Cangshan Mountain

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.