Dali Cangshan Global Geopark is located in Dali City, Yangbi County, and Eryuan County of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, with its main part situated in Dali City. As a Global Geopark and a national 4A-level scenic area, it covers a total area of 577.10 square kilometers, with the highest elevation reaching 4,122 meters. The geopark consists of three zones: the Cangshan Mountains, the Erhai Plateau Lake, and the alluvial plain at the foot of the mountains between Cangshan and Erhai. It boasts unique geological relics, including Quaternary glacial landforms, metamorphic rock series, and the Erhai Lake—a rift lake on the plateau. It is also the naming site of the "Dali Glaciation" and "Dali Marble". In addition, the geopark features beautiful scenery, fresh air, and abundant flora and fauna resources.
History and Culture
Dali Cangshan Global Geopark has a long history and profound cultural heritage. It is one of the cradles of the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Dali Kingdom, carrying the long-standing history and brilliant culture of ethnic minorities such as the Bai people. Some ancient buildings within the geopark, like the Cangshan God Shrine, date back over a thousand years, witnessing the changes of time. Moreover, the area has inspired numerous poems and essays by men of letters, adding a strong cultural atmosphere to the scenic spot. Meanwhile, as the naming site of the "Dali Glaciation" and "Dali Marble", it holds an important historical position in the field of geological research and is of irreplaceable value for studying Earth's history and geological evolution.
Major Attractions
Nineteen Peaks of Cangshan
From north to south, the peaks are named Yunlong, Canglang, Wutai, Lianhua (Lotus), Baiyun (White Cloud), Heyun (Crane Cloud), Sanyang, Lanfeng (Orchid), Xueren (Snowman), Yingle, Guanyin, Zhonghe, Longquan (Dragon Spring), Yuju, Malong, Shengying, Foding (Buddha's Top), Ma'er (Horse Ear), and Xieyang (Setting Sun). Most of these peaks are over 3,500 meters above sea level, with seven exceeding 4,000 meters. The highest one, Malong Peak, stands at 4,122 meters.
Eighteen Streams of Cangshan
Between every two of the nineteen peaks flows a stream, forming the unique landscape of "nineteen peaks and eighteen streams". The streams are clear and flow year-round, creating numerous waterfalls, deep pools, and cascades in the mountains.
Qingbi Stream
Its main scenic feature is the "Three Pools of Overlapping Water". The water in the pools is crystal clear, as bright as a mirror.
Seven Dragon Maidens' Pools
It is a magical landscape of cascading springs and waterfalls in Cangshan. From the bottom to the top, there are seven natural clear pools, with waterfalls plunging down the west side of each pool.
Ximatan (Horse-Washing Pond)
Located at the junction of Yuju Peak and Longquan Peak, it sits at an elevation of 3,920 meters and is an alpine moraine lake formed during the Quaternary Dali Minor Glaciation. The pond has a diameter of approximately 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 God Shrine
Situated on the southern side of the foot of Zhonghe Peak, it faces south with Zhongxi Stream in front. The entire complex consists of a main hall and two side halls. The main hall has 5 bays, an overhanging gable and hip roof, and measures 14 meters in length, 8 meters in height, and 10.3 meters in depth.
Cangshan TV Station
Located on the top of Xiaocen Peak at an elevation of 4,092 meters, it is the highest-altitude alpine TV relay station in China and was built in 1976.
Shimenguan (Stone Gate Pass) Scenic Area
Located in Yangbi County on the west slope of Diancang Mountain in Dali, it is an important part of the Cangshan-Erhai Scenic Area, covering a planned area of 28.2 square kilometers. Its famous landscapes include "Stone Gate Shrouded in Mist", "Evening Bell of Fuguo Temple", and "Clear and Void Valley", among other attractions.
Tour Route
Guanyin Pond → Take Cangshan Cableway or Gentong Cableway to tour Yudai Yunyou Road (Jade Belt Tourist Road) → Tianlong Babu Film and Television City → Stele of Kublai Khan (Emperor Shizu of Yuan Dynasty) Pacifying Yunnan → Dali Ancient Town → San Dao Cha (Three-Course Tea) or Dongjing Ancient Music Performance
Travel Tips
- The recommended visiting time is half a day to a full day. You can choose suitable attractions based on your own time and physical strength.
- In summer, you can enjoy the peaks such as Lianhua Peak and Baiyun Peak as well as the rich vegetation; in winter, you can see the snow on Cangshan. You can choose the visiting time according to the season.
- When taking a cableway, you can choose Gentong Cableway, Cangshan Grand Cableway, or Zhonghe Cableway, each offering different views.
- During your visit, you can hike along Yudai Yunyou Road to enjoy more natural landscapes and geological relics.
Notes
- Cangshan has a high elevation and low temperature, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing.
- Pay attention to safety when hiking, follow the scenic area's signposts, and do not enter undeveloped areas without permission.
- Protect the environment, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.
- When taking the cableway, abide by the relevant regulations and pay attention to safety.
Transportation
- Exit from the west side of Dali Ancient Town and walk for about 20 minutes to reach the lower station of the Grand Cableway.
- Take Bus No. 4 or the Santai Special Line and get off at Dali Town No. 2 Middle School Station, then walk to the Gentong Cableway Station.
Opening Hours
Usually 9:00 - 16:00 every day. Subject to the announcement of the scenic area.
Ticket Price
The combined ticket for adults is 115 yuan, including the ticket for Cangshan National Geopark and a round-trip ticket for Gentong Cableway. Subject to the actual price of the scenic area.