Mt.Cangshan and Erhai Lake Scenic Resort, Yunnan, China

4Chinagirl 5:00 PM Dec 19, 2014

Incredible Views
If you want to do the entire walk you should start at the bottom of the Mountain Tourist Centre on the East side of the old Town. You take a Cable Car up RMB 50 per person 1 way then start on the hiking route. Actually after some initial stairs you are on a well paved flat walking track. 1st part it 4.9 k's to the next Cableway to the top via a Venicular which is another RMB 50 1 way. This takes you to the top Cable Car which transports you to the top of the Mountain. Unfortunately this day it was closed due to winds so seems earlier you go in the day the better the chance to get to the top. From the middle pass you can take another Cable Car down or continue to walk the mountain route. There is a station where you can buy water, some good and picnic tables. If you continue to walk it's another 7 k's until the next Cableway down which is actually a Chair Lift, walking elevation on this route is between 2600 - 2700 meters. Past the first stop it is not possible to buy drinks of water anywhere until you get to the Zhonghe Temple. We wanted to walk further but it seems there is not a good track down. The Cable Car also provides some amazing views over the whole area, Lake and to the other side and mountains. The whole walk and ride takes about 5-6 hours without going to the top. From the bottom you can walk about 2 k's and end up in the old town. The walk is really well organised, very clean and protects the environment. An amazing scenic spot. Allow more time and go early if you wang to get to the top elevation of 3920. Some of the best scenery in China. Both Cable Car and Chairlift open at 8.30 am and close at 18.40 and 17.00 respectively. Worth the walk and good bathroom facilities along the way,

4i55ac 5:00 PM Sep 13, 2011

Unpolished Gem
We arrived at Dali train Station in the early morning and hired a driver who suggested we visit Mt Cangshan right away. We were a bit hesitate at first as it was drizzling and cold as we didn't expect summer to be around 14C. We have no regret since after we reached mid mt via cablecar. This place is very well kept and maintained and we can only see local tourists most of the time . We walked through 4-5 canyon-like shapes of about 10km and really enjoy the view and fresh air. It overlooks the Dali city as well as Erhai Lake (if weather is good). Its echo effect is thunderous. We didn't know the exact shape of this Mt until we viewed it from Dali Ancient city. It's just fantastic and unbelievable that we did it . This is a must see national park and it's worth all the 10km+ walk.