spots were closed for maintenance without notice. The mountain itself is majestic but the management felt a bit sloppy. I’d suggest going elsewhere nearby for a cheaper and equally beautiful experience.

Went up on a drizzly day and honestly it was still incredible. The clouds hung low and turned the whole mountain into a surreal painting. Less crowded too. I spent a good hour just sitting on a rock listening to the wind. If you're lucky enough to catch a break in the weather, the views are world-class. Highly recommend taking the hiking paths instead of the cable car if legs allow.

Visited on a clear autumn afternoon and the cable car ride was breathtaking—saw snowcaps and the entire Dali basin. The temple near the mid-station was peaceful, but the top platform was overcrowded with tour groups. Still felt the entrance fee was a bit steep for what you get. A solid experience, not mind-blowing.

I tackled the Jade Cloud Trail at sunrise and was blown away by the sheer scale of the peaks. The mist rolling through the pine forest gave it a mystical vibe. Paths are well-maintained but definitely not for beginners—bring good boots and plenty of water. One of the most rewarding hikes I’ve done in China.

Finally made it to Cangshan after years of wanting to. The hike to Qingbi Stream was magical – turquoise water and mossy rocks like a fairy tale. Ran into a group of monks chanting near a small shrine. Felt deeply connected to nature here. Highly recommend the whole day trip, just start early to avoid the afternoon haze.

Bit of a mixed bag. The mountain itself is gorgeous – dramatic limestone cliffs and ancient pines. But the service at the visitor center was grumpy, and the bathroom near the cable car station was disgusting. Also, they charged extra for the photography spot near the waterfall. Not the best value for the ticket price.

I’m not a hardcore hiker, but the cable car ride alone is worth every cent. The cool mist and pine smell hit you right when you step out. Sat on a rock near Zhonghe Temple for an hour just watching the clouds roll through. Peaceful beyond words. Bring layers though – it got chilly fast.

Went up via the Gantong Cable Car and hiked to the Xima Pool. The views of the 19 peaks are incredible, but honestly the crowds on the weekend made it feel like a theme park line. Also, the food at the top was overpriced and mediocre. Still a solid experience if you go early on a weekday.

Did the morning hike up to the Jade Cloud Path and caught the sunrise over Erhai Lake. Absolutely stunning! The rhododendrons were blooming everywhere in April. Clean trails, well-marked paths, and the cable car saved my knees on the way down. Only wish I had more time to explore the inner temples.