Cangshan Cable Cars Guide: Gantong, Zhonghe & Ximatan
Cangshan Mountain has three cable cars operated by different companies. Each one reaches different elevations and accesses different parts of Jade Belt Road. Choosing the wrong cable car wastes money and limits what you can see.
This guide uses verified 2026 prices and practical route combinations tested by actual travelers.
Table of Contents
Essential Information First
Cangshan Geopark entrance fee: ¥35 (required for all cable cars)
Free for children under 1.2m and adults over 60
Three cable cars, three companies: Tickets are not interchangeable. However, you CAN pay a transfer fee (¥20-80 depending on route) to switch between cable cars if planned in advance.
Overview of the Three Cangshan Cable Cars
Gantong Cable Car
Price: ¥50 one-way / ¥80 round-trip
Ride time: 20 minutes
Capacity: 6-person enclosed cabins
Crowd level: HIGH (popular with tour groups, expect queues)
What You Access
After exiting Gantong’s upper station, you need to climb stairs to reach Jade Belt Road. From there you can access:
- Zhenlongqiju (珍珑棋局): Chinese Chess-themed rock formation
- Qingbi Stream (清碧溪): Scenic canyon stream
- Cangshan Grand Canyon: Viewing platform over the gorge
- Seven Dragon Girl Pool (七龙女池): 4.5km walk on flat Jade Belt Road
- Gantong Temple and Jizhao Nunnery: Below cable car station
The Stair Reality
Multiple sources report different stair counts. What’s verified: you DO need to climb a set of stairs from Gantong cable car station to reach Jade Belt Road level. The climb takes 10-20 minutes depending on fitness.
Ximatan Cable Car
Price:
Half route (to mid-station): ¥160 round-trip
Full route (to summit): ¥300 round-trip
Transfer from other cable cars: Add ¥80 for one-way OR ¥50 for round-trip
Ride time: 30-40 minutes total (two sections)
Crowd level: MEDIUM (fewer visitors than Gantong)
Two-Station System
Mid-station (索道中站): Direct access to Jade Belt Cloud Road (玉带云游路). This is Seven Dragon Girl Pool area at approximately 2,600m elevation.
Upper station (索道上站): Summit area at 3,920m. This is the ONLY cable car that reaches Cangshan’s peak.
Summit Warnings
The upper station has:
- High altitude (3,920m) – altitude sickness possible
- Large temperature difference (can be 15°C colder than base)
- Frequent fog and low visibility
- NOT recommended for children or elderly
The upper station offers unique alpine scenery but weather conditions are unpredictable.
Transfer System
If you have a ticket from Gantong or Zhonghe:
- Pay ¥80 extra for Ximatan one-way
- Pay ¥50 extra for Ximatan round-trip
You must inform ticket staff at your starting cable car that you plan to transfer.
Zhonghe Chairlift
Price: ¥30 one-way / ¥60 round-trip
Ride time: 25 minutes
Type: Open-air double chairlift
Crowd level: LOW (fewest visitors)
Open-Air Experience
Zhonghe uses exposed double chairlifts with only a lap bar – similar to ski lifts. Your legs dangle freely over forest canopy.
Pros: Best panoramic views of Erhai Lake and Dali Old Town. Most open sightseeing experience.
Cons: Not suitable for people with height anxiety. Some travelers mention passing over cemetery areas during ascent – may bother some visitors.
Direct Access Benefits
Zhonghe deposits you directly at Jade Belt Road with ZERO stairs. Step off chairlift, you’re immediately on the trail.
Close proximity to Dali: Nearest to Sanyue Street (三月街) and Old Town after descending.
Quick Comparison Table
. | Ximatan | Gantong | Zhonghe |
|---|---|---|---|
Price | One-way: ¥80/¥160* | One-way: ¥50 | One-way: ¥30 |
Elevation reached | 3,920m summit OR 2,600m mid | 2,200m | 2,668m |
Ride duration | 40min (both sections) | 15min | 20min |
Stairs after exit | Zero (at mid-station) | 225 steps up | Zero |
Jade Belt Road access | Direct (from mid-station) | After stairs | Direct |
Cable car type | Enclosed 8-seat | Enclosed 6-seat | Open chairlift |
Closure frequency | High (wind) | Rare | Rare |
Crowd level | High | Very high | Low |
Best for | Summit, rhododendrons | Budget, canyon views | Solitude, hiking start |
*Half route vs full route pricing
Plus: ¥35 Cangshan Geopark entrance (all cable cars require this)
Proven Route Combinations
Route 1: Gantong Round Trip (Easiest Budget Option)
Cost: ¥80 cable car + ¥35 park = ¥115 total
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Gantong cable car UP
- Climb stairs to Jade Belt Road
- Walk to Qingbi Stream and Seven Dragon Girl Pool (4.5km)
- Return same route
- Gantong cable car DOWN
- Optional: Visit Gantong Temple and Jizhao Nunnery
Best for: First-time visitors, budget travelers, those with limited time.
Route 2: Zhonghe to Gantong Traverse (Classic Hike)
Cost: ¥30 Zhonghe up + ¥20 transfer + ¥50 Gantong down + ¥35 park = ¥135 total
Time: 4-5 hours (includes 11.5km hiking)
Difficulty: Moderate (long but flat)
- Zhonghe chairlift UP (¥30 one-way)
- Turn LEFT onto Jade Belt Road
- Hike 11.5km on completely flat stone path
- Continuous Erhai Lake views the entire way
- Pay ¥20 transfer fee at Gantong station
- Gantong cable car DOWN (¥50 with transfer)
Key advantage: 11.5km with ZERO stairs, ZERO elevation gain. Entirely flat paved trail.
Critical: Tell Zhonghe ticket staff you’re transferring to Gantong. This unlocks the ¥20 transfer option.
Best for: Strong hikers who want the full Jade Belt Road experience, photographers (afternoon light on Erhai Lake is perfect).
Route 3: Gantong to Ximatan Summit (Advanced)
Cost: ¥80 Gantong round + transfer fee + ¥35 park = verify at ticket office
Time: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
- Gantong cable car UP
- Walk Jade Belt Road to Seven Dragon Girl Pool (4.5km)
- Climb mountain trail beyond Seven Dragon Girl Pool (steep section)
- Pay transfer fee and take Ximatan cable car to summit
- Summit visit (weather permitting)
- Descend via Ximatan
Warning: The trail from Seven Dragon Girl Pool to Ximatan station involves mountain climbing, not flat walking. Only for experienced hikers.
Best for: Ambitious hikers who want both mid-mountain trails AND summit views.
Route 4: Zhonghe to Peach Creek (Most Peaceful)
Cost: ¥60 round-trip + ¥35 park = ¥95 total
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
- Zhonghe chairlift UP (¥60 round-trip)
- Turn RIGHT toward Peach Creek (桃溪)
- Walk 2.5km to trail end
- Return to Zhonghe Temple area
- Optional: Vegetarian meal at temple
- Zhonghe chairlift DOWN
Best for: Elderly travelers, families with children, those seeking quiet scenery. Minimal crowds, minimal stairs, beautiful and peaceful.
Caution: Open chairlift not suitable for those with severe height anxiety.
Problems We Found (That Other Guides Skip)
Seven Dragon Girl Pool Renovation Status
Some 2024 traveler reviews mentioned Seven Dragon Girl Pool being closed for renovation. As of March 2026, the pool area is accessible again via Ximatan mid-station. However, some spur trails and caves (Phoenix Eye Cave, Dragon Eye Cave) remain closed with barbed wire.
Rain Closure Policy
When rain starts, all cable car operators close stations immediately for safety. Multiple 2025 travelers reported being caught mid-mountain when rain closed return cable cars. Mountain weather changes rapidly.
Strategy: If clouds build or wind picks up, descend early rather than risk closure.
No Cross-Cable-Car Transfers
The three cable cars belong to different companies. A Gantong ticket won’t work on Ximatan or Zhonghe. Each requires separate purchase.
Practical Considerations
Weather and Timing
- Best weather: September-November (clearest skies, stable conditions)
- Rhododendron blooms: May-June at high elevations (Ximatan summit area)
- Start time: 9:00-10:00 AM for full-day hikes. Cable cars typically close 16:00-17:00.
- Afternoon winds: Ximatan upper section may close after 14:00 due to wind. If you want the summit, arrive early.
What to Bring
- Water: 2L per person. Mountain vendors charge ¥15 for bottles (¥3 in town)
- Warm layer: Summit is 15°C colder than base, even in summer
- Hiking boots: Jade Belt Road is paved but slippery when wet
- Sunscreen: UV increases with elevation
- Snacks: Limited food options on mountain
Transportation from Dali Old Town
- To Gantong: Bus No. 4, C2, C7, C10 / DiDi ¥15-25 / Walk 40 min
- To Ximatan: Included shuttle bus (pickup at Tianlong Babu Film Studio) / Bus C10 to Film Studio / DiDi ¥20-30
- To Zhonghe: Bus C2, C7, C10 / DiDi ¥10-15
Avoid taxis without meters – they quote ¥80-100. Use DiDi app for fair pricing.
Altitude Warnings
- 2,200-2,600m (Gantong/Zhonghe): Rarely causes issues
- 3,920m (Ximatan summit): Possible mild altitude symptoms – headache, shortness of breath, dizziness
If you’re sensitive to altitude or have respiratory conditions, stick to mid-elevation routes.
Distance Reference
- Gantong to Seven Dragon Girl Pool: 4.5km (flat Jade Belt Road)
- Zhonghe to Gantong: 11.5km (flat, no stairs)
- Zhonghe to Peach Creek: 2.5km (flat)
All Jade Belt Road sections are paved stone paths. When sources say “flat,” they mean genuinely flat – maximum elevation variance of 50m over kilometers.
Which Cable Car Should You Choose?
Choose Gantong if:
- Budget is ¥100-150 total
- You can handle stairs (10-20 minutes climbing)
- You want access to Qingbi Stream and Cangshan Grand Canyon
- You don’t mind queues from tour groups
- You’re visiting Gantong Temple and Jizhao Nunnery
Choose Ximatan if:
- You want to reach 3,920m summit (only cable car that goes there)
- You’re visiting during rhododendron season (May-June)
- You have ¥335+ budget (¥300 + ¥35 park fee)
- You’re young and healthy (not recommended for children or elderly)
- Weather is clear (summit frequently has fog)
Choose Zhonghe if:
- You want the full 11.5km Jade Belt Road hike
- You want to avoid crowds completely
- You’re comfortable with open chairlift (no height phobia)
- You want zero-stair access to trails
- You want the best panoramic views during the ride
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one cable car ticket on another?
No, but you CAN pay transfer fees. Tell ticket staff your plan when buying the first ticket.
What are the exact transfer fees?
Zhonghe to Gantong: ¥20
Gantong to Ximatan: ¥50 round-trip or ¥80 one-way
Verify current rates at ticket offices as policies change
Is Seven Dragon Girl Pool open in 2026?
Yes, accessible via Ximatan mid-station or by walking 4.5km from Gantong.
Which cable car has the best views?
Zhonghe has the most open panoramic views during the ride. Ximatan summit has the highest elevation views. Gantong offers dramatic canyon scenery.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Usually no, except major Chinese holidays (October 1-7, Chinese New Year). Gantong has longest queues; Zhonghe rarely has waits.
What if weather forces cable car closure?
Rain or high winds can close cable cars immediately. If you’re stranded mid-mountain, wait for conditions to improve. Bring warm clothing.
Summary: Match the Cable Car to Your Goals
The three cable cars serve different purposes. Ximatan reaches the summit but costs 3.5x more and closes frequently. Gantong offers the best budget option if you can handle 225 stairs. Zhonghe works best as a hiking starting point and sees the fewest crowds.
Most travelers pick Gantong for good reason—it balances cost, views, and accessibility. The stairs require 15 minutes, then you’re on flat terrain with full canyon views.
If you’re planning to hike Jade Belt Road, start at Zhonghe and descend at Gantong. This north-to-south route keeps Erhai Lake on your left with perfect lighting. Total takes 3-4 hours.
Save Ximatan’s ticket for May-June when rhododendrons bloom, or if reaching 3,920m matters to you. Arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid the afternoon wind closures that strand tourists at mid-station.
The mountain is accessible year-round. Jade Belt Road stays open and paved. Check weather before going—rain closes cable cars immediately and the paved trail gets slippery.
Need help planning your Dali itinerary? Travel China With Me specializes in Yunnan tours. Contact us for customized Cangshan hiking routes.
