Weibao Mountain, Cangshan & Jizu Mountain Hiking

Stay in the Old Town and hike Weibao Mountain and the Jade Belt Trail on Cangshan, climb to the Golden Summit of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan, and visit temples at the foot of the mountains.

For keen walkers: Day 1 warms up with a hike to the Taoist temples on Weibao Mountain, south of Dali. Day 2 takes the Zhonghe cable car up Cangshan, walks the Jade Belt Trail to Seven Dragon Maidens Pool, then rides the Ximatan cable car back down. Day 3 heads to Jizu Mountain in Binchuan, following the old pilgrimage path from Zhusheng Temple up to the Golden Summit and Huashou Gate. The final half day covers Wuwei Temple, Gantong Temple and Jizhao Nunnery at the foot of Cangshan before you leave. Erhai Lake serves only as a backdrop, and the lakeside sights are left out.

Mountain trails are slippery in the rainy season, and the summit gets cold in winter, so bring warm clothing.

Day by day

Day 1 · Weibao Mountain Taoist temple warm-up hike

Weishan Ancient Town（Weibao Mountain）

About 1 hour by chartered car from Dali Station to Weibao Mountain. Walk the ancient path to the Taoist temples, then return to Dali Old Town by evening, about 1.5 hours.

The trail has many stone steps, so wear non-slip shoes.

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 2 · Jade Belt Trail hike on Cangshan

Dali（Cangshan Mountain）

Take a taxi to the Zhonghe cable car, then walk the Jade Belt Trail for about 6–7 km, riding the Ximatan cable car up or down. Allow a full day.

Cable cars stop in strong wind, so bring plenty of water and a raincoat.

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 3 · Jizu Mountain ancient path to the Golden Summit

Dali（Jizu Mountain）

Charter a car or take a bus about 1.5 hours to Zhusheng Temple, then hike about 7.5 km up to the Golden Summit. Take the cable car down if you like, and return to the Old Town by evening.

The total ascent is nearly 900 m, and entry tickets must be booked in advance.

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 4 · Wuwei Temple, Gantong Temple & Jizhao Nunnery

Dali（Wuwei Temple、Gantong Temple、Jizhao Nunnery）

Take a taxi from the Old Town about 20 minutes to Wuwei Temple, continue south to Gantong Temple, then walk to Jizhao Nunnery. Head to Dali Station in the afternoon.

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