Dali Cangshan Mountain: Rhododendrons at the Tail End of July

Dali Cangshan Mountain, located in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, is renowned worldwide as the "Hometown of Rhododendrons." It boasts 41 species of rhododendrons, accounting for 15% of Yunnan's total, including the world's longest-leaved Rhododendron protistum (with trunks up to 10 meters tall and leaves 70 centimeters long) and century-old giant rhododendron trees. These flowers are distributed from the mountain's base up to the 4,000-meter snowline, displaying 16 colors ranging from red, white, yellow, to purple. The red hues alone include fiery red, peach pink, rose red, and more, with some varieties even changing colors. Beyond their unique diversity, Cangshan's rhododendrons carry a poignant legend—the ancient Shu Emperor Du Yu transformed into a cuckoo, whose tears of blood dyed the flowers, symbolizing loyalty and sorrow. From April to July annually, the mountain transforms into a "breathtaking sea of blossoms," celebrated as Dali's city flower and a world-class natural wonder. 🕘【Opening Hours】 Core Scenic Area: Cangshan Geopark is open all day, but cable car operations run from 08:30 to 15:00 (last entry at 16:30). The Ximatan Cableway may adjust due to weather; check forecasts in advance. Best Bloom Season: May to June marks peak rhododendron blooms—lower-altitude pink varieties flower in late April, followed by high-altitude cream-yellow and Dali rhododendrons in May, lasting through July. Notes: Prepare for high-altitude weather with rain gear and windproof jackets. Ximatan sits at 3,920 meters; carry oxygen bottles for potential altitude sickness. Stay on marked trails to protect rare flora and fauna. 💴【Ticket Prices】 Base Entry: Cangshan Geopark ticket at ¥40/person. Cableway Fees: Ximatan Cableway (round-trip): ¥320/person (direct to 3,920m viewing platform). Gantong Cableway (one-way): ¥100/person (ideal for short hikes). Peak Season (May-June) may see price hikes; book online early. ⛺【Activities】 1. Ximatan Cloud Rhododendron Sea Highlights: Ride the cableway through rhododendron corridors, transitioning from scattered blooms to vast floral seas. Cream-yellow and Dali rhododendrons (pale pink/white) mingle among firs and trails. Itinerary: Take the 08:30 cable car to avoid afternoon fog. Descend from the 3,920m platform to Ximatan Pond for "alpine flower mirror" reflections. Stop at Qilongnü Pool on return for waterfall-and-bloom vistas. Tips: Last cable car down departs at 16:00. Pack down jackets for chilly summits. 2. West Slope Primordial Rhododendron Forest Highlights: Pristine, less-trodden trails feature rare species like Rhododendron protistum and yellow azaleas. Routes: Option 1: Xiaguan → Yangbi → Maoshengjiang Bridge (right turn) → 17km dirt road (4WD required). Option 2: Xiaguan → Yangbi → Yangjiang Town → Xiaohe Bridge (right turn) → Liziping fork (final 1km impassable by sedan). Tips: Hire guides or join tours for rugged terrain. Bring hiking poles, grippy shoes, and snacks. 🚌【Transport】 Public: Bus ¥2 from Dali Old Town to Geopark West Gate. Drive: Navigate to "Cangshan Geopark West Gate Parking" (¥20/day). Cableways: Ximatan: Departs from "Demi-Gods & Semi-Devils" film set. Gantong: Starts near Gantong Temple, ideal for Qingbi Creek hikes. West Slope: Charter vehicles or join groups; avoid self-driving. 👉【Itineraries】 Day Trip: AM: Ximatan Cableway to flower sea and Qilongnü Pool. Noon: Snack on Dali cheese rolls at cableway stations. PM: Hike Gantong trails to Qingbi Creek and "Jade Belt" clouds. Eve: Stroll Dali Old Town's Foreigner Street amid canals and blooms. 2-Day Trip: Day 1: As above. Day 2: West Slope trek + Shimen Pass cliff walk (complimentary ticket), overnight at Guanfangping stargazing cabins. 🏡【Lodging】 Luxury: "ANYU Hotel" in Old Town blends Bai architecture with modern design. Boutique: "Awakening by Erhai" in Caicun offers mountain-and-lake views. Camping: Guanfangping cabins provide dawn photo ops amid blooms. 🧡【Packing List】 Clothing: Windproof layers, down jackets, hiking boots, sun hats. Medication: Oxygen, altitude pills, motion sickness meds, repellent. Gear: Camera (telephoto for close-ups), rain poncho, power bank. Extras: ID, cash (spotty signals).