About this journey
The easy hike on Huoshan is the best way to see the most beautiful sunset and to overlook Erhai Lake. "The best" here means I personally experienced the grandeur of Cangshan from different angles, heights, and perspectives. From here, people can truly appreciate the majesty and natural significance of Cangshan and Erhai for Dali.
One of the records:
Throughout the year, the evenings on Huoshan present different beauty depending on the weather, and it's not always sunny.
View the scenery under different weather conditions:
Possible discomforts:
Our guides' cars are mostly ordinary minivans.
On one hand, we are frugal; on the other hand, this type of car is best suited for carrying outdoor equipment and navigating natural mountain areas and rural paths. The bumpy ride is especially loved by children, who call it the "rocking car."
Difficulty: Easy. Children aged 4 and up can complete it. The hike lasts 2–3 hours, covering 2.5 km. Midway, we have a picnic on the hillside while waiting for the sun to slowly set behind Cangshan.
Destination: Huoshan, near Shuanglang Town. Drive: 1.5 hours (55 km).
Meeting point: Simple Stone Bakery
Schedule: Departure between 14:00–16:00 (adjusted according to sunset time in different seasons, based on the time you book via the app). Return to Dali Ancient City between 21:00–22:00. Although the return seems late, it's necessary to see the most beautiful sunset over Erhai and Cangshan. Actually, it's not that late, because Yunnan is about two hours behind eastern cities.
Included: Guide, round-trip transportation, afternoon tea, and picnic.
Highlights: The most beautiful Erhai scenery on the mountain, the best spot to watch the sunset, an alternative way to circle Erhai.
Our hiking destination is a cliff with an exceptionally wide view.
As usual, our idea is that this should be a trip we also enjoy: beautiful scenery, culture, and some light exercise.
If you would like to experience the following during your Dali trip, you are welcome to join this experience:
- Dali Mountains: The hike in the Huoshan Valley is very pleasant, immersing yourself in the beauty of the mountain village. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Cangshan. In my experience, this is one of the best places to appreciate Cangshan and Erhai.
- Dali Erhai: Standing on the mountaintop, you can overlook the magnificent panorama of Erhai Lake. This route is half of the Erhai loop, so you don't need to make an extra trip to Erhai.
- Valley Farmers' Painting Society: More than ten years ago, a painter lived in seclusion here and taught the villagers basic painting. The villagers began to paint their feelings about mountain life, forming a unique painting style. This project enriched the lives of people who were poor both spiritually and economically. It is an outstanding public welfare project in a mountain village. (Currently suspended due to some unspecified reasons.)
We experience the mountains, lakes, villages, people, and the blend of old and new. I believe this will be a complete and wonderful day.
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