Cangshan Mountain (苍山) is the backbone of Dali — a 50-km range with 19 peaks running parallel to Erhai Lake. Its highest summit, Malong Peak, rises to 4,122 meters. Together with the lake, it forms the classic “wind, flowers, snow, moon” panorama that defines Dali.
In 2026, exploring Cangshan means choosing between three cableways, each offering a completely different experience.
🚡 The Three Cableways
Cangshan has three cableways running from south to north. They are connected mid-mountain by the Jade Belt Cloud Path, a flat walking trail.
| Cimatan (大索道 / “Grand”) | Gantong (感通) | Zhonghe (中和) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation reached | 3,900 m (only summit access) | 2,600 m | 2,600 m |
| Return ticket | CNY 335 (peak) / CNY 275 (low) | ~CNY 95–130 (incl. park entry) | ~CNY 60–95 (incl. park entry) |
| Hours | 08:30–15:00 | 08:30–17:00 | 08:30–16:30 |
| Highlights | Alpine lake, fir forests, rhododendrons, summit views | Qingbi Stream, Grand Canyon, Jizhao Temple, Jade Belt Path | Open-air chairlift, Zhonghe Temple, old-town views |
| Best for | Fit hikers, photographers, no altitude issues | Most visitors, families, culture lovers | Budget travelers, hikers, non-acrophobes |
| Caveat | Upper section often closed due to wind/ice | No summit snow views | Less dramatic scenery |
⚠️ Cimatan weather risk: The upper section (Qilongnvchi → Cimatan) closes frequently due to high winds or ice. Check the daily operations notice before you go.
🎫 2026 Ticket Prices
Mountain entry fee: CNY 35 (usually included in cableway packages)
| Cableway | Ticket | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cimatan — full return | Peak / Low season | CNY 335 / CNY 275 |
| Cimatan — half return | To Qilongnvchi only | CNY 195 / CNY 163 |
| Gantong — return | Incl. entry | ~CNY 95–130 |
| Gantong — one-way | Incl. entry | ~CNY 85 |
| Zhonghe — return | Incl. entry | ~CNY 60–95 |
| Qilongnvchi incline elevator | One-way | CNY 30 (optional, replaces ~1,100 steps) |
Discounts: Children under 1.2 m free; 1.2–1.4 m half price; seniors 60–69 and students half price on entry; seniors 70+ and active military free entry.
🗺️ What to See at Each Cableway
Cimatan (Summit Route)
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Cimatan Lake — A glacial lake at 3,920 m. Legend says Kublai Khan watered his horses here. Rocky, stark, and surrounded by dwarf rhododendrons in May–June.
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Qilongnvchi (Seven Dragon Maidens Pools) — A string of seven jade-green pools near the mid-station. Best after rain.
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Tianlongbabu Film City — At the base station; a kitschy but fun martial-arts theme park.
Gantong (Culture & Nature Route)
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Qingbi Stream — One of Cangshan’s 18 crystal-clear streams; three-tiered pools.
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Jizhao Temple — Called “China’s most beautiful nunnery.” Famous for its lush succulent gardens and CNY 20 vegetarian lunch served at 11:30 (runs out fast — arrive by 11:00). A must-do for foodies and Instagrammers.
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Gantong Temple — A Tang-dynasty monastery where you can taste “Cangshan snow tea.”
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Grand Canyon viewing platform — Overlooks the dramatic ravine.
Zhonghe (Budget & Hiking Route)
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Zhonghe Temple — Quiet, ancient, with a CNY 20 vegetarian lunch from 11:30.
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Viewing platform — Panoramic views over Dali Old Town and Erhai Lake.
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Taoxi (Peach Stream) — A 2-km walk north from the temple; one of the most scenic stretches of the Jade Belt Path.
🥾 Jade Belt Cloud Path (玉带云游路)
This is Cangshan’s hidden gem — an 11–12 km flat stone walkway at ~2,600 m elevation linking all three cableways.
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Terrain: Almost completely level. Suitable for kids and seniors.
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Scenery: Pine forests, streams, seasonal wildflowers. Note: much of the trail is forested — you won’t have constant lake views.
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Classic segment: Gantong upper station ↔ Cimatan mid-station (Qilongnvchi), roughly 3–5 km.
🗓️ Recommended Itineraries
Option 1: Gantong Half-Day (Easiest & Most Cultural)
Best for: Most travelers, families, short on time
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08:30 Taxi from Old Town to Gantong base (~CNY 25, 15 min)
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09:00 Cable car up → Qingbi Stream → Grand Canyon viewpoint
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11:00 Walk to Jizhao Temple (~600 m) → queue for 11:30 vegetarian lunch
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13:00 Cable car down
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Cost: ~CNY 115–130 + CNY 20 lunch
Option 2: Cimatan Summit (Most Dramatic)
Best for: Fit hikers, clear-weather days, no altitude sensitivity
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08:30 Tourist shuttle from Old Town (CNY 5) → Cimatan base
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09:30 Cable car to summit (~40 min, change at Qilongnvchi)
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10:30 Arrive at 3,900 m → acclimatize slowly → 20-min walk to Cimatan Lake
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12:00 Return via Qilongnvchi → down
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Cost: CNY 335 (peak season)
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⚠️ Move slowly after exiting the upper station. The altitude is real.
Option 3: Traverse Day (Most Complete)
Best for: Good fitness, want to see it all
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08:30 Cimatan up → summit → down to Qilongnvchi
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11:00 Hike Jade Belt Path south ~3 hrs toward Gantong
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14:00 Reach Gantong upper station → Qingbi Stream → Jizhao Temple
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16:00 Gantong cable car down
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Cost: ~CNY 335 + CNY 85 (Gantong one-way) = ~CNY 420
Option 4: Zhonghe Budget Route
Best for: Saving money, enjoying a hike, not afraid of open chairlifts
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09:00 Walk or taxi to Zhonghe base (near March Street, west of Old Town)
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09:30 Open-air chairlift up (~25 min) → Zhonghe Temple
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10:00 Viewpoint → light hike north on Jade Belt Path
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12:00 Temple lunch → return
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Cost: ~CNY 60–95
🚌 Getting There
| From | To | How |
|---|---|---|
| Dali Old Town | Cimatan | Tourist shuttle CNY 5, or taxi ~CNY 15 (4.3 km) |
| Dali Old Town | Gantong | Taxi ~CNY 20–30 (7.3 km), or Bus 4 to Gantong Temple stop then walk |
| Dali Old Town | Zhonghe | Walk ~1.2 km west to March Street area, or taxi ~CNY 10 |
⚠️ Essential Tips
1. Weather & Clothing
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Temperature drops ~10°C from the valley to the summit. Even in summer, bring a windproof/warm layer for Cimatan.
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Rainy season (June–September) means slippery paths — wear grip-soled shoes.
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UV is intense at altitude. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen mandatory.
2. Altitude Sickness
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Cimatan’s upper station is 3,900 m. Some people get mild headaches or shortness of breath.
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Carry chocolate and warm water. Walk slowly for the first 10 minutes after exiting the cable car.
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Avoid the summit if you have heart conditions, high blood pressure, or severe anemia.
3. Booking & Timing
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Book online in advance during holidays via the “Dali Tourism Group” WeChat mini-program or Ctrip/Meituan.
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Last ascent times: Cimatan 15:00 | Gantong 16:00 | Zhonghe 16:30
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Jizhao Temple lunch: Starts 11:30, sells out. Arrive by 11:00 to queue.
4. Supplies
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Food and water points are scarce and expensive on the mountain. Pack your own.
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The Jade Belt Path has no vendors — stock up at the cableway stations.
📅 Best Seasons
| Season | Why Go |
|---|---|
| March–May | Rhododendrons in full bloom; mild weather; best hiking conditions |
| June–August | Cool escape (mid-mountain average 24°C), but fog and rain can obscure summit views |
| September–November | Crisp air, frequent cloud-sea vistas, best visibility |
| December–February | Possible snow at Cimatan; spectacular but higher closure risk |
Cangshan isn’t a “ride up, snap a photo, ride down” mountain. It has three personalities: the cultured tranquility of Gantong, the meditative flat walk of the Jade Belt Path, and the raw alpine drama of Cimatan. Match the cableway to your energy and the weather, and take your time.