Hike to see the sunset at Huoshan Mountain | Circle half of Erhai Lake and visit the peasant painting society in the mountains

"The light hike in Huoshan is the best way to watch the most beautiful sunset and get a bird's eye view of Erhai Lake. The "best" here means that I personally experienced the magnificence of Cangshan Mountain and saw Cangshan Mountain from different angles, heights and perspectives. From here, people can truly appreciate the grandeur and natural significance of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake to Dali. The "Farmer's Painting Society Cafe" on the mountainside brings stories and beauty produced by the combination of traditional life and new external culture."

One of the video records:

About me I am Aruna, from Inner Mongolia. I have lived in Dali for ten years. I run a baking studio in Xiaocen Village near the ancient city, where I also teach baking. I like camping in nature and once traveled camping in a van for six months. Therefore, I often organize camping trips and in-depth tour experiences in Shangri-La and other areas near Dali. Our in-depth tour group also includes members such as He Chen, Xiao Qi, Hong Hong, etc., who lead the sunset hike in Huoshan together, and sometimes guides from other groups will join as guest stars. Throughout the year, the evening in Huoshan will present different beauty depending on the weather, and it is often not always sunny. "

Check out the scenery in different weather conditions:

Possible discomfort:
Most of our tour leader’s cars were ordinary vans.
On the one hand, we are relatively frugal. On the other hand, this type of vehicle is most suitable for carrying outdoor equipment and going to natural mountains and country roads. The bumpy feeling is especially popular with children, who call it a "rocking vehicle."

Difficulty: Easy. Children aged 4 and above can complete the hike. The hike lasts 2-3 hours and covers a total distance of 2.5 km, with a break for tea on the hillside.

Destination: Huoshan, near Shuanglang Town. 1.5 hours by car (55 km).

Meeting place: Simple Stone Bakery
Time schedule: Departure at 14:00–16:00 (adjusted according to the sunset time in different seasons, subject to the time you book through the app). Depart from Dali Ancient Town and return between 21:00–22:00. Although the return trip seems late, it is necessary to see the most beautiful Erhai Lake and Cangshan sunset. In fact, it is not that late, because Yunnan is about two hours later than the eastern cities.

The price includes: guide, round trip transportation, afternoon tea. It does not include coffee or dinner.

Highlights: The most beautiful Erhai Lake scenery on the mountain, the best place to watch the sunset, and another option for Erhai Lake. There is a peasant painting society on the mountain, as well as a wonderful mountaintop cafe.

Our hiking destination was a cliff with an exceptionally wide view.

Not only did we circle Erhai Lake halfway, we also visited the Chicken House Cafe and the Peasant Painting Society in the mountains, and strolled to the top of a nearby mountain to watch the sunset. As usual, our idea was that this needed to be a trip we would enjoy: beautiful scenery, culture, and some light exercise.

If you want to experience the following fun during your trip to Dali, you are welcome to participate in this experience:

Dali Mountains: The hike to Huoshan Valley is quite pleasant, soaking up the beauty of the mountain village. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Cangshan Mountain. In my experience, this is one of the best places to enjoy Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.

Dali Erhai Lake: Standing on the top of the mountain, you can overlook the magnificent panoramic view of Erhai Lake. This route is half of the Erhai Lake loop, so you don’t need to make an additional trip to Erhai Lake.

Valley Farmers Painting Society: More than 10 years ago, a painter lived in seclusion here and taught villagers the basics of painting. Villagers began to paint their feelings about life in the mountains, forming a unique painting style. This project enriches the spiritually and economically poor people in the area. This is an outstanding public welfare project in a mountain village.

Mountain Cafe: The Farmers’ Painting Society also operates a cafe, housed in a “chicken coop”-shaped building that incorporates traditional Bai courtyard architecture. It’s stunning. It feels like an escape from the world as you gaze out over the valley and rural red clay hills while sipping coffee. Unlike other popular spots, the food here (such as open-faced sandwiches) even stands out among restaurants in Shanghai Xintiandi.

We experienced the mountains, lakes, villages, people, and the fusion of old and new things here, and I believe it will be a complete and wonderful day.