Gantong Temple and Cangshan Cableway
Ascend Cangshan Mountain via cable car to discover Gantong Temple and hike the breathtaking Jade Belt Road, offering stunning views of Erhai Lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Gantong Temple and Cangshan Cableway
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Cangshan Mountain via cable car to discover Gantong Temple and hike the breathtaking Jade Belt Road, offering stunning views of Erhai Lake.
"The Jade Belt Road offers incredible views, but choose your cable car wisely to avoid a massive stair climb!"
Choose Your Cable Car Wisely
Ximatan cable car goes higher. Gantong to midway means 1100 stairs up!
Check Last Ride Times
Don't get stuck! Know the cable car's closing time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jade Belt Road
Cangshan Mountain
An 11km scenic pathway with breathtaking mountain and Erhai Lake views. Perfect for a memorable hike.
Gantong Temple
Cangshan Mountain
A serene spiritual site nestled amidst the mountains, offering a peaceful retreat and cultural insight.
Ximatan Cable Car Ride
Cangshan Mountain
Ascend to higher altitudes for panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape and Erhai Lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cable Car Strategy is Key
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose Your Cable Car Wisely
Ximatan cable car goes higher. Gantong to midway means 1100 stairs up!
Check Last Ride Times
Don't get stuck! Know the cable car's closing time.
Hike the Jade Belt Road
11km of stunning views. Wear comfy shoes!
Embrace the Serenity
Gantong Temple offers a peaceful escape.
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose Your Cable Car Wisely
Ximatan cable car goes higher. Gantong to midway means 1100 stairs up!
Check Last Ride Times
Don't get stuck! Know the cable car's closing time.
Hike the Jade Belt Road
11km of stunning views. Wear comfy shoes!
Embrace the Serenity
Gantong Temple offers a peaceful escape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views from Cangshan Mountain, especially along the Jade Belt Road, and the spiritual tranquility of Gantong Temple. The cable car rides are a popular way to access these sights, though the choice of cable car significantly impacts the hiking experience. Some find the stair climb from the Gantong cable car challenging.
"I recommend taking the Ximatan cable car all the way up. Walking around then taking it to the midway point and walking the trail to the Gatong cable car.
If you do it the other way you will have to walk up 1100 stairs"
Elijah S
"Visitors can take the Gantong Cable car up to the middle of Cangshan mountains. Once you arrive at the top station there a few sites to visit. But continue walking up and you will reach the Jade Belt Road. This pathway extends for about 11km. There are views of mountain and Erhai lake along this path."
Junwen Wang
"We took a cable car up to the middle of the mountain. After getting off the cable car, we climbed the stairs to reach the hiking trail."
KYO S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the base of the Cangshan Cableway, which leads to Gantong Temple, by taxi or local bus from Dali Old Town. Many visitors opt for the Ximatan cable car for higher access.
The Ximatan cable car offers higher access to trails like the Jade Belt Road. The Gantong cable car takes you to a midway point, requiring a significant stair climb to reach the main hiking paths.
Parking is generally available at the base stations of both the Gantong and Ximatan cable cars, though it can fill up during peak season.
Yes, ride-sharing apps are a convenient option for reaching the cable car stations from Dali.
Local buses often run from Dali Old Town to the vicinity of the cable car bases, providing an economical transport option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary for the cable cars. The Gantong cable car typically costs less than the Ximatan cable car, which goes higher up the mountain. Check official websites for current pricing.
It's advisable to purchase cable car tickets in advance, especially during holidays or peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues.
Cable car operating hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the latest schedule to ensure you don't miss the last ride down.
While the cable car has a fee, access to Gantong Temple itself is often included or has a minimal separate charge.
Sometimes combo tickets that include cable car rides and access to other attractions on Cangshan Mountain are offered. Inquire at the ticket office.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
At the Gantong cable car's upper station, you can visit Gantong Temple and access the Jade Belt Road for hiking.
The Jade Belt Road is approximately 11km long. Hiking the entire length can take several hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
The Jade Belt Road offers numerous stunning viewpoints overlooking Erhai Lake and the surrounding mountains. The higher you go via the Ximatan cable car, the more expansive the vistas.
If you take the Gantong cable car to the midway point, reaching the temple and Jade Belt Road involves climbing about 1100 stairs, which can be strenuous.
Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, layers of clothing as mountain weather can change, and sun protection.
📸 📸 Photography
The Jade Belt Road provides incredible panoramic shots of Erhai Lake and the mountains. The temple grounds also offer picturesque scenes.
Mornings often offer clearer skies and softer light for photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also yield beautiful results.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and scenic areas. Check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the mountains or distant views of Erhai Lake.
Capture the cable car ascending the mountain, the intricate details of Gantong Temple, and the sweeping vistas from the Jade Belt Road.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family enjoys hiking, the Ximatan Cable Car provides access to the Jade Belt Road. While the full 11km might be too much for younger kids, you can hike shorter sections. Ensure everyone has comfortable shoes and is prepared for varying weather conditions. The stunning views are a great reward for the effort!
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
For those seeking a more challenging ascent, consider hiking up to the Gantong Temple area without the cable car, or tackling the 1100 stairs from the Gantong Cable Car's midway station. Remember to carry ample water and wear appropriate hiking gear. The reward is the unparalleled natural beauty and a sense of accomplishment.
🧘♀️ Spiritual Seekers
Beyond the temple, the natural grandeur of Cangshan Mountain itself can be a spiritual experience. The expansive views from the Jade Belt Road and the quietude of the mountain trails can foster a sense of connection with nature and oneself.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Cangshan Cableways
The Gantong Cable Car offers a more moderate ascent, taking you to a midway point on the mountain. From its upper station, you can visit Gantong Temple. However, to reach the Jade Belt Road or higher trails from here, you'll face a challenging climb of approximately 1100 stairs. This route might be suitable if you're primarily interested in the temple and a shorter, less strenuous mountain experience, or if you enjoy a good workout.
Regardless of your choice, always check the operating hours for both cable cars. Missing the last ride down can lead to unexpected challenges. Planning your ascent and descent times is essential for a smooth visit.
The Allure of the Jade Belt Road
Walking the Jade Belt Road is an immersive experience in nature. You'll encounter diverse flora and fauna, and the ever-changing perspectives of the landscape are a photographer's dream. Many travelers recommend dedicating a significant portion of your day to exploring this trail, as there are numerous spots to pause, admire the scenery, and capture memorable photos.
To make the most of your hike on the Jade Belt Road, wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack snacks. Sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, is also advisable. The best time for photography is often in the morning when the light is soft and the air is clear, or during the late afternoon for golden hour hues.
Spiritual Solace at Gantong Temple
While the temple itself is a draw, its location also serves as a gateway to the mountain's natural beauty. It's accessible via the Gantong Cable Car, though reaching the higher trails like the Jade Belt Road from the temple requires a substantial climb. Many find the journey to the temple, whether by cable car or a more challenging hike, to be a rewarding part of their visit.
When visiting Gantong Temple, remember to dress respectfully. The atmosphere is one of peace and reverence, and visitors are encouraged to maintain a quiet demeanor. It's an excellent opportunity to appreciate Buddhist architecture and the harmonious integration of the temple with its natural surroundings.
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