Breakfast→Cangshan→Jizhao Monastery→Lunch→Chongsheng Three Pagodas→Cang'er Avenue→Dinner→Bonfire party→Have a drink
The breakfast of Dali people is very distinctive. We recommend the favorite breakfast gathering spot for locals—the Dali ancient city trading market (North Market)
Cangshan is the 'Southern Gate' of the Hengduan Mountains, consisting of 19 peaks that stretch across the landscape, with eighteen streams flowing between the peaks, forming a comb-like terrain, and resembling a silver dragon lying among the clouds. The highest peak, Malong Peak, has an elevation of 4122 meters and is covered in snow year-round, known as 'Cangshan Snow', which, alongside the flowers of Upper Dali, the winds of Lower Dali, and the moon over Erhai, forms the famous 'Four Sceneries of Dali'. In local legends, Cangshan has been regarded since ancient times as a 'place for immortals'. It is said that hidden within the mountain is a mysterious place called 'Yueting', where ancient people believed celestial beings frequently visited. The Bai people view Cangshan as a 'sacred mountain'; folk tales say it suppresses plagues and protects the people. Every year on the fifteenth day of the second lunar month, Bai people hold sacrifices at the temple at the foot of Cangshan, offering specialties like milk fans and rice cakes, while the clouds around Cangshan are known as 'Jade Belt Clouds', signifying a good harvest; the snow on the mountain top is 'Cangshan Snow', symbolizing purity. This belief permeates architecture and clothing, with tie-dye patterns often featuring clouds of Cangshan. Xu Xiake, the greatest traveler in ancient China, arrived here in March 1639 and summarized the beauty of Cangshan with the poetic line 'Cangshan does not need ink to paint a thousand autumns', stating that 'one cannot enjoy both a fruitful land to live in and beautiful mountains and rivers to travel; only Dali possesses both', highly praising the landscape formed by Cangshan and Erhai. Additionally, many legends surround Cangshan, including Ximatan, Jade Belt Road, Seven Dragon Pool... we will narrate them to you along the way. There are many little squirrels on the mountain; they love sunflower seeds and biscuits, so you can bring some to give to them, and they will be very happy. But please do not carry any flammable materials up the mountain, as it could cause disastrous consequences, both for Cangshan's natural ecology and for yourself.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour The Seven Dragon Maiden Pool is located between Mount Malong and Mount Yujing of Cangshan, at an altitude of about 2600 meters. It is shaped by glacial erosion and accumulation, forming seven natural limestone pools that remain clear all year round. The seven pools are arranged one below the other along the stream, with the top one being the “Seven Dragon Maiden Pool,” followed by six, five, four...dragon pools. Each of these seven pools is smaller than the one before, with a drop of about 50 meters, the largest pool covering an area of around 300 square meters and the deepest point about 2 meters. The pools are surrounded by towering rocks, with some rock surfaces covered in lichen and moss, creating a unique landscape of “green mountains and white stones.” There are 467 steps from the seventh pool to the first pool, all downhill, so there is no need to worry about physical stamina. Legend has it that a male black dragon and a female yellow dragon reside in Cangshan's Xima Pool, and they have seven dragon maidens, each as beautiful as a celestial fairy. Due to their parents' cramped dwelling, the dragon maidens often come here to bathe. The seven dragon maidens choose different pools according to their ages and figures, with the youngest, the seventh sister, shyly selecting the deepest seventh pool. When they bathe, the sashes they remove transform into the elongated clouds around the waist of Cangshan, and later generations built a scenic hiking path along this cloud belt called “Yudai Road,” which has become the best route to enjoy the scenery of Cangshan. The Seven Dragon Pool is not only a natural wonder but also the core carrier of the Bai people's “dragon worship.” Its legends, along with Xima Pool, Huanglong Pool, and others, constitute the “dragon culture” system of Cangshan.
Suggested visiting time: 1 hour In local legend, Jade Belt Road was originally the belt taken off by seven dragon maidens while bathing, transformed into a ribbon-like cloud, referred to as 'Jade Belt Cloud'. It is located at the waist of Cangshan Mountain, and later generations built a scenic hiking trail—Jade Belt Road—along this ribbon of cloud, making it the best route to enjoy the scenery of Cangshan. This road is about 2600 meters above sea level, offering broad views. The route is densely forested with lush green mountains, trees lining the two sides of the trail providing shade, and the air is fresh, resembling a natural oxygen bar. The path weaves through the heart of Cangshan, where one can see strange stones, streams, and waterfalls, overlooking the rippling blue waves of Erhai Lake and the panoramic view of Dali Ancient Town, experiencing the magnificent scenery of 'mountain, water, and city' blending into one. Jade Belt Road presents different scenes in each season: spring showcases blooming mountain flowers, summer is verdant and lush, autumn features colorful foliage, and winter is enveloped in mist. On this 4.5-kilometer mountain path, there are no steep slopes or obstacles, allowing you to effortlessly traverse the sea of trees, pass through quiet valleys, wade through clear streams, listen to bird songs, and enjoy the mountain colors, making it the best way to explore Cangshan. Route overview: Slate→Hua Mountain Pine→Corydalis with Fragments→Stone Sausage Structure→Clear Blue Stream→Rare Chessboard
Some say that Jizhao Monastery is 'the most beautiful nunnery in China,' with a history of over 600 years. The name means 'with a heartfelt feeling, one can see the clarity of the mind.' Although it is a temple, it is completely different from other temples. There is no strong scent of incense here; instead, it is filled with the fragrance of flowers and the vitality of succulent plants—Abbot Miaohui (who has passed away) set the rule in her lifetime: 'Do not burn expensive incense, only offer fresh flowers.' Therefore, what is offered in front of the Buddha in the monastery is not incense, but camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and succulent plants personally planted by the masters—plump jade butterflies, rosy peach eggs, and so on. Jizhao Monastery is small, with only the main courtyard, the garden behind, the tea room, and the dining hall, which can be walked through in just a few minutes. But the sight of flowers and succulents all around will make you involuntarily slow down. Compared to a sacred temple, this place resembles a fairy tale courtyard hidden in the forest. In the courtyard, on the windowsills, and in the corners, there are succulent plants everywhere, some in old wooden boats, some hanging in baskets, some stuffed in backpacks—even the dead tree stumps have become 'flower pots' for succulents, each being cared for to be fresh and dripping with dew. When the wind blows, the wind chimes tinkle, and the fragrance of flowers mingles with the fresh scent of succulents, instantly calming one's mind. If you want to eat vegetarian meals, head to the front right after entering, where you can buy vegetarian meal tickets next to the main hall for 20 yuan each. Note that no meat is provided here. In addition, the vegetarian meals at Jizhao Monastery are very famous and are free on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month. Meals typically begin around 11:30 a.m., but there will be long queues starting as early as 11 a.m., especially during holidays when it gets crowded. If you're not hungry, you can still stand in line, but if you want to avoid the wait, we have arranged a sumptuous lunch for you afterwards. The vegetarian meal tickets are non-refundable but transferable. If you wish to transfer, you can show this sentence to others— 'Want to transfer vegetarian meal tickets, would you like them?' If you have Alipay or WeChat, you can open the payment code, and others can scan to transfer money to you. Many young people no longer carry cash. Please pay attention to the following behaviors at Jizhao Monastery— Do not speak loudly. Jizhao Monastery is 'a pure land of Buddhism' and also a place for the masters to live; maintaining silence is a respect for them; Do not take photos casually. Especially do not take pictures of the masters (unless they agree), and do not use flash to photograph flowers and plants; Abide by the rule of 'no waste.' The vegetarian meals are made with great effort by the masters, so make sure to finish everything, and ask for more if you're still hungry; There is a café at the dining area, and their coffee is quite good; you can come and try a cup.
It is about 2.2 kilometers from Jizhao An to the lunch location, which takes about 30 minutes to walk. If you feel tired and do not want to walk, you can use Didi to hail a taxi after exiting the mountain gate, and it will take about five minutes to get to your chosen restaurant.
After a morning of high-intensity exercise, let's replenish our energy and taste the unique cuisine of the Bai people. Of course, if you are not accustomed to the local flavors, we also have pizza options prepared for you.
The entrance to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng is about 8 kilometers from the lunch location, and the bus takes about 50 minutes. If you feel tired, you can also use Didi Ride-hailing, which takes about 20 minutes.
💰Ticket Price: 75 Yuan 🗺️Address: Dali Town Chongsheng Three Pagodas ⏰Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hours To understand the Chongsheng Three Pagodas, one must understand the Dali Kingdom. Although historical materials are scarce, the Dali Kingdom once ruled over many regions, including northern Thailand, central and northern Laos, Vietnam, Guizhou, and Yunnan, covering an area of over 1 million square kilometers and boasting a population of over 3 million, making it a relatively powerful medium-sized country at the time. This country is known as the “Buddhist Kingdom,” and the Chongsheng Three Pagodas are the political and power core of this mysterious nation. Today, although the Chongsheng Temple and the Chongsheng Three Pagodas are located within a scenic area of 1,000 acres, they were not built together but constructed by two different kingdoms, Nanzhao and Dali, over a long period of nearly 400 years. The Chongsheng Temple was established between 713 and 741 AD, during the peak of the Tang Dynasty in China when the Nanzhao Kingdom was ruling Dali. The Qianxun Pagoda, one of the three pagodas, was built later, between 823 and 859 AD, and is considered the “treasure of the temple”; nearly 300 years later, the two smaller pagodas were completed, by which time the Tang Dynasty had already fallen, giving way to the culturally flourishing Song Dynasty, and the rulers of the Dali region had changed to the Dali Kingdom. The existence of the three pagodas not only witnessed the rise and fall of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms but also marked the spread and integration of Han art in the southwest region, and they remain a “living cultural heritage” to this day. The Chongsheng Temple served as the most sacred religious and political center during the Nanzhao (738-902) and Dali (937-1253) periods, as this area faced internal divisions among various tribes and external pressures from the Tang and Tibetan kingdoms (which arose due to the warming climate and developed into a powerful kingdom in the Tibetan Plateau). To strengthen the “sacredness” of the monarchy, Buddhism was established as the “state religion,” with Nanzhao as the Buddhist kingdom, the king regarded as a “manifestation of Buddha,” and the Chongsheng Temple becoming the “religious symbol of royal power,” thus legitimizing the king’s rule. The Dali Kingdom continued the Nanzhao concept of “governing the country through Buddhism” and even pushed Buddhism to its extreme—9 out of 22 kings became monks. Becoming a monk was regarded as “becoming one with Buddha,” believed to bless the country with peace; thus, Chongsheng Temple became the “intersection of royal and Buddhist power.” In Chinese culture, “becoming a monk” represents giving up all worldly matters and entering a realm of pursuing spiritual fulfillment and liberation. Aside from kings who genuinely wish to pray for the country, it also serves as a dignified exit for those who have failed in the struggle for power, which at least is much better than coups and assassinations. Chongsheng Temple has the “Five Great Treasures”—the Three Pagodas, the Great Bell built by Nanzhao, the Rain Copper Guanyin statue, the “Buddhist Capital” plaque, and the Three Saints gold statue, which we will introduce to you along the way. Tour Route: Dapeng Golden Wing Bird Square→East Gate Ticket Office→Chongsheng Three Pagodas→Chongsheng Three Pagodas Relics Exhibition Hall→Great Bell built by Nanzhao→Gathering Shadow Pool→Rain Copper Guanyin Hall→Chongsheng Temple→Wanghai Building
⏰ Recommended visiting time: 1-2 hours Chongsheng Temple is large, and climbing up from the mountain gate can be physically demanding. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can purchase a one-way sightseeing bus ticket at the temple gate; the bus will first stop at the Chongsheng Temple main gate, where there are two stops on either side, and then continue to the highest point, the Great Hero Hall, where you can get off. You can first climb to the Wanghailou, then leisurely walk down to appreciate the whole temple in 'reverse order'. Of course, you can also choose to climb step by step and then leave by bus or on foot, everything depends on your physical condition and preferences. Chongsheng Temple, a millennium-old temple standing between Cangshan and Erhai, is not only the core symbol of Yunnan's Buddhist culture but also a condensed history of Southwest civilization. Chongsheng Temple was founded between 713-741 AD and underwent large-scale expansion between 824-859 AD, establishing a grand scale of '3.5 kilometers in circumference, 890 buildings, and 11,400 Buddha statues'. After a thousand years of wind and rain, Chongsheng Temple has suffered numerous fires and earthquakes, with only remnants remaining. In 2003, reconstruction began, following the principle of 'originating from history, surpassing history', reconstructing core buildings such as the Great Hero Hall and the Rain Copper Guanyin Hall. In front of the main gate is a 'Nine-Dragon Imperial Path', representing nine emperors who laid down all worldly affairs here and entered the empty gate. On both sides of the main gate are two deities with solemn expressions that inspire awe; they are the 'Heng Ha' generals, with Ha on the left and Heng on the right. The presence of the Heng Ha generals symbolizes both physical protection and the teachings of Buddhism: the 'closed mouth' and 'open mouth'. The closed lips of Heng symbolize 'silence', reminding believers to abandon distracting thoughts and act cautiously after entering the temple; the open mouth of Ha symbolizes 'warding off evil', representing 'elimination of inner troubles and demons'. Together, they convey the Buddhist practice concept of 'purity and mindfulness'. The entire Chongsheng Temple consists of seven levels of halls, in order from front to back: the Heavenly King Hall, Maitreya Hall, Eleven-faced Guanyin Hall, Great Hero Hall, Nine-Dragon Jade Buddha, Achala Guanyin Pavilion, and Wanghailou. Restrooms are available on both sides of the Tiantian Internet Point, Eleven-faced Guanyin Hall, and the Great Hero Hall, with a total of 6 restrooms in the entire temple, which you can visit if needed. If you want to visit Wanghailou, it is recommended to consult with staff at the park entrance first to see if this spot is open.
The distance from the entrance of Chongsheng Temple to the west end of Cang'er Avenue is about 5 kilometers, which takes about 15 minutes. It is recommended to take a taxi. The target location is ‘Paikefeng Photo Studio (Dali Ancient Town Store)’, and Cang'er Avenue is directly in front after getting off.
Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes. Cang'er Avenue, a beautiful road extending from the foot of Cangshan Mountain to Erhai Lake, is the most representative scenic symbol of “coexistence of nature and culture” in Dali. Standing in the middle to upper section of Cang'er Avenue, one can see the “dark blue outlines” of the mountain peaks opposite Erhai Lake resembling a natural barrier across the sky; the Erhai Lake at the foot of the mountain looks like a crushed blue crystal, shimmering and stretching towards the distance. The road “stretches straight” before you to the shore of Erhai Lake, as if it were a “stairway to the mountains and sea”—this perspective of “seeing the world from the clouds” is the most iconic beauty of Cang'er Avenue, especially during sunset, which will leave an unforgettable impression on you. Here, you can take a stroll and snap some photos, there’s no need to walk the whole way down this road, or when you’ve enjoyed the stunning sunset views of Cangshan and Erhai Lake, you can head off for a wonderful dinner.
After finishing taking photos on Cang'er Avenue, walk west to reach the dinner location. Make sure to eat a little more at dinner, not only because of the physical exertion of the day but also because we will soon head to the lively and passionate bonfire party, and we won't be able to enjoy it without enough energy. Of course, also pay attention to the time; the bonfire party starts at 20:00, so try not to be late.
Locate 'Wenxian Building Station', take the Ancient City Line 1 and after 7 stops arrive at 'Cangping Street Station', then walk 340 meters to reach.
Suggested visit time: 1 hour If it doesn't rain in the ancient city, there will be a bonfire party every day around 20:00-21:00, located right in front of the “Du Wenxiu Marshal Mansion.” At the beginning, there will be an aunt dressed in Bai ethnic clothing leading everyone in dance. At first, people might be a little shy, so not many will join in the dancing. Around 20:30, the atmosphere will gradually heat up. Don't rush to leave just because it seems quiet at the start, or you could take the initiative to join in and get everyone excited together. Don't be shy, since you're in Dali, why not let yourself go a little? After the bonfire party, you might consider going for a drink.
If you still want more after dancing, there are several bars within a few hundred meters nearby where we can sit, listen to the songs that locals in Dali like, and taste the locally flavored cocktails.
As the warmth of the bonfire in the ancient city gradually fades, the echoes of folk songs in the bar still linger in the ears, and on the roadside at midnight, there will still be groups of young people gathering to sing and drink. You can join them, continuing the beauty of this day, or contentedly set off on your way home. Looking back on this day, we understood ancient legends between the clouds of Cangshan, touched gentle beliefs in the floral Zen of Jizhao Temple, and saw the thousand-year sediment of Buddhist culture coexisting with mountains and rivers in the reflection of the Chongsheng Three Pagodas; the wind on Cang'er Avenue in the afternoon and the excitement of the ancient city at night made “leisurely and carefree” no longer just a description in words, but transformed into the wind brushing past your fingertips and the smiles reflected in your eyes. In fact, Dali has never been a journey that is “forgotten after seeing” — the clouds hidden on the blue tiles, the flowers in the temple, the shadows beneath the ancient pagodas, and the joyful songs by the bonfire have long been woven into memory. It does not directly tell history like the Forbidden City, but through the details of a day, it allows us to understand the true meaning of “slowly savoring”: it is the embrace of Cangshan and Erhai, the gentle warmth of Buddhist culture, and the vibrancy of ethnic minorities, all contributing to this unique beauty. Perhaps there will be some reluctance when leaving, but that’s okay, the wind of Dali will still remember our footprints, and when we come again, we will encounter new poetry. Good night. If you are satisfied with today’s itinerary, please don’t hesitate to give us a good review. If you have any questions during your use of our self-guided tour, please feel free to contact us via email. We also welcome any valuable feedback or suggestions you may have after using our service. We believe that our positive interaction can drive us to provide you with better and better services.
1. If you want to arrive at Jizhao Monastery to have a vegetarian meal before 12:00, it is recommended to reach the entrance of the Xima Pool cable car station before 08:30, so you have 3-4 hours to enjoy the beauty of Cangshan. However, do not arrive too early, as the cable car starts operating at 08:30.
2. Absolutely no flammable materials are allowed on Cangshan, there are very strict checks, please pay attention.
3. Cangshan is windy and cold, please be sure to wear windproof and warm clothing, and take sun protection measures (very important).
4. There are no places selling water on Cangshan, only milk tea, which is 35 yuan a cup, buy one get one free, so be sure to bring enough water, and it's best to use the toilet before going up the mountain.
5. Do not climb Cangshan in windy weather; the cable car may stop operating due to high winds, and the cabins can shake very violently.
6. The down cable car from Gantong may only be open until 13:00 due to weather or maintenance, be sure to manage your time well.
7. Today you will reach attractions at an altitude of about 4000 meters; if you are worried about altitude sickness, please bring a “portable oxygen bottle” (with Chinese-English reference), which can be bought at pharmacies for about 20-40 yuan.
8. Jizhao Monastery starts serving vegetarian meals at 11:00, many people highly praise the food, but if there are too many people in line, waiting over 30 minutes is not worth it, and there are many other delicious options outside waiting for you.
9. Do not buy “blessing bells” at Chongsheng Temple, enter from the left side door, circle around, and exit from the right door, do not go through the main entrance, as it is generally reserved for those wishing to become monks, and do not step on the threshold; do not take photos inside the Buddha hall.
10. Do not stand in the middle of the road to take photos on Cang'er Avenue, it is quite dangerous.
11. If it is not raining in the ancient town, there is a bonfire party around 20:00 every day, so please keep a close eye on the weather forecast.
12.Please try to bring a power bank to ensure your phone stays charged.
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★ 5.0 / 5 · 12 reviews from app travelers
The monastery is the star: Jizhao, hidden in the forest up the mountain, all flowers and incense, with Erhai glowing below through the pines. The Seven Dragon Maiden Pool was a beautiful detour. Chongsheng's pagodas at golden hour are picture-perfect. The bonfire at night gave me photos and memories I will keep.
Последний день в Дали — и он всё перекрыл. Цаншань с фуникулёра, тишина Цзичжао, храм Чуншэн с тремя пагодами — безмятежно и огромно. Вечерний костёр — чистый восторг: даже незнакомые люди танцевали в кругу, а бары после — живо, но дружелюбно. Богатый финал южной недели.
두 가지 무드가 공존하는 하루 — 산의 고요함, 그리고 밤의 에너지. 창산의 곤돌라와 비취 허리띠 길은 평화롭고 초록이었고, 세 개의 탑은 산을 배경으로 장엄했어요. 그다음 옛 마을의 모닥불 파티: 북소리, 노래, 전 세계에서 온 사람들이 원을 그리며 춤추는 순간. 웃는 얼굴로 잠들었습니다.
Кабинка канатной дороги на Цаншань открывает другой мир — сосновый лес, озеро Семи Драконов-Дев, Нефритовая Лента с Эрхаем, сверкающим внизу. Монастырь Цзичжао — крошечное убежище, всё в цветах. А потом три пагоды Чуншэна на фоне горы: иконично — и не зря. Вечером — костёр в старом городе, танцевали с местными. Один из лучших дней в Китае.
Jizhao Nunnery is the greenest temple I’ve ever seen — succulents everywhere and the vegetarian lunch is genuinely good. The Three Pagodas have stood by Erhai Lake for a thousand years, their reflections beautiful enough to silence you. The cable car up Cangshan is worth it; walk a stretch of the Jade Belt Road and the wind feels free.
The mix of Cangshan nature, the peaceful Jizhao Nunnery, and the Chongsheng Three Pagodas gave the trip a quiet “reset” without being boring. I loved the pacing—walking sections like Yudai Road, seeing pools like Qilongnv, and then switching to relaxed moments with tea/coffee at the nunnery. As a chef, Dali’s flavors were a joy: Xizhou baba and rushan were simple but addictive, and the mushroom dishes (especially jianshouqing/boletus vibes) made me wish I had a kitchen with me. Ending with bonfire + bars in the old town was the right kind of lively—warm, social, not forced.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour