If you’re planning a day trip to Xi’an and want to explore the beauty and history of the region, a visit to Lishan Mountain and Huaqing Palace is a must. These two iconic attractions are not only steeped in history but also offer stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic escape, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the best routes to explore Lishan Mountain and Huaqing Palace.
Overview of Lishan Mountain and Huaqing Palace
Huaqing Palace is a historical site famous for its ancient Tang Dynasty royal hot spring baths, the former residence of Emperor Xuanzong and his consort Yang Guifei. The palace features several notable buildings, including the Tang Royal Hot Spring Museum, the Xi’an Incident Site, Jiulong Lake, Furong Lake, and the Tang Liyuan Theatre Museum. There are also beautiful gardens and iconic structures like the Feishuang Palace, Wanshou Palace, Changsheng Palace, and the Yu Wang Palace.
Lishan Mountain, standing at 1,302 meters, is a famous peak in the region and features several cultural and natural sites such as the Old Mother Temple, Lao Jun Temple, Beacon Tower, and Shi Wen Temple. The famous “Lishan Evening Glow” is also one of the Eight Scenic Views of Guanzhong.
Recommended One-Day Trip Route
A well-planned one-day itinerary will allow you to visit both Huaqing Palace and Lishan Mountain while minimizing fatigue. Here’s the best route to follow:
Morning: Visit Huaqing Palace
Start your day early with a visit to Huaqing Palace. The palace is rich in cultural heritage and is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Chinese history. It’s home to the ruins of the Tang Dynasty royal hot spring baths, as well as several important historical sites.
The Huaqing Palace ticket includes access to the Lishan Scenic Area, so there’s no need to purchase a separate ticket for the mountain. Take your time to explore the palace grounds, which include the Five Hall Museum and Jiulong Lake and Furong Lake Scenic Areas, both of which offer picturesque views and an immersive experience in Tang Dynasty history.
Midday: Climb Lishan Mountain
After exploring Huaqing Palace, head to the foot of Lishan Mountain. You can either hike up the mountain or take the cable car for a less strenuous ascent. If you’re up for a bit of exercise, the walking route is a fantastic way to see the mountain’s natural beauty. On your hike, make sure to visit key sites such as the Old Mother Temple, Beacon Tower, and Lao Jun Temple. The entire climb is filled with historical landmarks, scenic views, and opportunities to learn about the region’s past.
Afternoon: Descend via Cable Car or Walk Back
After a fulfilling visit to the mountaintop attractions, you have two options to descend:
- Cable Car Down: If you want to avoid straining your knees, take the cable car down. The descent will offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and provide a comfortable way to return to the base.
- Walk Down: For those who are up for the challenge, walking down is a good option as well. It’s a scenic and peaceful route, but be prepared for the physical exertion.
Four Route Options for Visiting Lishan Mountain and Huaqing Palace
- Cable Car Up and Down + Huaqing Palace: This route is not recommended as it involves riding the cable car both ways, but the only landmarks accessible by cable car are Wangjing Tower and the Chao Yuan Pavilion Ruins, which are mainly viewing platforms. To reach other popular sites like the Old Mother Temple, you must cross through the Huaqing Palace entrance. This is not the most efficient or enjoyable way to explore the area.
- Huaqing Palace + Walking Up Lishan + Cable Car Down: This is the most balanced and practical route for visitors who want to experience both the mountain’s sights and the palace’s historical sites. Walking up allows you to explore more, while the cable car descent saves your energy.
- Huaqing Palace + Walking Both Ways: This route is the most comprehensive and allows you to explore all the attractions on Lishan Mountain, but be prepared for the physical challenge as the hike can be demanding on your knees.
- Self-Drive to Lishan + Huaqing Palace: For those who prefer to drive, you can take the scenic mountain road or drive to the Peony Gate for easy access to the main spots on the mountain. Afterward, you can visit Old Mother Temple or Ming Sheng Palace, then head down to purchase your ticket for Huaqing Palace and explore its vast grounds.
Ticket Prices
- Lishan Cable Car:
- Adult: 35 RMB (up), 30 RMB (down), 60 RMB (round-trip)
- Child: 18 RMB (up), 15 RMB (down), 30 RMB (round-trip)
- Huaqing Palace:
- Adult: 120 RMB
- Child/Student: 60 RMB