Location & How to Get There

Cable Car Mountain sits in the heart of Daming Mountain Scenic Area, nestled in Baicheng Village, Liangli Town, Lin’an District, Hangzhou. This hidden gem is about a 3-hour drive from downtown Hangzhou, making it a perfect day trip or weekend escape. To reach here, you’ll first head to Liangli Town (a scenic drive through green hills!), then follow winding roads up to the mountain. The final stretch involves a short hike or shuttle bus ride to the cable car station, where your adventure truly begins.

Pro tip: Use “Daming Mountain Scenic Area” in Chinese navigation apps to avoid confusion—locals might not recognize “Cable Car Mountain” right away!

Getting Around: The Cable Car Experience

The cable car ride is the highlight here. Unlike city tram-style cars, these open-air gondolas whisk you 1,000 meters up the mountain, offering bird’s-eye views of forests, valleys, and mist-covered peaks. On clear days, you’ll see why they call this place “Sky Terrace”—the mountains stretch endlessly like a watercolor painting.

Tickets cost around ¥80–¥100 for a round trip, and lines are shorter in the morning. If you’re traveling with kids, ask for the front car—it’s like a moving photo booth!

Natural Beauty: What to See

At the top of Cable Car Mountain, you’ll find a network of trails leading to waterfalls, cliffside viewpoints, and ancient trees. In spring, wildflowers blanket the slopes, while autumn turns the forest into a fiery red-and-gold canvas. One must-see spot is Thunder God Pavilion, a rocky outcrop where the wind feels like it’s lifting you off your feet.

For photographers: Sunrise at Cloud Sea Peak is magical. Arrive before 6 AM to catch the fog swirling below the cables—it’s like stepping into a fantasy world.

Cultural Highlights

While Cable Car Mountain leans heavy on nature, there’s a touch of local charm too. Near the summit, you’ll find a tiny teahouse run by a friendly family. Try their homemade rice cakes with mountain honey—they’re legendary! Some trails also pass old stone tablets with faded poems, whispering stories from travelers centuries ago.

Fun fact: The area’s name, “Daming,” means “Great Brightness” in Chinese. Legend says a monk once lit a lantern here to guide lost travelers—a metaphor for hope that still lights up the place today.

Practical Tips: Food, Restrooms, etc.

The base of Cable Car Mountain has a visitor center with clean restrooms and a convenience store stocking snacks and water. On weekends, food stalls pop up selling grilled corn and sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves—perfect for a picnic on the mountain.

Wear comfy shoes! The trails mix stairs, dirt paths, and wooden boardwalks. Bring layers too—weather changes fast, and that sunny sky can turn misty in an hour.

Why You’ll Love It

Cable Car Mountain isn’t just a sightseeing spot—it’s an experience. Whether you’re snapping selfies with Mount Qingliang in the background, listening to monks chant at a nearby temple, or simply breathing the crisp air, it’s hard not to leave with a smile. Locals say the mountain has “three wonders”: the cable car’s height, the clouds’ dance, and the way time slows down when you’re up there.

Visit on a weekday if you hate crowds, or come during the Lantern Festival in winter. Just remember: The best views often require a little effort (like climbing those last few steps to the summit). But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?