Huoshan Easy Hike to Watch Sunset | Half-loop of Erhai Lake to See Sunset Glow Over Cangshan and Erhai 여행자 리뷰

This was a booked activity. It might be less popular, so it ended up being just me and the guide. We visited the Jiwo Cafe and learned about the story of teaching farmers to paint. On the way up, the guide taught me to identify many local plants. Huoshan truly is the best place to watch the sunset, with spectacular views. On the way back, we chatted a lot about why we're in Dali, why we guide, and the guiding philosophy. The guide felt like a pen pal introducing their secret treasures—an excellent experience.

Super fun. The guide's driving skills are amazing, and there were cute dogs and friendly people. We saw clouds of all shapes and beautiful sunset glow on the mountain. Will join other activities next time!

A happy day [prayer]. My mind is full of plants. Thank you, Xiaoqi, and thank you, Nice companions.

Xiaoqi worked hard [fist]. Driving us home so late, taking us up the mountain and teaching us to recognize many plants along the way, we picked up a lot of treasures and gained so much [grin]. So happy! Thank you [grin].

This is an easily overlooked experience on the east coast of Erhai. Instead of renting a pink convertible to circle the lake like everyone else, you can walk along the ridge, chase the magnificent sunset and evening glow over the sea; have a picnic on the cliff, and visit the peasant painting society in the mountain village.

This is my second time visiting Dali, and I still arranged Cangtu activities every day, trying out all the ones I missed last time. The guides for each activity were absolutely amazing—truly knowledgeable about astronomy, geography, biology, and history. During their explanations, I felt like my long-dormant high school knowledge was attacking me... Stargazing + Hiking + Sunset Watching

The experience was very good. I also had a great chat with the guide Aruna. She introduced many plants along the way and I learned a lot. The route arrangement was also very reasonable. I will choose this again next time~

A few unexpected things: First, I didn't expect to see the sunset, as it had been rainy and cloudy in recent days, but today turned out to be sunny. Second, I didn't expect Xiao Chun's service. The sunny and handsome Xiao Chun chatted and exchanged ideas with us all the way, and he even carried a rich selection of tea and snacks up the mountain without complaint. With beautiful scenery, a handsome guy, and the kids, it was wonderful! Sincere thanks to Xiao Chun for his wholehearted companionship, allowing us to leave beautiful memories in Dali.

Going up the mountain with my nearly sixty-year-old family members went very smoothly! The scenery on the mountain was great. I'll come again if I have the chance.

This is my fourth time in Dali. I must say, without Cangshan Hiking Home, I wouldn't have been able to make Dali my travel destination again and again. When I waded through the streams of Cangshan and dried my feet on the stone slabs, when it started raining the moment I stepped onto the ruins of the Nanzhao Kingdom, when I sat on Huoshan Mountain, feeling the wind and watching the sun set little by little, I thought, wow, this is truly a beautiful day.

I went alone, but the trip wasn't canceled and went smoothly. I was so happy! Our guide He Chen knew the route very well and was also very familiar with the plants along the way. He shared a lot of knowledge about flowers and trees with me. Because the weather was great, I saw a beautiful sunset, as well as the evening glow, a "mirage," a half moon, and stars. On the way back, he also shared the story of Cangshan Hiking Home, which made me realize that the reason we repeatedly book activities is because of these lovely people. And when they choose partners, they follow the same principle. All scenery is just rocks and water; what makes it special has always been the people.

I stayed in Dali for a week and participated in two hiking activities. Unlike typical tourist experiences, I got to deeply understand local life. The first time, I went to Huoshan Jiwo Coffee Shop. A painter from Shanghai taught local Bai elderly ladies to record their daily lives using mineral pigments. The old ladies' paintings were simple, natural, brightly colored, and full of wild vitality. Then I followed Jason to hike Huoshan and enjoy the sunset. Along the way, we saw old pear trees in bloom (their flowering period only two weeks), green plum blossoms and fruits, and a farmhouse with horses and free-range chickens. For the first time in my life, I saw a pale pink sunset with layers of gradation like an ink wash painting. The second activity was the Nanzhao Ancient City tour. In spring, Cangshan Mountain was full of vitality and blooming everywhere—a spiritual beauty beyond words. Along the way, we passed the ruins of the Nanzhao Ancient City, where an archaeological team was still surveying. Walking on the ancient city wall felt surreal. At the mountaintop, we enjoyed the panoramic view of Dali with Erhai Lake in the background, accompanied by warm black tea, fresh strawberries, and crispy sweet dates brought by Jason. After enjoying the sunset, Jason took us to his home for dinner. While we marveled at how cozy his small courtyard was, he quickly prepared a table of delicious dishes. It was truly a perfect trip.

I joined two more hikes and even bought hiking shoes specifically for them. Now I need to work on my fitness so I can join a long-distance hike next time I'm in Dali! I also want to go camping in Gaoligong in autumn. Huoshan & Jiwo Cafe Went on a rainy day, almost had the place to ourselves. At the cafe, I saw a Bai grandmother painting with mud—it was like the stories from the book "As If There Is Light: Interviews in Dali" that I read before coming here came to life. We hiked up the mountain in the rain. At first, the fog was so thick visibility was extremely low, even Silent Hill would bow down. But then, unexpectedly, the clouds parted and the mountain gradually revealed itself like an ink wash painting, until sunlight shone on the rain-washed green peaks. It was incredibly beautiful. The clear sky after the rain was brief; before we descended, the thick fog returned, making us cherish that miraculous gift even more. It was a rare experience—different days bring different scenery, each one unique. Eryuan: Boating, Strolling & Hot Springs With the soundtrack "Reed Marsh" from A Chinese Odyssey playing on a fellow traveler's phone, we took a boat through the reeds, with waterbirds swimming by, like a painting. Then we drove to a Hui village, passing several mosques with distinctive local architecture, visited a daily market, and walked along a hillside path to the fields and Green Jade Pond. Beautiful and unique plants grew along the roadside. (The "uphill" slope was about the same as from Dali Ancient City's Erhai Gate to Cangshan Gate—the easiest route. Calling it a "light hike" is an overstatement; it was just a slow, leisurely stroll, comfortable and relaxing.) Finally, we went to Xiashankou Hot Spring Resort to soak in the hot springs (bring your own swimsuit; public slippers are available, and towels can be rented). The pools are by the fields, and while soaking you can watch rabbits digging—so cute! After soaking, we had dinner there; 35 yuan per person was very delicious. Oh, and the local sweet milk in Eryuan, 5 yuan a bottle, is amazingly good. I drank five bottles a day—don't miss it when you go to Eryuan! I first learned about this hiking experience from a friend's post. She wrote that the hiking experience started so well that the rest of her trip seemed dull in comparison. For me, it's probably the same. The three hiking experiences were the highlights of my month-long stay in Dali, and they will be a huge motivation for me to come back again. I've written quite an essay without realizing it. Rambling on and on, but the core message is that the hiking experience is really great! I recommend it to everyone!

Absolutely loved it! The light hike was easy enough for children, offering a different kind of experience—much better than regular tour groups. The Peasant Painting Society is a niche spot with few visitors, full of design, and the light meal was above average. Although the clouds were thick and we didn't see the sunset glow during the sunset light hike, we were lucky to see a rainbow cloud. Guide Huang pulled out snacks at the summit, and it was really relaxing. The only issue was that since it was a sunset viewing, we returned quite late, and the kids were exhausted. I immediately booked the Eryuan trip—it's great.

A casual, unplanned trip to Dali. Before the trip, I chose to trust the vibe because of Jason's words in the Cangshan Hiking Home. Yesterday, I went on the Huoshan Sunset Light Hike with Frank. Today, Xiaochun, Hechen, and Caifeng took us paddleboarding. It's hard for me to describe these two days from a consumer's perspective because you really gave me the feeling of being close friends. I think this will definitely be one of the memories that makes me smile when I think of Dali in the future. The picnic mat Frank laid out on the mountaintop with delicious snacks, the purple sunset glow on the opposite horizon, the freedom I experienced paddleboarding today, the flocks of birds flying past, and Xiaochun even brought pour-over coffee and snacks—it seems there's nothing you didn't think of. I'm already looking forward to coming to Dali again.

Second time hiking Huoshan Sunset, and it still exceeded expectations with a slow, moving experience! Thanks to our guides Xiaochun and Tailor for a perfect experience. Standing on the top of Huoshan, Erhai Lake was in full view. Watching the sun slowly descend behind Cangshan was truly moving.

Thank you so much for the surprise at the end for me and my boyfriend!

I casually browsed Dianping to see if there were any interesting activities, not wanting to crowd into the ancient city. I stumbled upon their different difficulty levels and routes for hiking, so my friend and I contacted them immediately. Our overall experience was relaxed and enjoyable. Although the route was relatively easy, I still recommend wearing hiking shoes and comfortable, breathable pants for a better experience. The scenery goes without saying—Erhai Lake never gets old no matter how many times you visit. Watching the clouds roll and unroll in the sky, carefree, and enjoying a moment of tranquility was the purpose of this trip. Guide Xiaochun was enthusiastic and talkative. Although not a native of Dali, he clearly has deep affection for this land. I hope they develop more routes to explore Dali from different perspectives.

I joined twice. The guides were both fun and responsible. It's great to see Dali from different perspectives through nature.

I spent Chinese New Year in Dali with my kids. I really didn't want to see crowds, just wanted them to get grounded and strengthen their digestion, haha! I had my eye on the famous "Cangshan Hiking Home" in Dali from their public account early on. For such a customized small-group hiking activity, the price is very fair, and free cancellation is available—very generous. I heard it's a side business of the owner of the popular "Midnight Diner" in the old town. Over six days, we did four routes and were lucky to catch the last stand-up paddleboarding session (it's too windy in winter, so SUP is suspended). My four-and-a-half-year-old softie started off a bit intimidated but gradually got a feel for the mountain trails, figuring out how to exert force on steep uphills and downhills and how to steady her steps. With the patient company of guide He Chen, she gained a lot of insight in just a few days and even became his fan. Guide Jason was humorous and enthusiastic, with a wide range of knowledge. The journey was pleasant and relaxed, as comfortable as being with old friends. Each route—Cangshan Light Hike, Huoshan Sunset Viewing, and Eryuan Hot Springs—had its own unique features. You could feel the thoughtfulness in the route design, the changing scenery along the way, and the different sensory experiences. The kids observed plants, collected flowers and grasses, experienced various mountain paths, stepped on fallen leaves and pine needles, listened to the pine waves, and watched the clouds. Seeing them tread on the earth every day, going into the mountains, lakes, and water, chasing cats and dogs, crawling around, basking in the sun, and feeling the mountain breeze—this is what childhood should be like. Happy New Year! Wishing you a joyful spring and all the best. I hope to come to Dali often and join these hiking routes regularly. The scenery must change a lot with different seasons.

The Huoshan sunset route led by Jason and Zhamao was a very peaceful hiking route. The one-way climb took about 1-1.5 hours. The sunset was beautiful, and the cold noodles Jason bought were also delicious. Zhamao was super cute too. Hiking with dogs—mission accomplished!

Great, took us into a fairy tale world surrounded by nature for a healing day. The guide worked hard carrying tea and snacks up to the mountaintop, and the kids saw a beautiful sunset.

Great experience with an excellent view of Erhai Lake. Along the way, Xiao Chun enthusiastically explained everything, acting as a nature teacher, photographer, and cheerful guide. When you come to Dali, don't just focus on the romantic scenery—you can also explore nature.

Had a wonderful sunset trip. Although we didn't see the sunset due to weather, we had a great time all the way, eating and drinking at the mountaintop, and there were dogs too.

A very good outdoor experience. Guide Xiaochun'er was careful and responsible, and took great photos. Hope to play together again next time!

I recommend all fellow travelers, whether on a short break or long-term stay, to give it a try I joined Cangshan Hiking Home's Half-Day Tour Around Erhai. We went to the Chicken Nest Coffee to experience the blend of art and local simplicity, feeling the laborers rooted in this land's understanding of beauty—simple yet passionate. Then, after getting hot and tired, we reached the volcanic hilltop to watch the sunset over Erhai. The weather was good that day, and we saw the sun sink into the valley in an instant, sunlight scattering through layers of clouds, and the Tyndall effect on the curling smoke from chimneys. All the sweat and heat were worth it. The biggest surprise was following our guide Aruna to her studio for a food tasting. Chef He Chen is a man of few words, putting all his emotions into the dishes. The partners are trying to create a dining experience for the new Dali community. On the basis of being delicious and healthy, the integration of good food with beautiful scenery, culture, and human connection was the biggest unexpected joy of today's trip. Who says the new "canteen" for new Dali people can't become a new feature of this city? I recommend all fellow travelers, whether on a short break or long-term stay, to give it a try. I also hope that Cangshan Hiking Home, this intimate and free organization, can make more money, because that's the foundation for maintaining their original intention!

Thank you, that vibrant life force healed me. When the sunlight streamed through the mountains, at that moment, I felt as if I had seen a deity. Thank you, that vibrant life force healed me. PS: The sunset was so beautiful that I didn't want to waste time taking photos. The guide hasn't sent his photos yet, so just use your imagination, hahaha.

The hiking experience enriched our impression of Dali and was the most worthwhile experience here. I joined two days of light hiking in a row. The journey was relaxed and enjoyable. The hiking experience enriched our impression of Dali and was the most worthwhile experience here. If I come to Dali again, it will definitely be because of them. The guides, Xiao Zhao and his father, were great!

This is my second time joining a light hike with Cangshan Hiking Home, watching the sunset over Erhai Lake from Huoshan. Sitting on the mountaintop, with a gentle breeze on my face, surrounded by shrubs and the chirping of insects and birds, I enjoyed the hot tea and snacks that the guide He Chen had carried up the mountain. We chatted about the cultural traditions and customs of different ethnic minorities, slowly watching the sun set behind the mountains, the shimmering Erhai Lake fading into darkness, and the fishing boats gradually lighting up as they returned to port. It was such a pleasant experience. Thank you to guide He Chen, and also to Cangshan Hiking Home!

The guide was Aruna, a very friendly and considerate girl, especially with children. During the Spring Festival, I spent 4 days in Dali and participated in 4 activities with Cangshan Hiking Home. When I was planning my trip a month ago, I stumbled upon Jason's team and was attracted by their activities. I arranged my schedule a month in advance. The first activity was the Beekeeping Experience. Teacher Chunyu was incredibly knowledgeable about beekeeping and could talk about it endlessly. In one morning, I learned a lot about bees and saw different types of bees. It was great! The second was the Eryuan Rural Tour, which passed through a milk fan workshop in Dengchuan. We boated on Dali West Lake, where the reeds were tall, and we could see ducks, purple swamphens, and egrets everywhere. We visited an ancient village with a special community of people who speak Bai language and wear Bai ethnic costumes but devoutly practice Islam. The guide was Xiao Li, a very nice local. The guide Xiao Zhao's bull terrier, Gangzi, was especially loved by my child. The third was the highly anticipated Cangshan Full-Day Nature Observation. I met Zhaoxi and Teacher Wang Bin—one is an expert on plants, the other loves bird watching. My 5-and-a-half-year-old child climbed the mountain while learning a lot of knowledge. That day we hiked 12 kilometers, and the child wasn't tired at all, very cheerful. We had a vegetarian meal at noon, and the child was especially happy to eat vegetarian food for the first time (having heard about it in Journey to the West). In the second half, the child chatted with the teachers about the Three Kingdoms, very excited and happy. Later, when we saw an unfamiliar bird, the child asked me to ask Teacher Wang. The fourth was the Huoshan Sunset. The guide was Aruna, a very friendly and considerate girl, especially with children. We set off in the afternoon for Huoshan and visited the Shuanglang Huoshan Bai Peasant Painting Society (Chicken Nest) Café. It's a rural art café that combines the paintings of Bai grandmothers from the "Peasant Painting Society," artistic creative products, and local food culture. We met the artist Shen Jianhua, had coffee, climbed a small path to a platform to watch the sunset and have a picnic. The last sunset of the lunar year 2023 was very worthwhile. In the evening, I was lucky to have a New Year's Eve dinner with several guides. It was a lot of fun. I am very happy with this arrangement. I look forward to going to Dali again next time. I also want to go to Xipo and stargazing. I hope Cangshan Hiking Home continues to thrive. See you next time!