Cangshan Mountain, Dali – Ticket, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights

The Cangshan Eighteen Streams serve as vital arteries, supplying water to the famous Erhai Lake and its surrounding fertile lands. Covering an expansive basin of 336.9 square kilometers, these streams contribute an average annual surface runoff of 2.339 billion cubic meters, significantly shaping the ecological balance of Erhai Lake. The western slope of Cangshan Mountain alone hosts 23 rivers, collectively contributing to a minimum flow rate of 4.923 cubic meters per second, enriching the Heihui River basin. Additionally, the northern region features the Shuichang River, which flows into the Fengyu River before eventually merging into Erhai Lake, further influencing its ecosystem.

Nestled between the peaks of Malong and Shengying, the Qingbi Stream Gorge offers visitors a glimpse into the geological history of Cangshan Mountain. Formed over 50 million years ago during the Himalayan orogeny, this gorge is a testament to the enduring forces of nature. The uplift of Cangshan Mountain, coupled with the relentless erosion by flowing water, glaciers, and gravitational collapses, sculpted the landscape into its present form. With a vertical drop of approximately 150 meters from the mountain peaks to the valley floor and a narrow width of just 5 meters, the gorge is a stunning display of nature’s raw power. The towering cliffs of the gorge reveal layers of rock dating back 1.9 billion years to the ancient Paleoproterozoic era, showcasing the geological evolution of the region.

The Cangshan Shrine, also known as the Cangshan Temple, stands proudly at the foothills of Cangshan Mountain, approximately 2 kilometers west of the ancient city of Dali. Dedicated to the deity of Cangshan Mountain, the shrine is believed to have been built during the early period of the Nanzhao Kingdom. It serves as a historical monument reflecting the unity of the ethnic groups and the unity of the China. Though the original stone chamber of the shrine remains, the temple underwent significant renovations during the Qing Dynasty, particularly during the reigns of Emperor Jiaqing and Emperor Daoguang. In December 1987, the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government designated it as a third-level provincial cultural relic protection unit, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.

Gantong Temple, also known as Dangshan Temple, has its roots traced back to the early Tang Dynasty. Founded by the revered monk Li Chengmei, it holds historical significance for its association with the Ming Dynasty Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. In the 16th year of the Hongwu reign (1383), the abbot of Gantong Temple, Master Wujie, presented white horses and camellia flowers to Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang during his pilgrimage to Nanjing. Delighted by the gesture, the emperor composed and bestowed two poems, along with eighteen verses of water and land travel, to the temple, all of which were inscribed on stone tablets erected in front of the main hall of Gantong Temple. In later years, eminent monks of Yunnan resided in the temple, with their memorial pagodas standing within its grounds. Close to Gantong Temple, Jizhao Nunnery has risen to fame in recent years due to its lush vegetation and flowers.

Zhonghe Temple, named after its location at the central peak of Cangshan Mountain, holds a special place in the religious landscape of Dali. During the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi bestowed the honorary plaque “滇云拱极 (Dianyun Gongji)” upon the temple, recognizing its significance as one of the renowned Taoist temples in Dali. Initially established during the Tang Dynasty under the reign of the Nanzhao king Yimouxun, Zhonghe Temple served as the central point for the worship of the “Five Sacred Mountains” of Cangshan Mountain by the kings of the Nanzhao Kingdom.

Wuwei Temple, located at the eastern foot of the Lanfeng Peak of Cangshan Mountain, was constructed during the Song Dynasty by Duan Siping, the ruler of the Dali Kingdom, who had a profound admiration for Buddhism. During the Yuan Dynasty, Emperor Kublai Khan, while on his expedition to Dali, stationed his troops near the temple, establishing a military camp known as “Zhuhuatai.” Behind the temple lies a clear spring, known as the “Plague-Relief Spring,” believed to have healing properties against diseases. During the Ming Dynasty, the temple underwent renovations and expansions, featuring grand structures such as the Mountain Gate, the Main Hall, two side halls, the Lao Yan Pavilion, and the Cuihua Tower.

Xima Pool, situated at the junction of the Yujufeng and Longquanfeng peaks of Cangshan Mountain, stands at an elevation of 3920 meters. It is a relic of the Fourth Quaternary Dali Glacier Lake. According to legend, Emperor Kublai Khan stationed his troops here and washed his horses during his expedition to Dali, hence the name “Xima Pool,” which translates to “Horse Washing Pool.” Previously known as Gaohe or “Rushing River,” it was once a part of the water management system of the Nanzhao Kingdom, as mentioned in the “Nanzhao Dehua Stele.” The pool, with a diameter of approximately 170 meters and a circumference of 250 meters, boasts crystal-clear water resembling a mirror. It is famous for producing the local delicacy “Gaohe Vegetable” and the renowned Snow Tea.

The Cliff Paintings of Cangshan, discovered in the Jin Niu Village on the western slope of Malong Peak at an altitude of 2000 meters, date back to the Neolithic period. Discovered in October 1994, these paintings cover an area of around 30 square meters on a natural cliff surface of 120 square meters. Divided into five groups, the paintings depict scenes of cattle, herding, worship, gathering, hunting, traditional houses, and dances, totaling over 200 figures. Recognized as a key provincial cultural relic protection unit by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government in December 2003, these cliff paintings offer invaluable insights into the ancient cultural practices and artistic expressions of the region.