01City Guide
Butterfly Spring
蝴蝶泉
All Ages
Admission
Adult admission is commonly CNY 40. Extra entertainment projects, photos, and some on-site services can charge separately.
Typical Visit
1.5-2.5 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
Cangshan Geological Park admission is commonly CNY 35. Cableways are separate and vary by route; Ximatan, Gantong, and Zhonghe cableway products can differ by season and package.
Hours
Dali Tourism Group pages list Ximatan and Gantong cableway uphill service around 08:30-14:00 and downhill service around 08:30-17:00. Same-day wind, weather, and maintenance notices override normal schedules.
Transport
No metro. From Dali Old Town, use a taxi, ride-hailing, local bus, or chartered car to the chosen cableway lower station.
Duration
3-6 hours depending on cableway and walking route
Best Time
Mar-May and Sep-Nov; clear mornings are best for lake views
Visitors
Adults
How to Visit
1
Choose the cableway by your goal
Use Ximatan for the highest mountain experience, Gantong for a lighter walk near Qingbi Stream, or Zhonghe for a lower and simpler old-town-side route.
Tip:Do not buy a cableway only because it is available; match it to your energy and weather.
2
Check wind and cloud before buying
Cangshan views depend heavily on clear weather. If the top is covered in cloud or wind is strong, a lower route may be more useful than forcing the high cableway.
Tip:Cableways can pause or close for safety.
3
Use Jade Belt Road for a practical walk
The Jade Belt Road is a relatively manageable mountain-side path with Erhai views. It is better for most visitors than trying to turn Cangshan into a hard hike.
Tip:Still bring water and shoes with grip.
4
Return before late afternoon
Mountain weather changes quickly, and transport becomes less convenient later in the day. Keep enough time for the descent and the ride back to town.
Tip:Do not plan a tight evening train or flight after a long mountain route.
Highlights
- The mountain backdrop behind Dali Old Town and Erhai Lake
- Several cableway choices for different energy levels
- Jade Belt Road for a manageable walk with lake views
- Qingbi Stream and forest routes on the Gantong side
- High-altitude scenery when Ximatan is open and weather is clear
Insider Tips
✦Bring a warm layer even if Dali Old Town feels mild.
✦Avoid Ximatan if you are sensitive to altitude, wind, or sudden weather changes.
✦Buy tickets after checking the operating notice rather than days ahead when possible.
✦Do not rely on mountain food stalls; carry water and a snack.
✦Use a precise destination such as the cableway station, not just 'Cangshan', when booking a ride.
More Dali Attractions
02City Guide
Caicun Pier
才村码头
All Ages
Admission
Caicun Pier and nearby public lakefront areas are free to visit. Budget separately for bikes, carts, parking, food, cafes, and boat or local services.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours; longer if cycling the corridor
03Urban Landmark
Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas
崇圣寺三塔文化旅游区
All Ages
Admission
Adult admission is commonly CNY 75. Sightseeing cart products are separate, with uphill and round-trip options often sold at different prices.
Typical Visit
2-4 hours
04City Guide
Erhai Ecological Corridor
洱海生态廊道
All Ages
Admission
There is no single entry ticket for the public corridor. Budget for bikes, approved electric carts, sightseeing carts, parking, cafes, and route transfers.
Typical Visit
1-2 hours for a short section; half day for a longer ride
05City Guide
Erhai Lake
洱海
All Ages
Admission
Erhai Lake itself is not a single gated ticket attraction. Budget separately for bikes, electric carts, parking, boat rides, cafes, and individual villages or islands.
Typical Visit
Half day for one shore section; 1-2 days for a relaxed loop
06City Guide
Jinsuo Island
金梭岛
All Ages
Admission
Round-trip island boat tickets for visitors are commonly around CNY 20. Dragon Palace Cave and package products are separate and can cost much more.
Typical Visit
1.5-3 hours