About this journey
This route is a classic hiking trail from Dali Huoshan to the Buddhist sacred site Jizu Mountain.
Record from a hiker's perspective at Jizu Mountain:
Tangtang | Jizu Mountain Buddhist Pilgrimage Path
However, due to difficult transportation and route planning, most people who take this trail are local outdoor enthusiasts, and ordinary tourists rarely have the opportunity to walk this path.
Depart from the ancient town by car, passing through the northern half of Erhai Lake, crossing Shanggan, then heading from Shuanglang to Huoshan. Start hiking from Liantai Mountain, traverse the mountains and ridges, and arrive at Muxiangping where shepherds graze their flocks. This place was once a gathering spot for many practitioners. Standing on the mountaintop, you see endless mountain ranges, with Huoshan to the west, Cangshan and Erhai in the distance, and the Golden Summit and temple pagodas to the east—an unforgettable sight. The fusion of nature and religion is deeply moving.
Every year when the rainy season arrives, the vegetation becomes lush, wildflowers bloom at Muxiangping, the grasslands turn green, large areas of high-altitude rhododendrons thrive, and cattle and sheep leisurely graze.
After passing Muxiangping, continue hiking for more than ten kilometers to reach the Golden Summit of Jizu Mountain. From the Golden Summit, take the cable car and minibus down to Jizu Mountain Town, then take a taxi back to Dali Ancient Town.
Depart from Dali Ancient Town at 7:00 AM
Total distance: approximately 14 kilometers
Total elevation gain: 700 meters
Liantai Mountain to Muxiangping: elevation gain 300 meters (2900–3200 meters)
Muxiangping to Taohuaqing: elevation drop 400 meters (3200–2800 meters)
Taohuaqing to Jinding Temple: elevation gain 400 meters (2800–3200 meters)
Return to Dali: around 7:00 PM
During the first exploration of Jizu Mountain, almost all of our hiking guides participated together: Xiaochun, Wangwang, Caifeng, Laoli, and Xiaoxi were all involved. By instinct, we knew this would be a great hiking route.
One hike:
Winter:
Autumn:
Photos and videos
