Cangshan Mountain
Cangshan, also known as Diancangshan, is a mountain range just west of the city of Dali in the Yunnan province of southwestern China. The mountain is known for its very rich and diverse floras. The variety of plants reaches more than 2,330 and the variety of animals, 170, among them, there are 16 types that are classified as protected animals at the national level. Cangshan Mountain is located west of Dali Ancient City and Erhai Lake and includes 19 peaks and 18 streams. The 19 peaks of Cangshan Mountain stretch 50 km from north to south, forming columns like a screen. The highest peak, Malong, reaches a height of 4,122 meters. The waterfalls and rushing rivers emit thunderous roars. Malong, the main summit, rises into the sky with its summit covered in dazzling snow all year round. Clouds, snow, peaks and streams are four spectacular mountain views. May and June are the perfect months to visit Cangshan Mountain, as it is carpeted with many types of flowers at that time. Azaleas are the most striking.
There is an impressive legend about Cangshan Mountain. It is said that in one year, the plague spread to the foot of Cangshan Mountain, two sisters used the magical arts they learned to drive the plague to the top of the hill, and buried it in the snow to freeze to death. In order for the plague to never resurrect, the eldest sister became a snow peak as a snow god to protect Cangshan Mountain. Without a doubt, Dali was not magnificent without the snowy scenery of Cangshan Mountain.
Cangshan is a scenic place and a good hiking area. It is said that snow does not melt even on the hottest days of summer. The Snow, one of the famous four main scenes (Wind, Flower, Snow and Moon) of Dali City, refers to the incredibly beautiful unmelted snow scene of Cangshan Mountain. Fog often spreads over the snow-capped mountain peaks, giving visitors an impression of mystery and magnificence. The mountain is a prominent and must-see sight in Dali, with numerous springs, ponds and waterfalls, beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, a series of ecological zones with thousands of plant species and panoramic views of lakes. Adeyun Trail is a flat trail on Cangshan Mountain, 2,600 meters above sea level. The famous Jade Cloud scenery usually appears in late summer and early autumn, and there is a Jade Belt floating on the nineteen peaks of Cangshan Mountain. The 18-kilometer Jade Cloud Route begins at Matong Peak and passes through Dragon Stream, Yuju Peak, Green Jade Stream, Longquan Peak, Middle Stream, Zhonghe Peak, Tao Stream, Guanyin Peak and Meixi Stream. in total six peaks and five arryos. Whether you go up by cable car or on foot, it is advisable to reach Zhonghe Temple first, with a small square to enjoy beautiful views of Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient City. Afterwards, pass by several tourist spots, such as Phoenix Eye Cave, Dragon Eye Cave, Seven Fairy Pond, Great Valley of Cangshan Mountain and Gantong Temple.
The best time to visit Cangshan Mountain is from March to May and September to November. In spring, travelers can take the Ximatan cable car up the mountain, where they will find blooming azaleas of different colors at 4,100 meters above sea level. It will be a great and unforgettable visual enjoyment.
