Lishan National Forest Park is located in the southern part of Lintong District, Xi’an. It is a branch of the Qinling Mountains, covered with evergreen pines and cypresses. The mountain is known for its majestic and lush greenery, resembling a vigorous dark green horse, which is why it was named Lishan (“Li” meaning a fine horse). Additionally, it is named after the ancient Li Rong State that existed here during the Western Zhou period. The highest peak, Jiulongding, reaches an altitude of 1,302 meters. Lishan’s undulating terrain and dense forests give the impression of a magnificent dark horse when viewed from a distance. Due to its beautiful and verdant scenery, the mountain is also known as “Xiuling,” meaning “Embroidered Ridge.” Since the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties, this area has been a popular destination for sightseeing.
Lishan has been a favored retreat for emperors, with significant historical sites such as the beacon tower where King You of Zhou is said to have lit the fires to amuse the lords, the Bingjian Pavilion commemorating the Xi’an Incident, the Laomu Temple honoring the legend of Nüwa patching the sky, and the “First Zipline in Northwest China” at Lishan. Not only is Lishan known for its beautiful and lush landscape, but it is also rich in historical stories. At sunset, when Lishan is bathed in golden twilight, the scene is particularly enchanting, making it one of the “Eight Scenic Wonders of Guanzhong,” known as “Lishan Sunset Glow.”
Travel Information about Lishan Mountain Forest Park
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: ¥150
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The best seasons to visit are spring, summer, and autumn. During spring and autumn, the temperature is comfortable, making it ideal for travel. In summer, the mountain offers a cool retreat from the heat. Winter, however, has a somewhat bleak landscape.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: No. 3 East Ring Road, Lintong District, Xi’an.
Tourist Bus: Take bus No. 5 (306) from the East Square of Xi’an Railway Station, in front of the Jiefang Hotel. Get off at the Lishan Cableway Station.
Public Bus: From the East Square of Xi’an Railway Station, take the express bus No. 915 or the slower bus No. 914 to reach the destination.
By Car: Drive from Xi’an to Lishan via the Xi’an-Lintong Expressway, covering about 24 kilometers (with a toll fee of ¥10 at the Baqiao toll station). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Scenic Rating
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of Lishan Mountain Forest Park
Bingjian Pavilion, Riyue Pavilion, and Wanzhao Pavilion
Halfway up Lishan Mountain, there is a large rock covered with golden rust patterns that resemble the stripes of a tiger, hence the name “Tiger Striped Rock.” On this rock stands a concrete pavilion, which marks the spot where Chiang Kai-shek was captured during the Xi’an Incident. Originally named “Zhuojiang Pavilion” in the 1950s, the pavilion was renamed “Bingjian Pavilion” in 2003. An inscription on the stone wall inside the pavilion briefly recounts the events of the Xi’an Incident. The stone pavilion we see today was built in March 1946 and was officially named “Bingjian Pavilion” on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Xi’an Incident in 1986.
The Riyue Pavilion is located between Bingjian Pavilion and Wanzhao Pavilion. The interior is decorated with colorful paintings depicting the major scenic spots of Lishan. Visitors can rest here and reflect on the rich cultural heritage of the mountain.
The Wanzhao Pavilion is situated east of the Laojun Temple on Xiu Ridge. Built in 1981, it is a square pavilion with a double-eaved roof, embodying the meaning of “Lishan Sunset Glow.” From the north side of Wanzhao Pavilion, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Huaqing Pool, the East Garden, the entire Lintong area, and the Weishui River.
Sanyuan Cave, Beilin at Sanyuan Cave Slope, and Jinsha Cave
The Beilin at Sanyuan Cave Slope, also known as the Japanese Beilin, was established in 1998 to honor nine famous Japanese Sinologists and calligraphers, including Ishibashi Saizu, Fujita Sanyō, and Ishida Izumishiro. The Beilin consists of nine stone tablets, showcasing various calligraphy styles such as regular script, running script, cursive script, clerical script, and seal script. The establishment of this Beilin provides a venue for cultural exchange between Chinese and Japanese calligraphy art.
Sanyuan Cave is a natural wonder, featuring several tranquil and elegant cave chambers. Inside the caves, there are altars dedicated to the Taoist deities of Heaven, Earth, and Water Palaces (the Jade Emperor, the Earth God, and Yu the Great), collectively known as the “Three Yuan.” The most remarkable feature of these caves is the presence of five natural circular ventilation holes, each as wide as a teacup. The depths of these holes are unknown, and they continuously produce wind day and night. In spring and summer, the wind blows outward, while in autumn and winter, it blows inward, hence the name “Sanyuan Cave.”
Jinsha Cave was a secret palace on Lishan Mountain, where Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and Yang Yuhuan (Yang Guifei) would meet in secret, hence it is also known as the “Secluded Cave.” It was here that they would gather away from prying eyes. During the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty, a scholar named Liu Ruiwu explored the cave and unveiled its mystery. Inside the cave are white jade statues of Emperor Xuanzong, Yang Guifei, and numerous palace maids, all lifelike, with Yang Guifei depicted as bashful and shy, and Emperor Xuanzong gazing at her affectionately.
Mingsheng Palace, Laojun Hall, and Laomu Hall
Mingsheng Palace was established in 1992, funded by donations from prominent patriots from Taiwan, such as Yan Wuxiong. This large Taoist temple expresses the deep patriotism of the Taiwanese people, symbolizing their desire to trace their roots and their longing for reunification. The palace features several significant structures, including the Sanqing Hall, Xianzu Hall, and Lingguan Hall, all built in the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The entire complex exudes a classical charm, resembling a dazzling pearl embedded in Lishan Mountain.
Laojun Hall dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi, revered Laojun (the Taoist deity Laozi), believing they shared the same surname, Li, and considering Laojun as his ancestor. It is said that Emperor Xuanzong of Tang twice dreamed of Laojun descending into this hall while staying at Huaqing Palace, leading to the hall being named “Jiangsheng Pavilion” or “Chaoyuan Pavilion.” The hall originally housed a white jade statue of Laojun, a masterpiece by Yuan Jia’er, a famous sculptor from the Western Regions during the Tang Dynasty. Unfortunately, the statue was destroyed during the An Lushan Rebellion, and the remains are now preserved in the Shaanxi History Museum. In front of Laojun Hall stands a pair of Chinese honey locust trees, said to have been planted by Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei themselves, symbolizing their enduring and tragic love.
Laomu Hall was built to commemorate Nüwa, the mythical creator of humanity in Chinese culture. It is located on the summit of the third peak of Xiu Ridge on the western side of Lishan Mountain. According to legend, Nüwa not only created mankind but also mended the heavens with stones from Lishan, earning her great respect for her toil and achievements. She is honored as “Laomu of Lishan,” and this shrine was constructed on the mountain to commemorate her.
Related Details:
Laomu Hall has long been a renowned Taoist temple on Lishan Mountain, dedicated to Laomu of Lishan, an ancient deity revered in Taoism. According to the “Inscription on the Creation of the Mountain Path” preserved inside the hall, Laomu Hall was originally built during the Qin Dynasty and was later reconstructed in the early Tang Dynasty, when it was known as the Laomu Shrine.
The main hall currently houses a golden statue of Laomu (Nüwa). There is also an inscription known as the “Stele of Laomu Bestowing the Scriptures”, erected in the first year of the Guangde era (763) during the Tang Dynasty. This stele recounts the story of a famous Taoist priest, Li Sheng, who encountered Laomu at the foot of Lishan Mountain, where she imparted the “Yinfu Classic” to him.
Beacon Tower, Jishangjia, and Shiwen Temple
The Beacon Tower was an ancient structure used during wartime to transmit military reports and mobilize troops. According to legend, in the late Western Zhou Dynasty, a woman named Bao Si, renowned for her extraordinary beauty, was presented to King You of Zhou by the people of Bao. She became the king’s favored consort and bore him a son named Bofu, who was soon made the crown prince, and Bao Si became queen. However, despite her high status, Bao Si never smiled. To amuse her, King You lit the beacon fires without cause, tricking the feudal lords into thinking there was an invasion. When the real threat of the Quanrong invasion came and the beacon fires were lit again, no one responded, leading to the downfall of the Western Zhou. This event gave rise to the saying, “The beacon fire fooled the feudal lords, and a smile lost the kingdom.”
Jishangjia is located to the west of Shiwen Pool. To reach it, visitors must climb westward from Shiwen Pool, ascending a steep and winding path that requires both hands and feet for balance, much like a chicken climbing a perch, hence the name “Jishangjia.”
Shiwen Temple is nestled in a picturesque gorge between the eastern and western peaks of Xiu Ridge on Lishan Mountain. Also known as Fuyan Temple, it is a renowned Buddhist temple on the eastern Xiu Ridge of Lishan. The temple gets its name from a stone vessel in the shape of an urn, carved out of Song Dynasty sandstone, which resembles a large earthen jar, hence the name “Shiwen Temple.”
Visitor Guide for Lishan Mountain Forest Park
Four Main Entrances
- Lishan Mountain Avenue Entrance: Located next to the Air Force Sanatorium, this entrance allows vehicles to drive directly to Laomu Hall.
- Cableway Entrance: Visitors can take a cable car that directly reaches Laomu Hall.
- West Gate: Accessible via Lishan Mountain Avenue, this entrance provides a route for those hiking from the western side of the mountain.
- East Gate (Chaoyang Gate): Situated beneath the Bingjian Pavilion, this entrance is the closest to Bingjian Pavilion, with only a three-minute walk to the site.
Recommended Routes
Lishan Scenic Tour Route
Route: East Garden → Xiaoyao Pavilion → Zhaoyang Gate → Bingjian Garden → Bingjian Pavilion → Thousand-Meter Corridor → Tiger Striped Rock → Riyue Pavilion → Wanzhao Pavilion → Qixi Bridge → Mingsheng Palace → Laomu Hall → Shangshan Lake → Jishangjia → Beacon Tower → Observatory → Cuiyin Pavilion → Sanyuan Cave → West Pailou.
Lishan Taoist Culture Tour Route
Route: Lishan Forest Management Office → West Pailou → Sanyuan Cave → Cuiyin Pavilion → Wanzhao Pavilion → Laojun Hall → Mingsheng Palace → Laomu Hall → Beacon Tower → Observatory → Jishangjia → Shiweng Temple → Shiweng Valley Waterfall → Yuxian Bridge → East Garden → Lishan Forest Management Office.