Overview
Key takeaway
Confirm operation by phone first (Ximatan 0872-5364980, Gantong 0872-2683551): the weather changes fast and cars halt. Bring a jacket and take it slow at 3,900 m.
Time & cost
Plan 1–3 hours. Budget: $7–$21. Hours: Per the cable-car operator notice, ticket sales are roughly: Ximatan cable car 08:00–16:00, Gantong cable car 08:00–16:30 (holiday-adjusted); service runs until the day's visitors are done. Normal daytime windows about 08:30–17:00—reconfirm by phone; cars halt in wind, frost or cloud..
Best for
Best for first-time Dali visitors who want a clear 1–3 hours stop without guesswork.
Practical
Tips
On site
Confirm operation by phone first (Ximatan 0872-5364980, Gantong 0872-2683551): the weather changes fast and cars halt.
Timing
Bring a jacket and take it slow at 3,900 m.
Timing
Leave with hours in mind (Per the cable-car operator notice, ticket sales are roughly: Ximatan cable car 08:00–16:00, Gantong cable car 08:00–16:30 (holiday-adjusted); service runs until the day's visitors are done. Normal daytime windows about 08:30–17:00—reconfirm by phone; cars halt in wind, frost or cloud.). Weekends and holidays need extra queue time.
Pay
Nearby stalls usually take Alipay or WeChat. Foreign-card terminals are rare — set up Alipay before you go.
Show this
Show the Chinese name “苍山（苍山国家地质公园）” to drivers and staff. It beats a long English explanation.
Show to staff
你好，请问入口在哪里？我有预约/门票，谢谢。
Hi — where is the entrance? I have a reservation/ticket. Thank you.
Location & how to go
Cangshan Mountain (Cangshan National Geopark), Dali
