Travel Guide of 1 Day Dali Cangshan Mountain Hiking Tour to Jade Belt Cloud Trail

Overview:

If you're looking to experience a scenic hiking adventure on Cangshan Mountain (苍山) in Dali (大理) but want something easy and relaxing, the Jade Belt Cloud Trail (玉带云游路) is the perfect choice. This trail is located halfway up the mountain, with a smooth, paved path that has very little incline, making it ideal for beginners or those seeking a leisurely day of hiking.

The Jade Belt Cloud Trail (玉带云游路) is a scenic hiking route located on Cangshan Mountain (苍山) in Dali (大理), offering breathtaking views, rich cultural experiences, and a range of hiking options. It is particularly suitable for visitors who enjoy nature but prefer a more moderate hiking experience. The route covers a mix of cable car rides and hiking, providing flexibility for different fitness levels and preferences.

The trail is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) long, and it passes through several beautiful sites including Cangshan Grand Canyon (苍山大峡谷), Qingbi Creek (清碧溪), Seven Dragon Maiden Pool (七龙女池), and Fengyan Cave (凤眼洞). Along the way, visitors can enjoy lush forests, tranquil lakes, and dramatic mountain views.

Tour Highlights:

1. Easy, Relaxing Hiking Experience

The Jade Belt Cloud Trail is a gentle, 15-kilometer (9.3 miles) hiking route that allows you to experience the natural beauty of Cangshan without the strenuous climb. The trail is mostly level with no dirt paths and minimal elevation gain, which makes it a great option for first-time hikers or those who prefer a more relaxed trekking experience.

2. Scenic Views and Peaceful Nature

Along the trail, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Cangshan Mountain and the Erhai Lake (洱海), as well as lush forests, rolling hills, and serene valleys. Especially in the early morning or after rain, the misty clouds often envelop the landscape, creating a magical, ethereal atmosphere. The trail offers not only beautiful views but also peaceful moments where you can immerse yourself in nature.

3. Cultural and Historical Sites

The Jade Belt Cloud Trail connects nature with culture, weaving through ancient landmarks, stone inscriptions, and the Tianlong Babu Film City (天龙八部影视城). This film set, inspired by Chinese martial arts culture, adds a cultural dimension to your hiking experience.

4. Eco-friendly and Well-preserved Path

The trail was designed with ecological conservation in mind, ensuring that it preserves the area’s natural landscape. The path goes through dense forests with abundant wildlife and rich plant life, making it a great spot for eco-tourism enthusiasts. The entire trail has been carefully planned and is regularly maintained, ensuring both safety and environmental preservation.

5. Best Time to Visit

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to hike on the Jade Belt Cloud Trail. During these seasons, the weather is cool and pleasant, providing ideal hiking conditions. The natural surroundings are also at their most vibrant, offering a picturesque setting for your trek.

How to Reach the Jade Belt Cloud Trail Using Cangshan's Three Cable Cars

The Jade Belt Cloud Trail can be accessed using a combination of cable cars and hiking routes. There are four main hiking paths and three cable car lines available, offering numerous options for reaching the starting point and exploring the mountain. Depending on your preferences or group size, you can choose the best combination of cable cars and hiking routes.

Three Cable Car Lines:

A. Gantong Cable Car (感通索道)

Route: This cable car travels from Gantong Temple Parking Lot (感通寺停车场) to Qingbi Creek (清碧溪), covering a distance of 2630 meters. It reaches an altitude of 2260-2550 meters, making it the closest cable car to the start of the Jade Belt Cloud Trail (at the 0 km marker of the trail).

Ticket Price: One-way ticket ¥85 (including ¥35 for Cangshan scenic area entry fee). Round trip ticket is ¥110 (including Cangshan entrance fee).

Booking: Tickets can be booked online up to 2 hours in advance.

B. Cangshan Grand Cable Car (苍山大索道 or 洗马潭索道)

Route: This cable car is located near the Tianlong Babu Film City (天龙八部影视城). It has three stations:

• Lower Station: Located at Tianlong Babu Film City at 2242 meters.

• Middle Station: Located above Seven Dragon Maiden Pool at 2814 meters.

• Upper Station: Located at the peak of Yujufeng at 3900 meters.

Ticket Price:

• Round trip from Seven Dragon Maiden Pool (中站) to Xima Tan Scenic Area (上站): ¥112. (Note: no one-way tickets available for this section as you cannot descend from the upper station on foot).

• One-way from Seven Dragon Maiden Pool to the lower station: ¥80.

• Tickets can be booked online for the round trip to the lower and middle stations, but availability for the upper section may depend on weather conditions.

C. Zhonghe Cable Car (中和索道)

Route: The open-air gondola travels from San Yue Jie (三月街) in Dali Old Town to the Jade Belt Cloud Trail. It stretches for 1668 meters, with an elevation gain of 478 meters, ending at the Jade Belt Cloud Trail near Zhonghe Temple (中和寺) at the 11.5 km point of the trail.

Ticket Price: Prices vary based on the season, and tickets can be purchased on-site or online in advance.

Four Hiking Routes to Reach the Jade Belt Cloud Trail:

1. From Gantong Cable Car (感通索道)

Route: Starting from the Gantong Cable Car Station (elevation 2260 meters), walk through Gantong Temple (感通寺), pass Zhuying Pavilion (濯缨亭), and follow the path towards Qingbi Creek (清碧溪). Continue uphill to Zhenlong Chess Set (珍珑棋局) and De Creek Pavilion (德溪亭), and finally reach the beginning of the Jade Belt Cloud Trail (玉带云游路).

Distance: 4.5 kilometers.

2. From Tianlong Babu Film City (天龙八部影视城)

Route: Start from Tianlong Babu Film City at 2200 meters and hike up to Fengyan Cave (凤眼洞), around the 9 km marker of the Jade Belt Cloud Trail.

Distance: 3 kilometers.

3. From Tianlong Babu Film City to Zhonghe Temple (中和寺)

Route: Hike from Tianlong Babu Film City (2200 meters) to the area between Fengyan Cave (凤眼洞) and Zhonghe Temple (中和寺), around the 9.5 km marker of the trail.

Distance: 3.5 kilometers.

4. From Zhonghe Cable Car (中和索道)

Route: Start from the Zhonghe Cable Car Station (elevation 2200 meters) and hike up to Zhonghe Temple (中和寺), which is located around the 11.5 km marker of the Jade Belt Cloud Trail.

Distance: 4.5 kilometers.

Suggested Hiking Route:

The best hiking route for most visitors is to take the Gantong Cable Car to the start of the Jade Belt Cloud Trail (at the 0 km marker), then hike through Seven Dragon Maiden Pool (七龙女池), Fengyan Cave (凤眼洞), and Zhonghe Temple (中和寺), before reaching Taoxi Valley (桃溪). This full loop, which includes a cable car ride and hiking, covers a total of 20 kilometers. This route is ideal for both the scenic views and the cultural sites along the trail. However, you can always adjust the route based on your fitness level and preferences.

Hiking Route Overview

For those looking to experience the Cangshan Mountain (苍山) hiking trails but prefer a less strenuous journey, the Jade Belt Cloud Trail (玉带云游路) offers the perfect option. This trail is relatively easy and accessible, making it ideal for first-time hikers. The route takes you through scenic landscapes and offers the opportunity to explore some of Dali’s most famous spots.

Below is a suggested itinerary for your 1-day hiking tour on the Jade Belt Cloud Trail.

Suggested Hiking Itinerary for Jade Belt Cloud Trail

Starting Point: Gantong Cable Car (感通索道)

10:00 AM: Depart from Gantong Temple Parking Lot (感通寺停车场) and take the Gantong Cable Car to the starting point of the Jade Belt Cloud Trail at the 0 km marker.

10:40 AM: Begin the hike along the Jade Belt Cloud Trail. As you start your hike, be sure to enjoy the Zhenlong Chess Set (珍珑棋局), Qingbi Creek (清碧溪), and Cangshan Grand Canyon (苍山大峡谷) on your way up.

Key Hiking Stops

11:40 AM: After hiking approximately 4.5 kilometers, you’ll reach Seven Dragon Maiden Pool (七龙女池). Take a rest at the Longnv Rest Station (龙女驿站) and recharge.

12:00 PM: After a 20-minute break, continue your hike towards Zhonghe Temple (中和寺), which is about 7 kilometers away (around the 11.5 km marker of the trail).

12:30 PM: After a 3 km hike from Seven Dragon Maiden Pool, you’ll pass Green Jade Creek (绿玉溪).

12:50 PM: Another 3.7 km later, you will arrive at Erhai Rock Island (洱海岩岛), one of the most picturesque spots along the trail. This is a must-see for photos and to enjoy the views.

1:10 PM: After another 4.5 km of hiking, you’ll reach Fengyan Cave (凤眼洞), where you will find a trail leading down to Tianlong Babu Film City (天龙八部影视城).

1:30 PM: Another 5 km of hiking will bring you to a junction near Tianlong Babu Film City and a descent path, which can be an exit point if you wish to finish early.

1:50 PM: Continue to Zhonghe Temple (中和寺), around the 11.5 km marker, for a brief rest.

2:10 PM: Continue hiking and reach Taoxi Valley (桃溪), the endpoint of the hike. It is important to note that beyond this point, the trail is currently closed for safety reasons.

Return Journey

2:20 PM: Begin your descent from Taoxi Valley to Zhonghe Temple. Take a short break to rest and replenish energy.

3:00 PM: Start your descent back down to Sanyue Jie (三月街), where the hike ends.

4:00 PM: Reach Sanyue Jie, bringing your hike to a close.

Preparation for Hiking the Jade Belt Cloud Trail

Given the length of the Jade Belt Cloud Trail and the intensity of the hike, it’s important to properly prepare for the day. Here are some tips:

Rest Well Before the Hike:
The trail is quite long, with strong UV rays and significant energy expenditure. It’s recommended to rest well the night before and ensure you have the necessary items for the hike:

• A bottle of water (each person will need one, and you can refill it with fresh water from Cangshan streams along the way).

• Snacks, fruits, or energy-boosting food to keep you going.

• A fully charged phone for photos and navigation, plus a power bank.

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunhat, and other sun protection.

• Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes.

• Personal items like a whistle, first aid kit (band-aids, medicine), tissues, and wet wipes.

• Cash for any unexpected purchases.

• Weather-appropriate clothing and a light raincoat (regardless of weather conditions, long sleeves are recommended).

Lighten Your Load:
To make the hike more enjoyable, only pack essential items. Leave any unnecessary items behind to ensure a more comfortable experience on the trail.

Local Accommodations:
It is recommended to stay at a local guesthouse or inn in Dali for an authentic cultural experience. You’ll enjoy personalized service and have the chance to chat with the hosts about local stories, cultural insights, and travel tips.

Summary of the Hike

Distance & Duration:

• The Jade Belt Cloud Trail itself is 13.5 km long and can be completed in approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes for experienced hikers. Our total hiking distance (including additional exploration) was around 20 kilometers, and the entire journey took us about 6 hours.

Cost Breakdown:

• Taxi from Yuanwuwei Holiday Villa (愿无违度假别墅) to Gantong Temple Parking Lot: ¥9.

• Gantong Cable Car: ¥94 (round-trip, including entrance fee).

• Meals at Sanyue Jie (三月街): ¥40.

• Taxi from Sanyue Jie back to Yuanwuwei Holiday Villa: ¥29.

• Total cost: ¥172 (approximately ¥86 per person). Please note that we carried our own food for the hike, which was not included in the cost.

Fitness Requirements:
The total journey of 20 kilometers is a challenging hike, and it’s recommended to assess your physical condition before attempting the full route. It is not advisable for young children or those not accustomed to long hikes.

Trail Safety:
As of April 23, 2019, the accessible section of the Jade Belt Cloud Trail extends from Cangshan Grand Canyon (苍山大峡谷) to Taoxi Valley (桃溪). The section beyond Taoxi Valley is still undeveloped, marked only by a rough path, and is officially closed to visitors. It’s crucial not to attempt to venture beyond this point for safety reasons.

The Jade Belt Cloud Trail is an exceptional way to explore Cangshan Mountain (苍山) while enjoying stunning natural views and cultural landmarks. However, it’s important to approach this hike with proper preparation, considering its length and physical demands. Whether you're an experienced hiker or someone looking for a scenic, moderate walk, this trail offers something for everyone.

Remember to prioritize safety, follow the trail guidelines, and enjoy the rich cultural and natural beauty of Dali (大理).