A Guide to Cangshan Mountain Cableways

Cangshan Mountain, with its nineteen peaks and eighteen streams, is renowned for its majestic landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. However, due to its complex terrain and variable climate, it is not recommended to hike without a guide for safety and environmental protection reasons. Instead, taking a cableway is a great way to experience the beauty of Cangshan, saving both time and energy.

There are three main cableways in Cangshan: the Ximatan Cableway, the Zhonghe Cableway, and the Gantong Cableway. Each offers a unique experience, connecting via the “Yudai Cloud Tourist Path” along the mountainside.

1. Ximatan Cable Car: The Longest Ride

Ximatan, located at the junction of Yuju Peak and Longquan Peak, stands at 3920 meters above sea level and is known as the "Lake on the Summit." According to legend, Kublai Khan camped here while crossing Cangshan, and the lake was named after him washing his horses in it. The best time to visit is in winter for the famous "Cangshan Snow," one of Dali's Four Scenic Wonders, or in spring (May to June) for the blooming rhododendrons.

The Ximatan Cable Car, the longest among the three, is divided into two sections: the upper and lower cable cars, with the Jade Belt Road as the transfer point. Tickets can be purchased for each section separately or for the entire route. The lower cable car reaches an elevation of 2600 meters, bringing you to the Jade Belt Road, a 22-kilometer trail suitable for hiking without significant elevation changes. The intermediate station, Seven Dragon Girl Pool, at an altitude of 2814 meters, is also worth a visit.

Details:

• Elevation: 3920 meters
• Ticket Price: Peak season ¥320/adult (full route); off-peak ¥260/adult (full route)
• Opening Hours: 8:30-15:00 (last entry at 15:00)
• Route: Tianlong Babu Film Studio - Seven Dragon Girl Pool Scenic Area - Ximatan Scenic Area
• Transport: Take bus C10 to the Tianlong Babu Film Studio bus stop

Tips:
- Allocate a full day, arriving before 9 AM to avoid queues.
- Bring snacks and drinks, or dine at the mountaintop restaurant.
- Oxygen cans and warm clothing are available for purchase at the entrance.
- The cable car ride takes about 1.5 hours each way.

2. Zhonghe Cable Car: For the Deep Explorers

The Zhonghe Cable Car is a small, open-air cable car that is the least frequented by tourists, making it ideal for a more intimate exploration of Cangshan. It ends at Zhonghe Temple and the Jade Belt Road. The journey offers serene views of Peach Creek (one of the eighteen streams), Zhonghe Temple, Dragon Eye Cave, Phoenix Eye Cave, and Seven Dragon Girl Pool. Visitors can enjoy a vegetarian meal at Zhonghe Temple, experiencing the unique monastery cuisine.

Details:
Elevation: 2668 meters
Ticket Price: One-way ¥60; round-trip ¥90; hiking-only ¥35 (off-peak ¥20)
Opening Hours: 8:30-16:00 (last entry at 16:00)
Route: Dali Old Town March Street Horse Racing West - Zhonghe Peak Jade Belt Road
Transport: 2.9 km from Dali Old Town South Gate to Zhonghe Cable Car ticket office, with direct shuttle service available

Tips:
- Allocate half a day, starting around 10 AM.
- Enjoy a vegetarian meal at Zhonghe Temple.
- The one-way cable car ride takes about 30 minutes.

3. Gantong Cable Car: The Most Popular

The Gantong Cable Car is the most popular due to its location in a prime scenic area. The route is easy and mostly flat, making it a relaxing walk. The path is lined with pine forests where visitors can pick mushrooms and pine cones in summer and encounter squirrels. On clear days, there are spectacular views of Erhai Lake and the entire Dali Basin. The Jade Belt Road starts here and leads to Qingbi Stream.

Details:

• Elevation: 2630 meters
• Ticket Price: One-way ¥85; round-trip ¥110 (includes Cangshan Geological Park entrance fee)
• Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00 (last entry at 16:00)
• Route: Gantong Temple - Qingbi Stream
• Transport: 7.3 km from Dali Old Town South Gate to Gantong Cable Car ticket office, with a shuttle service included in the ticket price

Tips:
- Allocate a full day, arriving by 9 AM.
- Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.
- Enjoy the stunning views of the Cangshan Grand Canyon from the cable car.
- Visit the observation deck and the Chessboard of Zhenlong at Qingbi Stream.
- After descending, visit Gantong Temple and dine on vegetarian food at Jizhao Nunnery (purchase meal tickets before 11:30 AM).

Summary

1. Ticket Prices and Hours: Prices and operating hours vary by season, so check current information before your visit.
2. Best Views: Ximatan offers the best views from the summit but is the most expensive. Gantong has the most attractions, while Zhonghe is the most tranquil.
3. Seasonal Tips: In summer, lightweight clothing and sunscreen are sufficient (except for Ximatan). In winter, bring warm clothing. Cable cars may close during high winds or adverse weather.
4. Hiking Safety: For hiking enthusiasts, the Jade Belt Road is a great choice. Always stay on marked paths to avoid getting lost, as many areas have no signal.

Cangshan's cable cars offer an accessible way to enjoy the mountain's stunning beauty and diverse attractions. Choose the route that best suits your interests and ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.