Hiking along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road and the Nanzhao Ruins in the Mountains

“Cangshan hiking route: If I had to choose only one, I would choose this one.
This is the first hike I took in Cangshan. With so many experiences to choose from these days, it’s easy to overlook this route. But along this route, you’ll discover ancient villages on the Tea Horse Road, the thousand-year-old Nanzhao Ancient City, and real historical sites that few people visit, peaceful and beautiful. Walking on the ancient city wall, you can overlook the whole of Dali. The highest point is the Baiwang Temple, which is part of Dali’s own sacrificial system. On the way down the mountain, continue hiking along the forest path for a pleasant and beautiful experience. ”

If time permits, it is recommended to go in the afternoon, as the scenery at sunset is particularly beautiful.

This is an easy hike where you can enjoy the natural scenery of Cangshan Mountain and the history of Nanzhao Kingdom. This is a classic Cangshan easy hike that is easy for most people to complete.

Difficulty level: Easy (can be completed by children aged 4-5 years and above)
distance: 4-5 km, 2.5-3 hours of hiking

Route highlights:

• It is relaxing and not tiring, yet you can enjoy the natural forests of Cangshan Mountain, historical relics from the Nanzhao Kingdom period, and the magnificent views of Erhai Lake and the entire Dali Plain.
• You'll pass through an ancient Tea Horse Road village, and the views of the surrounding fields and mountains are very beautiful.

For many years, I often took my dog ​​for walks in the mountains. He loves nature and gets excited every time we go into the mountains. That's when I decided to start this hiking experience.

1. Time:
Departure in the afternoon (3pm in winter, around 5pm in summer, depending on booking time). This time of departure is rare, as it allows you to enjoy the best views and sunset.

2. Altitude:
It is about 200-300 meters above sea level, but you can see the open view of Erhai Lake and the entire Dali Basin.

3. Iconic Cangshan scenery:
This route captures the natural beauty of Cangshan Mountain and allows you to avoid the more typical Cangshan scenic areas.

4. Tickets:
No tickets are required and there are no additional fees during the trip.

5. Contents:
afternoon tea.

This route really covers many aspects of Dali!

• Tingming Creek: People still get water here today.
• history: The ruins of the ancient city of Nanzhao Kingdom.
• Basin landscape: Overlooking Dali city and surrounding villages from the foot of Cangshan Mountain.
• Erhai Lake: The unobstructed view of the vast Erhai Lake.
• temple: The White King's main temple is hidden in the mountains.
• Tea Horse Road: A little-known section of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road.

We usually start from the village at the foot of the mountain, walk along a section of the ancient Tea Horse Road, and then continue up the mountain through walnut groves and fields. Of course, my dog ​​will tag along for the walk.

Ruins of the Ancient City of Nanzhao <br>Tingming Creek flows down from a mountain at an altitude of 3,600 meters, and the water is cool all year round. After walking for about 10 minutes, you can see the ruins of the ancient city of Nanzhao (built in the Tang Dynasty, the current city was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty). The view here is wide, and you can see the Erhai Lake, the mountains of Cangshan Mountain, and the wild grass and trees. Such scenery is rare in Cangshan Mountain. Here, you can also learn more about the history of the Nanzhao Kingdom in Dali. This is a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset.

Mountain God Temple <br>Originally a summer palace for the royal family of the Dali Kingdom, this peaceful temple enshrines the patron saint of the Bai people. From the hillside here, you can overlook the entire Dali Basin and the famous Three Pagodas. It is very relaxing to sit under the trees and enjoy the open view.

Tea Horse Road Village <br>This is our last stop, a village that was once a resting point on the Tea Horse Road. Most of the ancient buildings in the village are well preserved, and there are several inns and cafes. Upon arrival, you will see the mountain spring wells that are still in use, the villagers' resting place and the big banyan tree, making you feel as if you have returned to the past.

Other notes:

• Bring a jacket, a small bottle of water, and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
• There will be afternoon tea on the hillside with fruits and snacks.