Zhuque National Forest Park

Xi'an Hiking Guide: Trekking Through the Millennia-Old Capital's Landscape Painting Introduction: Xi'an, a city bearing the glorious history of thirteen ancient dynasties, not only boasts profound cultural heritage but also enjoys the magnificent scenery of the Qinling Mountains. Hiking is an excellent way to deeply experience the natural and cultural charm of Xi'an. This article carefully plans several hiking routes suitable for different fitness levels, covering practical information such as transportation, gear, and precautions to help you explore Xi'an's mountains and rivers safely. I. Classic Hiking Route Recommendations 1. Taipingyu of the Seventy-two Valleys in Qinling (Suitable for Beginners) Route Highlights: Taipingyu is famous for its streams, waterfalls, and primeval forests, with distinct scenery in each season—spring flowers in full bloom, cool summer retreats, colorful autumn forests, and snow-covered winter landscapes. Detailed Route: Start: Taipingyu Entrance (accessible by Mountain Ring Tour Line 1 or by car) Pass through: Sanqiaoyu - Lovers' Creek - Rainbow Waterfall - Longtan Waterfall End: Taiping Forest Park (return the same way or take the park shuttle) Hiking Distance: About 10 km (round trip) Duration: 4-5 hours Elevation Gain: About 500 meters Tips: Facilities in Taiping Forest Park are well-equipped, including dining and rest areas. Be cautious of slippery paths during the rainy season; some sections require wading. 2. Zhongnanshan Ancient Trail (Suitable for Intermediate Hikers) Route Highlights: Zhongnanshan has long been a retreat for hermits; the ancient trail is lined with temples and rich in cultural atmosphere, offering panoramic views of the Guanzhong Plain. Detailed Route: Start: Cuihua Mountain Scenic Area (take Metro Line 2 to Weiqu South Station, then transfer to a bus) Pass through: Tianchi Temple - Nanwutai - Zigeyu End: Zigeyu Entrance (return via Mountain Ring Tour Line 2) Hiking Distance: About 15 km (one way) Duration: 6-7 hours Elevation Gain: About 800 meters Tips: Nanwutai Scenic Area requires a ticket; check opening hours in advance. Some sections are steep; wear anti-slip hiking shoes. 3. Huashan Plank Walk (Suitable for Advanced Hikers) Route Highlights: Known for its steepness, Mount Hua in the West is famous for the Plank Walk, an extreme challenge that offers breathtaking sea-of-clouds sunrises. Detailed Route: Start: Huashan Visitor Center (take high-speed rail to Huashan North Station, then transfer to the park shuttle) Pass through: North Peak - Canglong Ridge - East Peak (sunrise viewing) - South Heavenly Gate - Plank Walk - West Peak End: Descend via West Peak cable car Hiking Distance: About 12 km (circular route) Duration: 8-10 hours Elevation Gain: About 1000 meters Tips: The Plank Walk requires an additional ticket and has age and health restrictions. It is recommended to arrive at Huashan a day early and stay near East Peak for sunrise viewing. 4. Zhuque National Forest Park (Suitable for Families) Route Highlights: Featuring primeval forests, alpine meadows, and glacial relics, this park is ideal for family leisure hikes and parent-child interaction. Detailed Route: Start: Zhuque Forest Park Gate (recommended to drive or charter a vehicle) Pass through: Ice Crystal Peak - Guatian Flying Waterfall - Alpine Meadows End: Return the same way or take the cable car down Hiking Distance: About 8 km (round trip) Duration: 3-4 hours Elevation Gain: About 400 meters Tips: The park offers trails of varying difficulty; choose according to your stamina. Take sun protection in summer; some areas may be closed in winter. II. Best Seasons for Hiking Spring (March-May): Mountain flowers bloom, temperatures are moderate, but beware of late cold spells. Summer (June-August): The depths of Qinling are cool and pleasant; take precautions against heat and sun, avoid hiking at noon. Autumn (September-November): Crisp and refreshing weather with colorful forests, the best season for hiking. Winter (December-February): Some mountain areas have snow; wear anti-slip gear and keep warm. III. Gear Checklist Essential Gear: Hiking boots, backpack, quick-dry clothes, sun hat, sunglasses, trekking poles, headlamp, rain gear, first aid kit. Optional Gear: Knee pads, gloves, insulated water bottle, camera, binoculars. Food and Water: High-energy snacks (chocolate, nuts, etc.), 2-3 liters of drinking water (adjust based on route length). IV. Safety Precautions Plan Ahead: Understand route difficulty and weather conditions; download offline maps. Hike in Groups: Avoid hiking alone, especially on unfamiliar trails. Know Your Limits: Choose routes according to your fitness to avoid overexertion. Environmental Awareness: Carry out all trash; protect the Qinling ecosystem. Emergency: Call 110 or park rescue numbers; stay calm and wait for help. V. Transportation and Accommodation Public Transport: Xi'an has a developed metro and bus network; some scenic spots have dedicated tourist lines. Driving: It takes about 1-2 hours from Xi'an to valley entrances; drive carefully on mountain roads. Accommodation: Plenty of hotels in the city; unique mountain homestays available (e.g., near Zhongnanshan). VI. Nearby Attractions Recommendations Cultural: Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum. Natural: Taibai Mountain, Heihe National Forest Park, Zhashui Karst Caves. Food: Muslim Quarter, Yongxingfang for authentic Xi'an snacks. Conclusion: Xi'an's hiking routes unfold like a slowly unrolling landscape painting, with every scene telling a story spanning thousands of years. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, you will find your own excitement here. Embark on your journey to feel the grandeur of the Qinling Mountains and hear the echoes of ancient trails, allowing your body and mind to be elevated in the fusion of nature and history. Friendly Reminder: This article is for reference only. Please verify the latest route information and park regulations before hiking to ensure a safe trip.

🌸The scenery on the mountain is beautiful⛰️Moderate intensity 🔴Travel Tips 🌟Wear Comfortable Wear comfortable hiking shoes and clothes👚Remember to bring a windbreaker, the altitude is high, and the weather is unpredictable🤔 🌟Mosquito and Sun Protection When engaging in outdoor activities, remember to bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen to protect your skin from mosquito bites and UV damage💕 🌟Food Preparation Fill your stomach before climbing, bring energy supplements, and in summer, it is recommended to bring a few more bottles of water. There are shops only at the mountain entrance and alpine meadows🏬 🌟Safety Precautions In the park, please follow safety regulations and do not enter unopened areas alone‼️ 🌟Route Selection in the Scenic Area It is 3.5 kilometers from the entrance to the hiking trailhead. It is recommended to take a car to conserve energy for climbing🧗 From the trailhead to the cable car, one way💰50 round trip 80 If you choose to walk up the mountain instead of taking the cable car, be aware that many stone steps are quite loose, watch your step to avoid slipping🏂 Zhuque National Forest Park

🚉 Transportation Guide: Option 1: Self-driving, approximately 2 hours; Option 2: Roundtrip shuttle bus, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes; Departure: 08:00am from Chengnan Bus Station/TV Tower; Return: 17:00pm from Sanjiao. 🗓 Itinerary: Easy Route: Visitor Center - Sightseeing Bus (10min) - Cable Car (15min) - Alpine Meadow (1.5h) - Sea of Clouds (0.5h) - Ice Crystal Peak (2h); Difficult Route: Visitor Center - Walking (0.5h) - Walking (2h) - Alpine Meadow (1.5h) - Sea of Clouds (0.5h) - Ice Crystal Peak (2h). 📝 Park Information: Parking fee: CNY15/day; Entrance ticket: CNY45/person (CNY32/person for retired military personnel, half price for students); Sightseeing bus: Roundtrip CNY30/person, one-way CNY20/person; Five cable cars: Roundtrip CNY80/person, one-way CNY50/person; Signal: No signal on the mountain, but there is WiFi on the cable car (remember to bring cash); Temperature: Ice Crystal Peak is 3015 meters above sea level, with an average temperature drop of 6°C per 1000 meters of altitude; Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:30-16:00, weekends 8:00-16:30. 📝 Tips: Essential items: Power bank, trekking poles, knee pads, hiking shoes, gloves, hat, glasses, windbreaker, pants, quick-drying top, warm clothes (down or fleece), sufficient water and food; Total elevation gain: approximately 15010 meters, high difficulty, requires certain physical strength and endurance; the entire hiking process takes approximately 6-9 hours. Ice Crystal Peak is located in a mountainous area with a changeable climate and large temperature differences between morning and evening. Please bring enough clothes and keep warm. Comfortable shoes are important. Pay attention to safety, do not act blindly, bring a power bank and flashlight. ‼️You cannot climb Ice Crystal Peak if you do not reach the Alpine Meadow before 13:00pm‼️❗️

| Magnificent scenery. Zhuque National Forest Park is located in the middle of the Qinling Mountains. The mountains are high and the forests are dense, with magnificent scenery. The park is surrounded by mountains, with many high peaks such as Bingjingding, and the altitude is relatively high. The forest resources are rich, and the vegetation types are diverse, with large areas of virgin forest, towering ancient trees, and different scenery in four seasons. In spring, wildflowers are in full bloom, in summer, it is cool and pleasant, making it a summer resort, in autumn, the mountains are full of red leaves, and in winter, it is covered with snow, where you can enjoy the wonders of ice and snow. There are also rich water systems in the park, with gurgling streams and clear pools. At the same time, Zhuque National Forest Park has perfect infrastructure, providing tourists with a safe and comfortable environment, and there are many hiking trails and viewing platforms, allowing tourists to enjoy the beauty of nature in all directions. 🏔Transportation: Drive to Zhuque National Forest Park, starting from the northern suburb of the city (about 2 hours), depart at 8:00 ➡️ arrive at 10:00 (if you arrive before 10:00, try to drive inside, there is a large parking lot; if you arrive earlier, you can drive to the shuttle bus stop!) ➡️ After getting off at the parking lot, you can take a shuttle bus or walk ➡️ Walk up for about 40 minutes (stop and take pictures, see pictures 3, 4, and 5) ➡️ Arrive at the upper shuttle bus stop and continue for about 800 meters to the cable car stop ➡️ Queue up and wait 🏔Clothing: The temperature in the city is about 20°C, and it is 10°C or below in the mountains. A windbreaker is recommended, followed by a down jacket, shoes with high friction, knee pads, and gloves (needed for Bingjingding) 🏔Food: Self-heating pot! Bread! Water! Especially sweet ones, to replenish your strength, and bring whatever you like to eat (ps: bring your own garbage bag) 🏔Cost: Ticket: CNY 43.9/person, student CNY 22.5/person; shuttle bus one way CNY 20/person, student CNY 15/person; cable car CNY 80/person, student CNY 60/person 🏔Time: During the National Day (after 10:00): 10:00 queue for the shuttle bus for about 1 hour; 12:00 queue for the cable car for 1 hour; hike to the meadow for 1.5 hours; hike from the meadow to Bingjingding for 1.5 hours (not recommended to go to the top after 13:30); return to the cable car from the meadow for 0.6 hours; 18:00 queue for the cable car for 0.5 hours; 19:00 queue for the shuttle bus for 0.6 hours; 20:00 return to Xi'an for 2 hours

🏄 Huaxia Wen Lv Shui World Splash into fun at Huaxia Wen Lv Shui World! With a plethora of water games, slides like the Cobra and Horn, and a wave pool that'll knock your socks off, it's a must-visit for families. Remember to bring your slippers as the ground gets hot! It's a great value for a day of fun with stunning performances to boot. Safety is top-notch with vigilant lifeguards on duty. 📍1518 Huawen Road, Xi'an Ecological District 🏞️ South Wutai Experience tranquility and culture at South Wutai. This scenic area boasts lush landscapes and a rich Buddhist heritage. Hike up to the five platforms named after revered deities and enjoy panoramic views. It's a spiritual retreat with accessible trails and refreshments along the way. Don't forget to wish for blessings at Lingying Platform! 📍Near Qinling Mountain Foothills, Chang'an District, Xi'an 🌊 Xi'an Happy Valley Playa Maya Dive into the excitement at Playa Maya! With fewer crowds, enjoy all the attractions without the wait. From thrilling rides to enchanting performances, it's a paradise for both kids and adults. Tip: Go for the cooler evening hours, and don't forget essentials like swimwear and a waterproof phone case! 📍West side of Fengjing Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an City 🌲 Suzaku National Forest Park Embrace nature at Suzaku National Forest Park. Take a cable car and hike to meadows with breathtaking views of clouds and mountains. It's a perfect weekend getaway for families, offering a mix of ease and adventure. The park's ecological beauty is a testament to nature's grandeur, promising a serene escape. 📍Laoyu Baliping, Hu County, Xi'an ⛰️ Cuihua Mountain-Qinling Zhongnan Mountain Geological Park Marvel at Cuihua Mountain's geological wonders. From the remnants of a mountain collapse to the serene Tianchi Lake, it's a hiker's delight. However, the slide down the mountain is a no-go—stick to the trails for a less exhausting descent. Don't miss the ice cave for a cool adventure! 📍Cuihua Mountain, Taiyi Palace Town, Chang'an District, Xi'an City 🌳 Taiping National Forest Park Lose yourself in the charm of Taiping National Forest Park. With its vibrant "Rainbow Love" theme, it's a romantic and refreshing spot featuring rainbows and waterfalls. The park's highest point, "Rainbow Waterfall," is a cool refuge on hot days. Despite the connectivity issues, the park's beauty makes it all worthwhile. 📍Taiping National Forest Park, Huxian, Xi'an Shi, Shaanxi Sheng, China #Xi'an #Xi'anAttractions #China #ChinaTravel

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited Zhuque National Forest Park, and every time I’m amazed by the stunning 🍁 autumn colors here! The misty mountains look just like a fairyland~ Avoid the crowded city attractions on weekends and come here for hiking and sightseeing—it’s such a smart choice! Here’s my easy one-day tour guide👇 📍Zhuque National Forest Park Address: Laoyu Baliping, Huyi District, Xi’an City 🕐 Autumn Opening Hours: 08:30-16:00 🎫 Ticket: 50 RMB/person ✨ Tips for visiting: 1⃣️ Arrive before 9 AM to avoid peak crowds and catch the breathtaking morning mist 2⃣️ There are many mountain trails inside the park, so be sure to wear comfortable sneakers👟 3⃣️ Bring a light jacket, as the temperature varies greatly in the mountains 4⃣️ Bingjing Peak is the best viewing platform, offering a panoramic view of the colorful forest! 📸 Must-visit spots: • The colorful forest trail shrouded in mist • Longtan Waterfall and Youyou Valley • Bingjing Peak at 3,015 meters above sea level 🚗 Transportation tips: Drive and navigate to "Zhuque National Forest Park Visitor Center," about 1.5 hours from downtown Xi’an Or take the park shuttle bus, which departs daily at 7:30 AM from the East Gate of Xi’an Stadium 🍜 Food recommendations: There are many farmhouses at the park entrance. I recommend trying the local Qinling wild vegetables and native chicken stew, costing about 40 RMB per person to eat your fill!

Trek into the Zhaoye Forest Park Hidden in a vast forest are the forest cabins Forest treehouses, tents, pavilions And bubble rooms where you can gaze at the starry sky As well as a parent-child walking area - 🏕 Living deep in the mountain forest, washing with spring water Temporarily away from the 996 and 007 rat race Enjoy hotpot, Western cuisine, coffee, red wine, breakfast Stroll through the woods, pick wild fruits Get up very early to climb the mountain and see the morning mist between the mountains Watch the sea of clouds and sunrise Or watch the sunset from the mountain and sleep surrounded by it Breathe deeply in the forest full of greenery Don't miss this wonderful feeling of escaping the world

As a travel blogger who has explored all over China, I can confidently say that the autumn colors of Zhuque National Forest Park are definitely an underrated secret in the Northwest region! From mid-October to early November, a visual feast lasting only 20 days is unfolding here. Must-visit Highlights: The Ice Crystal Peak at 3,015 meters elevation, where sea of clouds and colorful forests intertwine like a painting; by the Hanging Sky Waterfall, red leaves blaze like fire, beautifully contrasting with the water; the thousand-meter stone sea glows with a bronze sheen under the autumn sun, like a mysterious totem of nature. Exclusive Route Recommendation: Take the cable car up and hike through Longtanzi—Hanging Sky Waterfall—Longnü Pool—Alpine Meadows, about 4 hours in total. This route saves energy while capturing the core autumn scenery all at once. Photography Tips: The best time to shoot is from early morning to noon, when sunlight filters through the forest and the layers of colorful trees are fully revealed. It’s recommended to wear white or light-colored clothing to stand out against the golden background. Practical Tips: There are daily direct shuttle buses from Xi’an city to the park, and driving takes about 1.5 hours. The average price for guesthouses at the mountain base is around 200 yuan; staying overnight is recommended to experience the different forest light and shadows at dawn and dusk. This autumn, wouldn’t it be a shame to miss out on the most intense colors of the Qinling Mountains at Zhuque? Follow me to unlock more hidden autumn color secrets!

### **【Qinling 2-Day Immortal Cultivation Guide】Only 300 RMB per person, become the "Mountain King" on your social feed!** **(Includes Pitfall Avoidance Tips + Hidden Activities)** --- ## **🚗 Itinerary Overview (Budget-friendly Outdoor Expert Edition)** **✔️ Cost:** 300 RMB per person (including food, accommodation, and transportation) **✔️ Suitable for:** Casual hikers/starry sky photographers/"Wilderness Survival Experts" wanting to post on social media **✔️ Highlights:** Sea of clouds + streams + wild fun = Xi'an locals' "natural air-conditioned room" --- ## **⛰️ Day 1: Hiking the Northern Foot of Qinling (Pretend You're an Explorer)** ### **📍 Morning: Zhuque National Forest Park (Entrance fee 45 RMB)** - **Three must-do things:** 1. Take the cable car to lazily go up the mountain (80 RMB/person, otherwise you'll climb until you question your life) 2. Take a "cloud check-in" photo at Bingjing Peak (caption for social media: "Just a bit shorter than Everest") 3. Find a pine tree and pretend it's the "Welcoming Pine" (no one really knows it anyway) **Fun fact:** It's only 25°C here in summer, Xi'an locals flock here to cool off, even the monkeys in the mountains find it noisy --- ### **📍 Afternoon: Taiping National Forest Park (Entrance fee 60 RMB)** - **Activities:** - Watch the Rainbow Waterfall (appears exactly at 2 PM on sunny afternoons, more punctual than clocking in at work) - Walk the hanging plank road (if your legs shake, you can hold the wall, but the wall might shake more than you) - Ask wild macaques for snacks (they snatch faster than you grab red envelopes) **Humorous reminder:** 🐒 Don’t take out your bag in front of monkeys, or they’ll "inspect" all your snacks for you --- ## **🌌 Day 2: Nanwutai / Farmhouse Stay (Immortal Cultivation + Relaxation)** ### **📍 Option A: Nanwutai (Entrance fee 50 RMB)** - **Artistic activities:** 1. Climb the mountain at 4 AM to wait for sunrise (only to find it’s full of college students) 2. Make a wish at Lingying Platform (said to be effective, but you’ve already used up all your luck climbing up) 3. Buy a blessing ribbon (10 RMB each, once the wind blows, it’s gone) ### **📍 Option B: Farmhouse at the foot of the mountain (50 RMB per person to relax)** - **Relaxed eating guide:** - Order a local chicken stew (the owner catches and kills the chicken on the spot, the chicken runs faster than you climb) - Pick wild vegetables (if you can’t identify them, don’t pick randomly, or you might get a "laxative") - Nap in a hammock (wake up with three mosquito bites on your face) --- ## **🍖 Foodie Radar (50 RMB per person to revive your soul)** ### **🔥 Three must-eats** - **Farmhouse free-range chicken:** 80 RMB each, chicken soup so fresh it can forgive your ex - **Guokui with chili:** 5 RMB each, carbs with carbs, a Shaanxi favorite - **Sour fish soup:** 10 RMB per bowl, sour and spicy to whet your appetite, you can even count the "fish" after eating ### **🚫 Pitfall avoidance** - "Wild honey" might just be boiled sugar - Scenic spot "lingzhi mushrooms" are mostly artificially cultivated --- ## **🏠 Accommodation Money-saving Tips** 1. **Farmhouse dormitory:** 50 RMB/person, listen to snoring symphony at night 2. **Hostel bed:** 40 RMB, perfect for chatting with fellow travelers 3. **Hardcore option:** Bring your own tent (might be watched by wild boars at midnight) --- ## **🚌 Transportation Tips** - **Xi'an → Qinling:** Bus 25 RMB/person, driver drives like starring in "Initial D" - **Self-driving warning:** Mountain roads with eighteen bends, motion sickness medicine is a must - **Ultimate saving:** Ride a shared bike (not recommended unless you want to be on the news) --- ## **📸 Photo Pose Guide** 1. **Outfit:** Outdoor jacket + trekking pole (even if borrowed) 2. **Props:** Pick up a stick as a "wilderness survival tool" 3. **Must-shoot scenes:** - "Immortal pointing the way" pose in front of the sea of clouds - "Wet and tempting" photo under the waterfall - "Feasting on farmhouse chicken" fierce face --- ### **💡 Veteran Advice** 1. **Bring a jacket!** Mountain temperature difference is bigger than your ex’s mood swings 2. **Wear non-slip shoes!** Stones by the stream are slipperier than soap 3. **Take your trash with you!** Or the forest rangers will chase you down with lectures 4. **Don’t pick wildflowers!** They might be protected plants, picking them means singing "Tears Behind Bars" --- **Finally, here’s a Qinling rap for you:** "Panting like a dog going uphill Shaking like a sieve going downhill Ask me if I’ll come again ...wait till my legs stop hurting" (Attached: Must-have list → Sunscreen + mosquito repellent + thermos + thick skin)