The Aerial Corridor to the Grand Canyon: Qingbi Stream, Ancient Temples, and Erhai Views via Cangshan Gantong Ropeway

The Gateway to Cangshan’s Grand Canyon

Located approximately 7 kilometers south of Dali Ancient City, the Cangshan Gantong Ropeway serves as one of the most popular and scenic gateways to the majestic Cangshan Mountain. Positioned within the core zone of the Cangshan National Geopark, this ropeway is often referred to as the "large ropeway" by locals due to its capacity and length. Spanning a total length of 2,630 meters with an elevation difference of roughly 830 meters, a single-way journey takes about 20 minutes. As a vital aerial corridor connecting the foot of the mountain to the famous Jade Belt Road, the Gantong Ropeway offers travelers a comfortable and spectacular way to ascend from the subtropical vegetation zone to the cool, mist-shrouded heights of the Cangshan mountain range.

A Journey Through the Air

1.The ride on the Gantong: Ropeway is an immersive visual experience. As the cabin slowly ascends, visitors are treated to a shifting perspective of Dali. Below, the lush Cangshan Grand Canyon unfolds, revealing rugged cliffs and dense forests that showcase the geological history of the mountain range. Looking eastward, the panoramic view of Erhai Lake is breathtaking; the vast blue lake glimmers under the sunlight, dotted with islands and framed by the distant towns and fields of the Dali plain. This "moving scenery" allows passengers to witness the harmonious blend of the high-altitude mountain landscape and the serene lake waters, often described as a landscape painting come to life.

The Secret Realm of Qingbi Stream

The upper station of the ropeway places visitors right next to one of Cangshan’s most beautiful water features: Qingbi Stream (Clear Jade Stream). Located between the Malong and Shengoying peaks, this stream is renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters that cascade down through a deep gorge. The stream forms a series of natural pools known as the Seven Dragon Pools (Qilongnv Chi), where the water appears vividly green like liquid jade against the white rocks. The contrast between the rushing waterfalls and the tranquil pools creates a mesmerizing scene, making it a favorite spot for photography and nature appreciation.

Echoes of History at Gantong Temple

Near the lower station of the ropeway lies the historic Gantong Temple (Gantong Si), also known as Tangshan Temple. With a history dating back to the Nanzhao Kingdom, this temple was once a royal temple and a center of Buddhism in the region. It is famous for its secluded environment, ancient trees, and tea culture. Legend has it that the Ming Dynasty Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang once sent a general here, leading to a famous poetic exchange with the temple's abbot. The temple grounds are filled with the scent of flowers and tea, offering a quiet retreat that contrasts with the grandeur of the mountain above. Taking the ropeway is not just a nature trip but a journey that connects this deep cultural heritage with the wild beauty of the peaks.

connecting to the Jade Belt Road

2.The Gantong: Ropeway is the primary access point for the southern end of the Jade Belt Road (Yudai Yunyou Lu). Upon reaching the top station, visitors can step onto this flat, paved hiking trail that winds horizontally along the mountainside at an elevation of 2,600 meters. From here, one can hike northwards towards the Zhonghe Ropeway or simply take a leisurely stroll to admire the changing views of the Cangshan Grand Canyon and the Chess Game platform. This accessibility makes the Gantong Ropeway an ideal starting point for a day of exploring Cangshan’s ecology, geology, and mythology without the strenuous climb from the bottom.