Cangshan Mountain, also known as Diancangshan, runs north and south just west of Dali and northwest of Xiaguan. The mountain is most famous for its natural scenery of streams and paths through the mountains. Melted from snow on the upper slopes of Cangshan, the mountain streams are clear and pristine. The snowcapped peaks are often shrouded in fog and appear imposing and mysterious. Like the rest of Dali and Yunnan, the mountains are lush and green with trees, flowers and other wild vegetation.

How to get Cangshan Mountain : A cable car is now available for the Cangshan Mountain day tours from Dali or Xiaguan. The cable car starts west of the ancient town of Dali and goes to Zhonghe Temple. It costs RMB35 for a round trip ticket. There, you can walk along Yudai Lu, a 18km newly built path on the waist of the mountain. Although none of the cultural sites along the road charge admission, but it is quite impossible to visit all the sites on the mountain within a day.

Cable car tickets can be arranged in the ancient town through the cafes and the travel agents of Dali. The cable car company has buses which the travel agents in Dali can arrange to come pick you up for your mountain tour. If you don't buy it in Dali, then the ticket may cost RMB39 for "insurance fees".