Dali Cangshan Stream Trekking & Wild Water Park

【Introduction】Overview Located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, Dali Cangshan Stream Trekking & Wild Water Park is built around the natural water system of Cangshan's Eighteen Streams, featuring "pristine valleys, refreshing water play, and family-friendly adventures" as its core highlights. The crystal-clear streams form natural pools, waterfalls, and shallows, perfect for wading, fish-catching, and rafting activities. Hidden within the trekking area are several lesser-known valleys like Qingbi Stream, Mocan Stream, and Heilong Stream, where gentle terrain and moderate water depth have earned them the nickname "Wild Water Park" among visitors. Historical Context: The Eighteen Streams of Cangshan were vital waterways during the Nanzhao Kingdom, nourishing the Dali Basin. Legend has it that the Qilongnv Pool along the trekking route was where the seven dragon daughters of Erhai's Dragon King bathed, with its jade-green waters adding a mystical charm. 🕘【Opening Hours】 Open: 24/7 (natural valley area, no fixed closing time). Recommended Visit Duration: Half-day: 3-4 hours, ideal for early morning or evening to avoid strong sunlight, focusing on 1-2 streams. Full-day: 6-8 hours, combining multiple stream hikes or rafting with nearby attractions (e.g., Jizhao Nunnery, Gantong Temple). Notes: During monsoon (June-Sept), flash floods occur; avoid slippery paths 1-2 days after heavy rain. Winter water is chilly; midday visits are recommended. No shops in valleys; bring water and snacks. 💴【Ticket Prices】 Base admission: Free (natural area, no entry fee). Special activities: Family rafting: ~¥80-120/person (includes life jacket & helmet, 40-min duration). Gear rental: Trekking shoes ¥20/pair, waterproof backpack ¥10/item (optional). Price note: Rafting rates may vary seasonally; confirm with operators in advance. ⛺【Activities】 1. Signature Experiences Qingbi Stream Trekking: Highlights: Crystal waters with agate stones to collect; winter cherry blossoms frame waterfalls Nov-Dec. Route: Enter via "Dali Small Courtyard Mid-Area," hike 1km to a small waterfall—great for family treasure hunts. Mocan Stream Rafting: Highlights: Avg. 20°C water under 70cm deep; suitable for ages 3+ with safety gear. Route: Start near "Cangshan Gantong Spring Co.," float 1.5km to Gantong Villa area. Heilong Stream Pools: Highlights: Varied depths for paddleboarding/swimming (bring own gear). Access: Navigate to "Heilong Stream Bus Stop," walk 200m to valley. 2. Itinerary Suggestions Family-Friendly: AM: Mocan Rafting (10:00-12:00) → Wild mushroom hotpot lunch. PM: Qingbi Trek (14:00-16:00) → Jizhao Nunnery vegetarian meal & succulent garden. Adventure Edition: AM: Hike Cangshan Jade Belt Trail (Gantong Cableway ascent) → Qilongnv Pool visit. PM: Heilong Stream trek (14:00-17:00) → Yangxi Shallows water play. 3. Key Tips Safety: No solo trekking; avoid undeveloped areas. Stay away from valleys during/3 days post-rainfall. Eco-rules: Chemical sunscreen banned (use UPF clothing/mineral sunscreen). Pack out trash; no wildlife feeding. Gear: Kids: Extra clothes, water shoes, goggles. Adults: Trekking shoes, dry bag. 🚌【Transport】 Public Transit: From Dali Old Town: Bus to "Gantong Temple" stop, 10-min walk to Mocan entry. From Xiaguan: Taxi to "Cangshan Gantong Spring Co." (~¥25, 15 mins). Self-Drive/E-bike: Navigate to "Qingbi Stream Entry" or "Heilong Stream Bus Stop"; free parking nearby. E-bike rentals: Official park partners (¥50/day, helmets included). 👉【Itinerary Extras】 Nearby Attractions Jizhao Nunnery: 1.5km from Mocan, famed for "flowers instead of incense," ¥20 vegetarian meals (11:30-12:30). Gantong Temple: Tang Dynasty relic with affordable meals, 10-min walk to Mocan. Yangxi Shallows: Largest flow among Cangshan streams; toddler-friendly. Navigate to "Dali Tobacco Co. Baking Center" and ascend. Accommodations Budget: Old Town guesthouses (¥200-400/night): Near Bus try "Erhai Impression Inn." Luxury: Hongya Seaview Inn (¥600-1000/night): 8-min walk to Mocan rafting; heated floors for monsoon. Yuehui Art B&B (¥800-1500/night): Floor-to-ceiling windows + kids' book corner. 🧡【Packing List】 Essentials: ID (household register for kids). Clothing: UPF wear, quick-dry outfits, water shoes, swimsuits. Gear: Dry bag, phone case, headlamp (night hikes), kid's life vest. Extras: SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray. Energy bars, electrolyte drinks (no vendors in valleys). First-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, antihistamines).