The beautiful Cangshan Mountain (苍山) is located to the west of Dali Ancient Town, also known as Diancang Mountain (点苍山). It features 19 peaks, extending from Eryuan Dengchuan in the north to the Tiansheng Bridge in Xizhou in the south. The entire mountain range stands as a green barrier along the western shore of Erhai Lake (洱海), with each peak rising over 3,500 meters above sea level; the highest peak, Malong Peak (马龙峰), reaches an elevation of 4,122 meters.
Cangshan is renowned for its stunning scenery, characterized by snow, clouds, springs, and rocks. The everlasting snow on Cangshan is considered the crown jewel of Dali’s famous “Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon” attractions. Atop the mountain, you’ll find picturesque lakes such as Wash Horse Pond and Black Dragon Pool, where the water is clear and azure, set in a serene environment. Between each pair of peaks, streams cascade down to form waterfalls, collectively known as the famous Eighteen Streams of Cangshan, which eventually flow into Erhai Lake.
Erhai Lake is the second-largest lake in Yunnan, after Dianchi Lake (滇池), and serves as a major scenic resource in Dali. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Plateau”, when viewed from Cangshan, the lake resembles a crescent moon, peacefully nestled between the mountains and the Dali Basin. On calm days, a boat ride on Erhai Lake offers a tranquil and expansive experience, with its crystal-clear waters creating a serene atmosphere.
Erhai Lake is considered the birthplace of the Bai ethnic group, showcasing rich Bai cultural characteristics. It is the primary settlement area for the Bai people, and the lake’s main attractions include small islands and Bai villages along the shoreline, each contributing to the unique charm and cultural heritage of the region.
Travel Information about Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
- Wash Horse Pond Cable Car (洗马潭索道): 335 yuan (includes access to Tianlong Babu Film City and Cangshan Geological Park)
- Zhonghe Cable Car (中和索道): 95 yuan
- Gantong Cable Car (感通索道): 115 yuan
- Erhai Park (洱海公园): Free
- Erhai Lake Boat Tour (洱海游船): 142 yuan (includes South Nanzhao Style Island and Bai Ethnic “Three Courses of Tea” dance performance)
- Butterfly Spring Park (蝴蝶泉公园): 60 yuan
Opening Hours:
- Cangshan: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Erhai Lake: Open all day
Best Time to Visit
Spring is the best season to explore Cangshan Mountain, as many Bai ethnic festivals and events take place in March and April each year, allowing visitors to experience rich cultural traditions. During spring, Erhai Lake is lush with greenery, and around the lunar calendar’s fourth month, the famous Butterfly Festival occurs, making it the ideal time for tourism.
Access to Scenic Area
Location: In the mountainous area west of Dali Ancient Town (大理古城).
Cable Cars: Cangshan Mountain features three cable cars:
- Zhonghe Cable Car (中和索道): The entrance is located west of the Dali Ancient Town, at the March Street Racecourse, and the endpoint is Zhonghe Temple on Zhonghe Peak.
- Wash Horse Pond Cable Car (洗马潭索道): The entrance is at Tianlong Babu Film City, ending at Wash Horse Pond on the mountain’s summit.
- Gantong Cable Car (感通索道): The entrance is at Gantong Temple, and it ends at Qingbi Stream on the slope of Shengying Peak.
Scenic Ratings
- Cultural Experience: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★★★
- Thrill: ★★★
Highlights of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake
Wash Horse Pond Cable Car (洗马潭索道)
The Wash Horse Pond Cable Car is the longest and most scenic of the three cable cars in the Cangshan Scenic Area, making it the best choice for exploring the mountain. Along the ride, visitors can truly experience the unique landscape known as “One Mountain Divided into Four Seasons,” where different seasons can be observed in various parts of the mountain.
Near the mid-station of the cable car lies the Seven Dragon Maidens Pool (七龙女池), a legendary site said to be a bathing and resting place for the seven dragon maidens of the Erhai Dragon King. The area is characterized by a continuous flow of crystal-clear streams.
The upper station, Wash Horse Pond (洗马潭), is located at the junction of Yujufeng and Longquan Peak. According to legend, during the Dali Kingdom period, Kublai Khan, the Yuan Dynasty’s founder, led an expedition to conquer the Dali Kingdom and besieged its capital, Yangjamei City. Finding it difficult to capture, he sent elite troops to cross Cangshan Mountain. They camped at the summit to rest their horses, which is how Wash Horse Pond got its name.
At the lower station, visitors can find the Tianlong Babu Film City (天龙八部影视城), a location that has been used to film numerous movies and television dramas.
Zhonghe Cable Car (中和索道)
The Zhonghe Cable Car is located on the northern side of Cangshan Mountain and is the closest cable car to Dali Ancient City, with its starting point near Sanyue Street just outside the city. The cable car terminates at Zhonghe Temple (中和寺), where visitors can disembark and walk along the famous Yubai Cloud Path (玉带云游路).
As the cable car slowly ascends, riders are treated to stunning views of the lush Cangshan Mountain, the pristine snow, the blue Erhai Lake, the tranquil ancient city, and the scattered traditional Bai houses in the Cang-Er Basin. The Zhonghe Temple, named after Zhonghe Peak, is situated halfway up the mountain. It was granted a plaque reading “Yun Bridge of Yunnan” by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty and is one of the most renowned Taoist temples in Dali.
Zhonghe Peak is the central peak among the nineteen peaks of Cangshan, and directly to the east lies Dali Ancient City and Erhai Lake. Due to its unique geographical position, it serves as the best vantage point for overlooking the breathtaking scenery of Cangshan and Erhai.
Every year on the ninth day of the first lunar month, Zhonghe Temple hosts the grand Songhua Festival (松花会), a Daoist celebration honoring the birthday of the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝). Pilgrims from nearby areas come in a continuous stream to participate in the festivities, which last for over ten days. This vibrant temple fair attracts numerous visitors and showcases rich cultural traditions.
Gantong Cableway (感通索道)
The Gantong Cableway is the southernmost cableway in the Cangshan Scenic Area, with a length comparable to the northern Cangshan cableway. It runs from Gantong Temple at the base of the mountain to Qingbi Stream, located at the mid-mountain area of Shengying Peak.
Riding the cable car offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Cangshan, the expansive Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, and the renowned Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. On clear days, one can even glimpse the distant Jizu Mountain and the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Gantong Temple, also known as Dangshan Temple, provides a refreshing atmosphere as visitors stroll through its grounds, helping to alleviate the fatigue of climbing. From Gantong Temple, the beautiful Erhai Lake unfolds below, sparkling under the sunlight. Qingbi Stream, one of the famed “Eighteen Streams of Cangshan,” is nestled between Malong Peak and Shengying Peak. The stream gathers into three pools -upper, middle, and lower – before flowing down and eventually merging into Erhai Lake.
Yudai Cloud-Walking Path (玉带云游路)
Yudai Cloud-Walking Path refers to the scenic walking trail on the mountainside of Cangshan, extending from Qingbi Stream to Zhonghe Temple. It is named for the frequent clouds and mist that envelop the area, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The path is approximately 18 kilometers long and 2 meters wide, making it a favored route for hikers. Along the way, visitors can explore attractions such as Taoxi, Zhongxi, Longyan Cave, Fengyan Cave, Qilong Nü Pool, and Qingbi Stream, all while enjoying the stunning views of Cangshan and Erhai Lake.
The Yudai Cloud phenomenon is a unique sight in Cangshan, typically occurring in late summer to early autumn. Each morning, a long band of white mist drapes itself around the waist of Cangshan’s nineteen peaks, resembling a flowing ribbon. Local folklore suggests that this is a celestial maiden’s trail, who came down to admire the beauty of the world. The formation of Yudai Cloud is closely linked to the region’s geography and climate. The warm moisture from Erhai Lake gradually rises and meets the cool air descending from the mountain peaks, resulting in the formation of clouds. When the air pressure balances, the mesmerizing Yudai Cloud phenomenon appears.
Tips:
- The temperature on Cangshan is often low and foggy, so it’s best to prepare a thick jacket; wearing a down jacket in winter is recommended. Additionally, as the weather can be unpredictable, don’t forget to bring rain gear.
- When hiking in Cangshan, it’s crucial to stay on designated walking paths to avoid getting lost in the mountains, as there have been previous incidents with serious consequences.
Erhai Park (洱海公园)
Erhai Park is located on the southern end of Erhai Lake at Tuanshan and serves as the first stop for exploring the Cangshan and Erhai Lake scenic area. Historically, Tuanshan was a small island in Erhai Lake, surrounded by water, and access was only possible by boat. Due to its unique geographical location and advantageous natural conditions, the area was developed into a deer breeding ground by the Nanzhao royal family during the Tang Dynasty. Over the years, as water levels gradually declined, the surrounding water dried up, resulting in the current landscape.
Tuanshan is cherished for its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate, making it a favorite destination for visitors. The park attracts a steady stream of tourists, especially during holidays, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
Visitors can explore Erhai Lake by taking a boat tour. The larger cruise ships are equipped with various facilities, including observation halls, dance halls, KTV rooms, and cafes. The boats feature welcoming ceremonies with “Golden Flowers” and “A Peng” to greet guests. During the journey, there are also performances of the Three Course Tea song and dance, allowing tourists to appreciate the stunning Cangshan and Erhai scenery while experiencing the hospitality of the “Land of Etiquette.” This also provides an opportunity to enjoy the unique folk customs and dance arts of the Bai ethnic group.
Zhou Cheng and Butterfly Spring (周城 ·蝴蝶泉)
Zhou Cheng Village is the largest Bai ethnic village in Dali, characterized by its architectural layout centered around a square street, which serves as the main marketplace for the community. The village is also known for hosting the annual Torch Festival.
Butterfly Spring is the most famous attraction in Zhou Cheng Village, symbolizing love and loyalty in the hearts of the Bai people. It gained fame from the movie “Five Golden Flowers.” Traditionally, during the Butterfly Festival on the fifteenth day of the fourth lunar month, thousands of butterflies would arrive from all directions, dancing in the air around the spring in a colorful spectacle, making it one of Dali’s great wonders. However, the number of butterflies visiting the area has decreased significantly in recent years.
Xizhou Ancient Town (喜洲古镇)
Xizhou Ancient Town is located on the western shore of Erhai Lake, directly opposite Shuanglang and Nanzhao Folk Island. This town boasts traditional Bai architecture, reflecting a history of over 1,000 years as a cultural landmark.
As a hub of the Bai ethnic group, Xizhou is home to the largest and best-preserved Bai residences dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The gables of these homes are coated in white lime, tapering to a triangular peak adorned with ink-painted auspicious symbols. The most distinctive features of Bai residences include the “three halls and a screen wall” and the “courtyard” layout, exemplified by notable compounds such as the Yan Family Courtyard on Sifang Street and the Yin Family Courtyard near the east gate of the ancient town.
Tips:
- Festivals: Xizhou hosts a rich variety of folk festivals, with significant celebrations including the Ben Zhu Festival and the Butterfly Festival. The Ben Zhu Festival takes place on the second day of the lunar new year, attracting people of all ages in their traditional Bai attire to pay homage to local deities, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
- Photography: Colorful Cloud Street, Dajie Alley, and Dyeing Clothes Alley feature many old buildings, primarily residential. While these areas provide excellent photographic opportunities, it’s advisable to seek permission from residents before taking pictures.
Nanzhao Folk Island (南诏风情岛)
Nanzhao Folk Island is located north of Xiaoputuo Island, near Shuanglang. Surrounded by water, the island boasts stunning scenery, featuring ancient banyan trees with sprawling branches, winding caves, and clear waters with white sands. The breathtaking views of Cangshan and Erhai Lake create a picturesque backdrop.
Upon stepping onto the island, visitors are greeted by a remarkable group of stone sculptures known as the “Shayi Mother Group Sculpture.” According to legend, the ancestors of Nanzhao were led by a woman named “Shayi.” She made a living through fishing, and during her fishing expeditions, she encountered a submerged log, which was believed to be the incarnation of a dragon. After this event, she became pregnant and gave birth to ten sons. The youngest son, Jiulong, was chosen by his brothers to be their king. Subsequently, a couple living at the foot of the Ailao Mountains had ten daughters, and Jiulong and his brothers married these women, leading to the expansion of their lineage to the present day. This enchanting legend has been beautifully brought to life by sculptors, capturing the essence of the tale in exquisite detail.
Xiaoputuo Island (小普陀)
Xiaoputuo is a small island located in the eastern part of Erhai Lake, situated along the scenic route from Xiguan to Shuanglang and Butterfly Spring. The island features structures dating back to the Ming Dynasty. All tourist boats stop here, allowing visitors to disembark and take in the beautiful views of Erhai Lake.
From Xiaoputuo, the sight of Cangshan and Erhai gives the impression of being cradled in a silver platter held by an elderly figure, providing a sense of vastness and freedom. The most picturesque time on the island is in the morning when a gentle mist envelops Erhai, making Xiaoputuo appear and disappear like an ethereal dream.
According to local legend, when Guanyin was establishing the Dali Basin, she dropped a great seal into the waters to calm the waves and protect the fishermen. In gratitude for Guanyin’s blessings, local fishermen built Guanyin Pavilion on the island and named a fishing village on the eastern side Haiyin Village, thus giving the island its name, Xiaoputuo.
Visitor Guide for Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake
Transportation within the Scenic Area
To fully enjoy Erhai Lake, the ideal way is to head to the Erhai Dock located north of Xiguan, where you can board a cruise ship. Boats typically depart every day at 8:30 AM, so it’s advisable to purchase tickets a day in advance.
If you wish to take in the stunning scenery of Erhai at your own pace, cycling around the lake is a fantastic option. The loop road around Erhai spans approximately 120 kilometers, which can be completed in two days. For those who want to leisurely explore the charming villages along the way, a three-day itinerary is recommended.
Accommodation Options
When visiting Erhai Lake, aside from staying in Dali Ancient City, you can also choose to stay in some picturesque villages by the lakeside, such as Xizhou and Zhoucheng.
Yongxiangju Inn in Xizhou (喜洲永祥居): This inn features traditional Bai architecture with brick and stone finishes, intricate dougong (bracket sets), and eaves that extend on both sides. The walls are adorned with marble carvings and poetic inscriptions. The doors, windows, and corridors are meticulously carved and painted in vibrant colors, creating a stunning and delicate ambiance.
Puben Mountain View Inn (璞本山居海景客栈): This inn offers breathtaking views of the Cangshan mountains and surrounding fields, as well as a panoramic view of the entire Erhai Lake. Each room with a large bed faces the lake, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning scenery of changing skies and reflections on the water right from their beds.
Culinary Delights
Erhai Lake is renowned for its abundant fish, particularly species like the bow fish and carp. The bow fish is relatively small, weighing around 100-200 grams, with tender, delicate flesh that is exceptionally flavorful.
In Zhoucheng Village, opposite the Butterfly Spring scenic area, you’ll find Cang’er Restaurant, where the fish dishes are highly recommended. Here, you can choose your fish directly from the fish pool before it’s prepared.
When visiting Xizhou, don’t miss the famous Xizhou Baba, a beloved local snack known for its delightful taste and aroma. These flatbreads are a must-try, and you’ll find numerous shops around Sifang Street offering fresh Xizhou Baba. You can even purchase some to take along as tasty travel snacks!