Cangshan Four Seasons Foraging — avis de voyageurs

The tour guide was a particularly attentive and lovely young woman. She patiently explained the names and uses of the plants throughout the trip, and the tea snacks she prepared were also delicious! While we were making our travel journals, another girl traveling with us and I had placed our bags on the ground. When we went back to get our things, we saw that she had placed her own bag and jacket underneath ours to keep them off the ground 🥹

Yanzi is a very good guide. She seems like a girl who grew up in the mountains and knows a lot about everything there (plants, ferns, mosses, mushrooms...). A good guide lends me the eyes to discover beauty. We spent an afternoon learning about the shapes of many mushrooms and the dark corners where they grow; discovering crystal-clear small fruits; plants that catch insects by secreting mucus; leaves with wonderful spores... The path Yanzi took us on is one we as tourists would never have found. So we had a different adventurous experience. We even climbed up to a tea garden; at the end of a winding path where plants grew wildly, there was a wide open space perfect for a picnic. What surprised me was that Yanzi brought a lot of snacks, fruits, and milk tea for the picnic. Eating and chatting was relaxing and joyful. Today's companion also included Yanzi's dog, which knew the mountain paths, half leading the way for us and half running around playing. The dog wasn't very close to strangers, but after an afternoon together, it opened up to me as well. I had a great time, and I hope Yanzi earns lots of money. — Nani

Today's experience was truly a first in my life! Taking an unconventional path into the mountains, our guide patiently explained every plant we encountered. In July, Cangshan Mountain had a gentle breeze, bringing a sense of coolness and relaxation along the hiking trail. We even spotted various adorable mushrooms! It was a truly magical experience, and I could feel the dedication of the whole team. The hand-bound notebook they prepared was custom-made from Dongba paper! Next time I come to Dali, I'll definitely try another route. Highly recommended!!

The plant diary of Cangshan Mountain was truly a perfect botanical experience! The teacher's lively and detailed explanations helped us learn about many plants. Immersive learning with the kids, accompanied by adorable pets, and listening to the sounds of nature—it was so relaxing!

A very healing light hike, guide Teacher Wanwan was attentive and patient~

A thumbs-up for Xiaojing's professionalism and attentiveness! Thumbs up for her love of plants!

Xiaojing is not only professional but also very nice. Throughout the process, she paid attention to the children and was very patient when guiding them in making travel journals. I have already recommended her to friends coming to Dali later.

The mushroom picking class that the little ones had been eagerly anticipating was a complete success. The leader, Teacher Xiaomi, was very patient with the children. On the way down the mountain, they held Teacher Xiaomi's hand the whole time and didn't need mom anymore, haha. Since our two kids are still young and couldn't take notes on their own, the teacher helped them paste and write down the names of the plants. It's a pity that there weren't many mushrooms to harvest this season, but the kids had a great time, and that's enough!

Not enough walks – never enough! If it weren't for being in the mountains, where the sun sets quickly and darkness falls fast, everyone would have wanted to continue exploring, digging deeper to discover new plants and fungi. Upon meeting, the kids were overly enthusiastic, playing with the stream, shouting, 'Stream, lead the way! Go ahead!' A little dog, then a five-year-old boy, then Yang Mi, who knows the mountains well, the whole group marched in high spirits under the sun-dappled leaves, searching for fern leaves with spores, and scanning the damp, bumpy cliff edges like radar for magical mushrooms. 'My eyes are a ruler!' Everyone strained their eyes wide, competing to be more meticulous, to have better vision, just to find something more unique and novel. The funniest part was that after descending the mountain and returning home, while we were having dinner at the restaurant, we held a knowledge quiz, testing each other on the new things learned on the mountain that day. Based on the difficulty of the questions, the prize money varied. Learning while playing – it was truly a super satisfying, super joyful day. Next time, I want to go on a fern hike, soaking deep in the mountains. 2026.07.21 T.T.

Looking at plants, finding mushrooms, observing ants and spiders, and then on a flat piece of ground, eating delicious fruit while drinking warm black tea, basking in the sun, sticking the collected plants one by one into my journal—this feeling was so magical. Because it had just rained in the morning, although the walk was quite difficult, it was truly enjoyable and happy. Hello to our guide sister, hello to the little one, hello to Mom, and everything in nature is wonderful. This will be the most unforgettable memory of this trip.

This is my first time making a plant journal, sort of like pressing pretty flowers in a book when I was a kid. The guide was super patient and passionate about plants, and there was an afternoon tea in the Cangshan mountains. A dog latched on to us for a piece of beef jerky, and I unexpectedly took some photos I really love.

A super happy and meaningful adventure, thanks to the guide 'Yanzi'

Two children followed an elephant in the forest of Cangshan and wrote the most beautiful sentences.

Must praise the guide Elephant Sister! We had a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old child, and we were initially worried, but the whole trip was relaxed and joyful, completely exceeding expectations. First, the route arrangement was very humane. Elephant Sister changed to a route more suitable for the children's physical strength. She precisely gauged the stamina of both kids throughout, with no sense of rush, and the pace was just right. As we walked, she explained plants, picking a leaf to let us smell its fragrance, and she could name it and tell the story behind it. Very professional. She introduced children to nature in a fun way, sharing many eye-opening plant stories along the way. The two kids were fascinated by mushrooms. Elephant Sister took them to safe areas to flip pine needles and find fungi. They not only learned about several edible mushrooms but also how to distinguish poisonous ones. One of the themes of this trip was a plant scrapbook. Elephant Sister patiently guided the two kids to make it, teaching them to paste leaves and mushroom photos, explaining as they pasted. The little ones were fully engaged. Elephant Sister's photography skills are quite good. Even though she only used a phone, her angles and use of light were very deliberate. Many photos delighted the family. If you're worried about your kids' stamina or fear that hiking is boring, choosing Elephant Sister is definitely a safe bet. She can spark children's curiosity and, with her professional knowledge and attentive service, let adults truly enjoy nature. Highly recommended to all families wanting a light experience of Cangshan Mountain!

Awesome

The guide Yanzi carried a journal, tea, water, fruit, snacks, a picnic mat, and a hammock. I learned about many types of plants and even got to know fern babies. The environment at Wuwei Temple is very beautiful, perfect for hiking.

The guide Wanwan is super nice. The hiking tour was great, and I'll come again next time. The guide took us to make travel journals and had extensive knowledge with detailed explanations.

Guide Yanzi is super knowledgeable and can explain all kinds of plants on the mountain to us. The overall activity was very fun and not too tiring. Plus, the whole team has great taste in aesthetics, everything was very beautiful.

Fun and enjoyable. The guide was patient and enthusiastic. Even if it rains, you can still see a rainbow. It would be even better if the route were a bit longer. Found a quill from a foraging porcupine—pretty hard. I heard it can be used as a hairpin, but I lost it.

In the mountains, we are all children. The weather was just right—neither hot nor cold, no rain—a perfect day to go into the mountains. In late June, the Cangshan mountains already had sporadic mushrooms peeking out, like little forest spirits. You have to look closely, or you'll miss them. In the mountains, time flows quickly. Adults become children, and children become wild kids—observing plants, picking up pebbles by the stream, and before you know it, hours have passed. In the mountains, time also seems to stand still. You can only see clouds drifting across the sky, hear the insects chirping in the forest, and feel the sunlight filtering through the trees onto your face, without worrying about endless notifications on your phone with no signal. Children seem meant to grow up in nature. City kids stumble when they first enter the mountains, but by the time they leave, they're jumping and running through the fields. Occasionally, I feel a bit sorry for city kids—they need perfect timing, good weather, and healthy, free parents to enjoy nature. But then I think, life isn't about having it all; everything is the best arrangement. Just cherish the moment. Ah, how wonderful it is to play silly games with kids every day! Hiking group @Dali Cangshan Hiking Home. Our guide, Wanwan, is practically a plant expert and very patient and kind with children. I'll definitely come again next time. Hike responsibly—don't litter or pick mushrooms. Protect nature, starting with me.

Gentle and beautiful Wanwan took us on a rainy day mushroom journey. We learned about so many plants, which was an eye-opening experience for this city dweller. So happy!

A very special experience. I never thought I could combine outdoor hiking with my favorite journaling. Far from the city's hustle and bustle, deep in nature, feeling every breath. The rainy day was especially romantic, and the surprise company of Zhamao and Baimiao added a lot of fun. Plus, the delicious cheese sticks! So tasty!! They provided plenty of energy (√) The experience was great. The guide Li Zhenhao was humorous and patient. The picnic on the ground halfway up the mountain was just right. The two dogs were very cute. The only regret was that there weren't enough mushrooms, but we did encounter a few small ones along the way.

Teacher Haohao (Li Zhenhao) is amazing! Like a witch, she knows so many plants. Cangshan is mysterious and charming, with medicinal herbs and small berries everywhere. I tried many herbs and berries with Teacher Haohao. Unfortunately, it started raining, so we couldn't finish the mountain loop. The weather has been very dry and hot these past two days, and the little mushrooms haven't popped up yet. Next time I get a chance, I'll come back to pick mushrooms~

A slightly tiring light hiking day, but the guide was very patient and attentive, responding to everything! It's very suitable for friends visiting Dali for the first time to learn about the beauty of Cangshan's plants.

A very rewarding and happy journey. Wanwan led us to discover various plants from the fields to the foot of Cangshan Mountain, and shared with us different scents like lemongrass, aromatic white pearl, and even pine resin. Wanwan introduced us to a wide variety of plants with great familiarity, and through repeated touching and smelling, we truly got to know Cangshan and Dali. A very happy and fulfilling time, a journey I would want to try again at different times in the future.

It was really fun! The guide Wanwan was very friendly and gave detailed explanations. As someone who rarely hikes, I thought I wouldn't be able to keep up, but it was actually manageable and not too tiring. I learned about many plants and had a great time. Next time I come to Dali with friends, I'll sign up again. Different seasons should offer different plants to see.

Following Yanzi while climbing Cangshan and identifying plants was a very interesting experience. The whole climb wasn't strenuous, just need to take good sun protection.

I came to Dali alone and stayed near the ancient city. It wasn't too noisy, but once I entered the ancient city, I still had a question: why is it so chaotic, with people constantly saying 'Beautiful lady, want a photo?' or 'Try some coffee, flower cakes?'... It didn't match the Dali I had imagined. Then I happened to come across your team's notes on Xiaohongshu. Awesome! This is the Dali I imagined. I've always liked journaling, but I had never tried plant journaling. Plus, I wanted to explore nature in Dali, so I chose this activity. The female guide was super, super nice. She kept saying how cute this plant was, how fragrant that mushroom was, and that this wild vegetable was edible (she herself was actually very cute). Along the way, she introduced me to plants, picked them into the basket, took me to eat wild berries, and was always careful to remind me when the path was slippery or when a plant had thorns. The sun wasn't strong today, there was a breeze in the mountains, and it was very pleasant to walk and observe in nature. They also prepared a very cute journal for pressing plants, and provided tea, snacks, and very sweet fruit. It was a worthwhile experience, and I will definitely come back with friends to try this and other activities.

Highly recommend the Cangshan collection activity! The whole experience was fantastic, special thanks to Teacher Wanwan~ Teacher (Wanwan) has solid professional knowledge, with detailed and easy-to-understand explanations. She clearly explained various plant knowledge and collection techniques, full of useful information. She is also gentle and considerate, taking good care of everyone along the way, patiently answering questions, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Following the teacher, I gained a lot and had a very enjoyable experience.

A rainy-day four-seasons foraging trip. The mountain path was muddy and slippery, but our hardworking and considerate guide Yanzi led us attentively the whole way. Mushrooms popped up everywhere in the rain. The air was great. Along the way, Yanzi explained in detail all kinds of flowers, wild fruits, and plants—professional and patient. She also thoughtfully prepared warm tea, fresh fruit, and snacks, taking care of us throughout. The trip was relaxed and pleasant, an immersive experience with nature. The foraging experience was perfect. Thank you, Yanzi, for your hard work and attentive care all the way!

On my second day alone in Dali, I decided to do something on Cangshan that I loved as a child —collecting. Not hiking, not checking in. Just carrying a bamboo basket into the pine forest, picking whatever I liked and putting it into the basket. It's May in Dali now, the end of various flowers blooming and the beginning of some wild fruits fruiting. It's said that Cangshan has the most varieties of rhododendrons in the country. 🌷 In spring, they bloom from the foot to the top of the mountain, turning the whole mountain into a colorful flower carpet. 🍭 The fern shoots are especially cute, like lollipops! It feels like going back to childhood, when I often saw large patches of ferns in the mountains of Chongqing. 🦕 Ferns are very ancient, so ancient that they were neighbors of dinosaurs. 🍵 When we got tired, our guide Yanzi spread a cloth in the pine forest and set up a mountain tea party for us: blueberries, cherry tomatoes, and a pot of tea brewed in the morning. As we rested, we discussed our harvest from earlier. At that moment, it felt like a primary school spring outing, haha. ⛰️ Adults climbing mountains always aim for the summit, but our goal was to find our own "mushroom." 🍄 For an entire afternoon, I packed Cangshan into a basket, then from the basket into a journal. This is probably the best travel souvenir I can think of. ✨ Later, when I flipped through that journal page, every plant I collected was still pressed inside. One leaf was already wrinkled, but I still remember that afternoon on Cangshan. 🍃 There was no one else in the pine forest, just the crunching sound of our feet on the pine needles.

This was the most enjoyable activity in Dali~ Following Teacher Xiaomi and Xiao Xi to collect specimens on Cangshan Mountain, we explored the mountain along the way, gathered various beautiful plants into baskets, found a flat and quiet spot to sit down, enjoyed fruits and tea, and pasted the scenery along the way into our notebooks. Spending time with Teacher Xiaomi was very comfortable! She patiently answered our questions, and she has great aesthetic sense. She took the initiative to take many beautiful photos of us. We were very satisfied!

I joined the mini mushroom foraging trip. The guide, Yang Mi, was very gentle and patient, introducing various plants along the way. The whole journey was doable even for a child under four, and both adults and kids found it novel and fun! When the child is a bit older, I'd like to come back for other more challenging routes!

Today was a very pleasant, fulfilling, and eye-opening activity. My child is under 3, so we chose [Mini Mushroom Picking]. Teacher Elephant explained everything patiently throughout, making us feel warm andwarm and kind. He also takes great photos—directly publishable. When we encountered difficult paths, he even carried my child for me, so thoughtful. The Mini Mushroom Picking route was very easy, with a rest and picnic midway—couldn't be better! On the way back, my child kept talking about Teacher Elephant. Already looking forward to meeting again~

Half-day leisurely hike on Cangshan Little Wild Mountain, took the kid to unlock a mushroom guide: little leopard-spotted amanita standing tall, poisonous mushrooms hiding in the grass making faces, and countless strange fungi playing hide-and-seek under tree roots. The little one ran faster than the mountain wind, full of energy the whole way. Nature class full marks, happiness full marks too!