Dali Cangshan Global Geopark is located in Dali City, Yangbi County, and Eryuan County of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, with the main body in Dali City. The scenic area is a Global Geopark and a national 4A-level tourist attraction. It covers a total area of 577.10 square kilometers, with the highest altitude of 4,122 meters. The park consists of three zones: Cangshan Mountain, the Erhai Plateau Lake, and the alluvial plain at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Its geological relics are unique, including Quaternary glacial landforms, metamorphic rock series, and the plateau fault lake Erhai Lake. It is the naming site of the "Dali Ice Age" and "Dali Rock". In addition, the park features beautiful scenery, fresh air, and rich animal and plant resources.
Historical Culture
Dali Cangshan Global Geopark has a long history and profound cultural heritage. It is one of the birthplaces of the Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom, carrying the long history and splendid culture of ethnic minorities such as the Bai people. Some ancient buildings in the park, such as the Cangshan Shenci (Cangshan God Temple), can be traced back more than a thousand years, witnessing the changes of time. In addition, it has left many poems and songs by literati, adding a strong cultural atmosphere to the scenic area. At the same time, as the naming site of the "Dali Ice Age" and "Dali Rock", it holds an important historical position in the field of geological research and is irreplaceable for studying the earth's history and geological evolution.
Main Attractions
Nineteen Peaks of Cangshan
From north to south, they are Yunlong, Canglang, Wutai, Lianhua (Lotus), Baiyun (White Cloud), Heyun (Crane Cloud), Sanyang, Lanfeng (Orchid Peak), Xueren (Snowman), Yingle, Guanyin (Avalokitesvara), Zhonghe (Neutralization), Longquan (Dragon Spring), Yuju (Jade Bureau), Malong (Malone), Shengying (Holy Response), Foding (Buddha Peak), Ma'er (Horse Ear), and Xieyang (Setting Sun). Most of them have an altitude of over 3,500 meters, with seven peaks exceeding 4,000 meters. The highest peak, Malong Peak, reaches 4,122 meters.
Eighteen Creeks of Cangshan
There is a stream between every two of the nineteen peaks, forming the unique landscape of "Nineteen Peaks and Eighteen Creeks". The streams are clear and flow all year round, creating numerous waterfalls, deep pools, and cascades in the mountains.
Qingbi Stream
Its main attraction is the "Three-Tiered Water Pools", where the water is clear and as bright as a mirror.
Seven Dragon Maidens Pools
This is a magical landscape of cascading waterfalls in Cangshan. From bottom to top, there are seven natural clear water pools, with waterfalls crashing down from the west side of each pool.
Xima Pond
Located at the junction of Yuju Peak and Longquan Peak, it is at an altitude of 3,920 meters and is a high-altitude moraine lake from the Dali Little Ice Age in the Quaternary period. The pond has a diameter of about 170 meters, a circumference of 250 meters, a water depth of 0.5 to 1.5 meters, and a water storage capacity of 3,000 cubic meters.
Cangshan Shenci (Cangshan God Temple)
Situated on the south side of the foot of Zhonghe Peak, facing south with Zhongxi Stream in front, the temple consists of one main hall and two side halls. The main hall has five bays, a single-eave Xieshan roof style, with a length of 14 meters, a height of 8 meters, and a depth of 10.3 meters.
Cangshan TV Station
Located on the top of Xiaocen Peak at an altitude of 4,092 meters, it is the highest alpine TV relay station in China, built in 1976.
Shimen Pass Scenic Area
Located on the west slope of Dali Cangshan Mountain in Yangbi County, it is an important part of the Cang'er Scenic Area, with a planned area of 28.2 square kilometers. Famous landscapes include Mist-Locked Shimen, Foguo Evening Bell, and Clear Void Valley.
Food
Grilled Rushan
Made from milk, it melts in the mouth, with a crispy, sweet, and savory taste.
Stir-Fried Ersi
Prepared with sliced meat, eggs, tomatoes, and other ingredients, it is bright in color, with chewy Ersi (rice noodles) and a fragrant aroma.
Cold Chicken Rice Noodles
Sweet and sour in taste, it can be found in the streets and alleys of Dali.
Casserole Fish
Made with Erhai Lake fish stewed in a casserole and padded with vegetable leaves, it features a colorful presentation with red and green hues.
Braised Meat Ersi
Known for its delicious taste, it has a wide reputation.
Admission
The adult combined ticket is 115 yuan, including the Cangshan National Geopark ticket and round-trip Gantong Cableway ticket. Subject to actual prices at the scenic area.
Opening Hours
Usually 9:00 - 16:00 daily. Subject to announcements by the scenic area.
Tour Routes
Guanyintang → Take Cangshan Cableway or Gantong Cableway to Yudai Cloud Tour Road → Tianlong Babu Film and Television City → Stele of Kublai Khan Pacifying Yunnan → Dali Ancient City → Three-Course Tea or Dongjing Ancient Music Performance
Transportation
- Walk about 20 minutes from the west side of Dali Ancient City to reach the lower station of the main cableway.
- Take bus route 4 or the Three Pagodas special line, get off at Dali Town No. 2 Middle School Station, and walk to the Gantong Cableway Station.
Must-See Attractions
- Xima Pond: Located at the top of Cangshan Mountain, it is a Quaternary glacial relic with magnificent surrounding scenery. Alpine rhododendrons bloom in May and June.
- Qingbi Stream: Famous for its "Three-Tiered Water Pools" landscape, the clear green water and lush vegetation create a quiet and beautiful environment.
- Cangshan Shenci: With a long history and simple architecture, it features rich Bai cultural characteristics and is an excellent place to experience local folk culture.
- Shimen Pass Scenic Area: Integrating majestic, dangerous, strange, beautiful, and serene natural landscapes with profound cultural heritage, it features unique alpine canyons and cliffs.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to spend half a day to a full day visiting, choosing suitable attractions according to your time and physical condition.
- In summer, you can enjoy the Lotus, White Cloud, and other peaks of Cangshan and its rich vegetation; in winter, you can see the snow on Cangshan. Choose the visiting time according to the season.
- When taking the cableway, you can choose Gantong Cableway, Cangshan Main Cableway, or Zhonghe Cableway, each offering different scenic views.
- When visiting, you can hike along the Yudai Cloud Tour Road to appreciate more natural landscapes and geological relics.
Notes
- Cangshan has a high altitude and low temperature, so warm clothing is recommended.
- Pay attention to safety when hiking, follow the scenic area signs, and do not enter undeveloped areas without authorization.
- Protect the environment, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.
- Follow the relevant regulations when taking the cableway and pay attention to safety.