Rock Landform

        Dali Mt.Cangshan UNESCO Global Geopark enjoys a special tectonic location, a complex geological evolution and rich rock types. Under the combined action of internal stress such as tectonic uplifting of multiple stages as well as exogenic forces such as glaciers, torrents and weathering, abundant complexes of geomorphologic landscapes with distinct and unique features are formed.

        I. Metamorphic Rock Mountain

        Metamorphic rocks in the Geopark are primarily distributed on the Cangshan Mountain and account for over 60% of total rocks. Under multiple orogenic movements and external forces, unique geomorphologic landscapes of the Cangshan Mountain are formed today. As a typical example, the ninteen peaks are steep, towering and spectacular, or strange in shapes, like a fairyland on earth under the embrace of clouds and mists.

Cangshan Mountain

Malong Peak

Exposed Longquan Peak

Shapely Mountain

Golden Toad Stare at Moon

        II. Migmatitic Granite Peak Forest

        They are primarily distributed at the altitude of 3000-3700 m on the east slope of the Cangshan Mountain. The area from the Baishi Stream to the Mocan Stream is the most unique in particular. The rock is the migmatitic granite, with vertical joints and fractures developed in the rocks. Rock masses collapse and fall along cracks under the action of multiple exogenic forces such as physical weathering, torrent erosion and freeze-thaw. Then, they are scoured and carried by torrents, forming high, steep, straight and colorful migmatitic granite peak cluster/peak forest landscapes. The peak forest is scabbard-shaped, well-spaced and clustered into a stone forest.

Peak Cluster of Migmatitic Granite

Migmatitic Granite Peak Forest

        III. Karst Landform

        The karst landform in the Geopark is primarily distributed in northern Cangshan Mountain and on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake. Yunnong Peak and Canglang Peak in the east of northern Cangshan Mountain are the most typical. The landform is mainly developed in carbonate strata during the Silurian-Devonian Period and the Permian Period of the Paleozoic, belonging the corroded in middle and high mountains. The Geopark contains a great variety of rich karst morphology. Underground karst landscapes including caves,depressions,ponor, funnels,and underground rivers as well as surface karst landscapes including karst ditches, karst valleys, clints and isolated peaks are developed.

        1.Tianlong Cave in Shangguan Town

        Located at the upper station of Tianlong Cableway near Shangguan Town, it has always enjoyed the reputation of "The First Miracle Cave in Western Yunnan". With a length of 507 m, the cave looks like a dragon hiding underground. There are 28 stalactites in different shapes of birds and beasts in the cave. In addition, there are 108 branch caves connecting the master cave, just like a tactical layout prepared by the dragon. With every step you move, you will see a different view, giving a wonderful sensation of adventure. Sceneries in the cave are named as "Cangshan Snow", "Baiyun (White Clouds) Cave", "Huayue (Flowers and Moon) Palace", "Echo Cave" and "Tianlong Babu Palace". It is a must-go place for tourism and sightseeing.

Curtain  Caveflags

Stalagmite

        2. Karst Depression

      Karst depressions in the Geopark are represented by Dahuadianba, Xiaohuadianba and Jiciba. Huadianba is called "Huodan" in the Bai language, meaning a "Flatland of Flowers". Dahuandianba is located to the west of Yunnong Peak and Canglang Peak, with an altitude of 2900 m and the NW strike. It is an alpine meadow of about 7 km in length and 1-2 km in width with an area of 12km2. Rivers peacefully flow cross the meadow. In summer, growing grass seems like a mattress; flowers blossom; azalea clusters and bamboo forests on the western mountain are dense; cattle and horses feed freely; the scenery is quite beautiful. In winter, it is a good place to enjoy silver snow.

Dahuadianba Tectonic-Karst Depression

Xiaohuadianba Karst Depression

Jiciba Karst Depression

Karst Depression

Karst Trough