Zhongnan Mountain (终南山), also known as Taiyi Mountain, is a section of the Qinling Mountain Range and is renowned for its titles such as “Fairy Capital,” “Crown of Caves,” and “The Number One Blessed Land in the World.” The phrase in the longevity couplet – “Blessings like the East Sea flowing endlessly, lifespan like the southern mountain’s immortal pines” – refers to this mountain. The main peak of Zhongnan Mountain reaches an elevation of 2,604 meters, making it one of the regions in China with the most developed mountain collapse geological formations.
Zhongnan Mountain Forest Park is divided into four scenic areas: South Wutai, Cuihua Mountain, Shibian Valley, and Luohanping, featuring over 200 attractions and scenic spots. Among these, the Cuihua Mountain National Geopark is a significant part of Zhongnan Mountain National Forest.
The most famous site in Zhongnan Mountain is the Louguan Terrace, where Laozi is said to have written the “Tao Te Ching” and taught his disciple, Yinxi, at Hangu Pass. Chongyang Palace is located on the northern slope of Zhongnan Mountain, within the boundaries of Huyi District (Huxian County). It is reputed to be the residence of Wang Chongyang, a figure mentioned in Jin Yong’s martial arts novels, and is considered the most significant of the three ancestral homes of the Quanzhen School of Taoism in China. The Tomb of the Living Dead is situated about four to five li from Chongyang Palace, within the Chengdao Palace, where it is said that Wang Chongyang practiced Taoism and meditation.
Travel Information about Zhongnan Mountain Forest Park
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Cuihua Mountain: 70 yuan
South Wutai Mountain: Off-peak season: 35 yuan; Peak season: 50 yuan
Opening Hours
Chongyang Palace: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Weekend: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cuihua Mountain: Peak season: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Off-peak season: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
South Wutai Mountain and the Tomb of the Living Dead: Open all day
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Zhongnan Mountain, where you can see the spectacular double waterfalls and the beautiful Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), making this an ideal time for sightseeing.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Chang’an District, Xi’an City, approximately 23 kilometers from Xi’an.
Transport:
To reach Cuihua Mountain, take the 905 tourism bus to the television tower, then transfer to the Jiangjiazai-Cuihua Mountain (Route 905) tourist line for direct access to Cuihua Mountain. You can also take a taxi directly to the mountain.
To reach South Wutai Mountain, you can take the Mountain Ring Tourist Line No. 2 directly to Nan Wutai. The main entrance to the scenic area is about 10 kilometers from the mountain attractions, which can be reached on foot or by taking a vehicle to the sites.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural: ★★★
- Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★
- Thrill: ★★
South Wutai Scenic Area
South Wutai, named for the five platforms – Qingliang, Wenshu, Shesheng, Lingying, and Guanyin – located on the mountain, is situated to the south of the ancient city of Chang’an. The area is characterized by steep mountain shapes, overlapping peaks, and dense forests, making it exceptionally picturesque. Ancient scholars regarded it as the most stunning of Zhongnan Mountain’s divine beauties.
The area features unique geological formations, including the solitary Songdeng Platform, the reclining Xiniu Stone, the soaring Guanyin Platform, the towering Lingying Platform, and the roaring Tiger Rock, aptly described as a “museum of structural landforms.”
The Guanyin Platform, also known as the Grand Platform, is the most famous of the five and is located above Dushong Pavilion, which houses the ruins of the Sui Dynasty’s Guoguang Temple. This platform offers a broad view, allowing visitors to gaze over the 800-mile expanse of the Qin Plain, providing a sense of openness and tranquility.
Located halfway up the mountain, Baoquan resembles a beautiful jade and tastes like sweet sugarcane, making it an excellent spot for tea tasting and relaxation. Dusong Pavilion, also situated at mid-mountain, gets its name from an ancient pine tree within the pavilion. Surrounded by the sounds of birds and fragrant flowers, the area presents a picturesque landscape, ideal for sightseeing.
Related Details:
The South Wutai Temple Fair lasts for an extended period, from the first to the nineteenth day of the sixth lunar month. During this time, many devotees from nearby towns and villages travel over mountains to visit various temples on the mountain to offer incense and worship. The theme of the temple fair is to pray for blessings and ensure the safety of the whole family in the coming year.
Temples prepare meals for the devotees, and the monks in the mountain temples also conduct various Buddhist ceremonies and activities throughout the event. This vibrant atmosphere creates a unique spiritual experience for visitors, combining worship, community, and cultural festivities.
Cuihua Mountain Scenic Area
Cuihua Mountain is renowned for its title of “Zhongnan’s Unique Beauty” and is often referred to as the “Geological and Geomorphological Museum of China.” The area is rich in historical sites and boasts stunning natural landscapes, characterized by unique landslide formations that combine mountains, rocks, caves, water, forests, and temples. It has long served as a site for emperors to worship deities and as a place for leisure and summer retreat.
The scenic area consists of three main parts: Bishan Lake, Tianchi (Heavenly Pool), and the Landslide Stone Sea. Notable attractions include Cuihua Tianchi, the Landslide Stone Sea, the Small Ice Cave, Eagle Cliff Pearl Curtain, Red Leaves on the Path, and Twin Waterfalls Flying Rainbows.
Cuihua Mountain is also a convergence zone for various plant species. It is home to over ten rare and endangered woody and herbaceous plants that are nationally protected. The forest belt from Cuihua Mountain to the main peak of Zhongnan Mountain showcases distinct layers; the southern slope features low-lying, grassland plants, while the northern slope is covered with lush rhododendron forests. In March and April, the blooming rhododendrons create a stunning display, cloaking the mountains in vibrant hues.
One of the mountain’s most intriguing features is the black pine. The southern side has stark branches, while the northern side is lush and verdant. Wild animals such as the blue sheep and antelope frequently roam this area, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and wonders of nature firsthand.
Related Details:
Rock Sea: The total volume of the Rock Sea is approximately 300 million cubic meters, with enormous boulders concentrated around Cuihua Peak, Ganqiu Peak, and Daping. Notable attractions within the Rock Sea include Sword Rock, Jade Rabbit in Slumber, and Spirit-Seeking Jade Seal, all of which exude a strong masculine energy. During the landslide that created the Rock Sea, falling rocks became interlocked, forming over a hundred caves, including Heavenly Cave, Ice Cave, and Bat Cave. Among these, the Ice Cave and Wind Cave are particularly remarkable.
Temple Fair: Every year on the first day of the sixth lunar month, Cuihua Mountain hosts the “Cuihua Girl” Temple Fair. During this time, the number of pilgrims visiting the mountain significantly increases, creating a lively atmosphere.
Yance Lake: This type of lake is formed by landslides blocking river pathways. Cuihua Mountain has three such lakes:
- Ganqiu Pool: Located beneath Ganqiu Peak, this lake covers an area of 0.2 square kilometers. Due to insufficient water sources and severe leakage, it has become a dry lake, hence the name Ganqiu Pool.
- Daping: This lake has been filled in due to sediment accumulation and is no longer recognizable as a lake, which is reflected in its name.
- Shuiqiu Pool: Formed by a landslide that blocked the Taiyi River, it is also known as Heavenly Pool, Chengyuan Pool, or Taiyi Lake. Shuiqiu Pool is celebrated as the “Pearl of Qinling” and is the only landslide lake among the 72 ravines of Qinling. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing on this scenic lake.
Shibian Valley Scenic Area and Luohan Ping Scenic Area
Shibian Valley: Located on the west side of South Wutai, Shibian Valley was historically named Shibie Valley due to a giant rock resembling a turtle at its entrance. It is also known as Shibi Valley or Shibie Gorge. Within the valley lies the Shibian Reservoir, a popular spot for fishing and boating. The water here is crystal clear and vibrant green, often described as resembling a lover’s tears. The “tears” repeatedly wash the yellow earth along the banks, creating beautiful, intricate folds.
Luohan Ping: Situated upstream of the Shibian River, Luohan Ping is home to a rich diversity of plant life, boasting over 100 families and more than 1,300 species of seed plants, including 486 medicinal plants and over 300 wildflowers and ornamental plants. Additionally, the area is inhabited by various nationally protected wildlife, including blue sheep, golden leopards, green goats, musk deer, giant salamanders, eucommia, and heavenly horses. This creates a rich tapestry of natural wildlife scenery throughout the scenic area.
Lantian Tangyu Hot Springs
Located in Tangyu Village, Lantian, the Tangyu Hot Springs are nestled at the foot of the beautiful Cuihua Mountain in the Zhongnan Mountains. This serene area is surrounded by lush green hills, deep valleys, and clear lakes that reflect the scenery, making it a picturesque getaway. The Tangyu Waterfall adds to the charm, with a small stream flowing gracefully through the grounds. The elegant architecture, fresh air, and tranquil environment create a peaceful retreat, adorned with vibrant flowers and stunning landscapes.
The Tangyu Hot Springs have been renowned since the Tang Dynasty, often celebrated in poetry as a place of beauty and relaxation. The famous lines “Peach Blossom in March, the hot spring water; Spring breeze intoxicates, unaware of the return” highlight its historical significance as one of the famous sites of the ancient capital, Chang’an. The mineral-rich waters are known for their health benefits, making this location an ideal spot for city dwellers, especially seniors, seeking leisure and rejuvenation. Due to its therapeutic properties, the hot springs are often referred to as “Peach Blossom Water,” “Meritorious Water,” and “Divine Water,” earning it the title of “The Best Spring in the World.”
Chongyang Palace
Chongyang Palace is located on the northern slopes of the Zhongnan Mountains in the Hu County district. It is believed to be the residence of Wang Chongyang, a prominent figure in Jin Yong’s martial arts novels, and is the most significant of the three main ancestral homes of the Quanzhen School of Taoism in China. As the burial site of Wang Chongyang, who achieved spiritual enlightenment here, Chongyang Palace is one of the most revered Taoist sites alongside the Baiyun Temple in Beijing and Yongle Palace in Shanxi. Known as the “Ancestral Temple of the World” during the Jin Dynasty, it has long been celebrated as a “Sacred Place of Quanzhen.”
The palace houses over 80 stone tablets that document the history of the Quanzhen School, and its architecture largely retains the imperial style from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The individual structures reflect the elevated style from the Yuan Dynasty, exuding grandeur and emphasizing the sanctity and dignity of the Taoist masters, welcoming believers from both domestic and overseas.
The site is divided into several areas, including the Stone Tablet Forest for viewing, the Chongyang Tomb for worship, the Wuzhen Hall, the Precept Platform, the Health Preservation Hall, and living quarters for the Taoist community. These areas harmoniously blend with the beautiful natural surroundings of rocks, flowing water, winding bridges, bamboo shadows, ancient pines, and the enchanting sunset, creating a picturesque earthly paradise that inspires awe and contemplation.
Visitor Guide for Zhongnan Mountain Forest Park
Accommodation Options
In the Cuihua Mountain Scenic Area, visitors can find several lodging options, including the Tianchi Resort. Additionally, due to its proximity to the city, staying in downtown Xi’an is also convenient.
Xi’an Meike Meijia Hotel (西安美客美家酒店)
- Location: No. 1 Jia, Anxi Street, outside Heping Gate, approximately 2 kilometers from the city center and close to Zhongnan Mountain National Forest Park.
- Highlights: The hotel offers various types of rooms to meet different needs, ensuring a comfortable stay.
- Contact: Phone: 029-84026666
Whether you choose to stay at a resort within the scenic area or opt for a hotel in the city, visitors can enjoy both the natural beauty of Cuihua Mountain and the cultural attractions of Xi’an.
Dining Options
The area near Cuihua Mountain Scenic Area is rich in dining opportunities, especially in the form of local farmhouse restaurants where visitors can enjoy authentic regional dishes. Recommended Farmhouses:
- Shanmei Farmhouse (山妹农家乐)
- Known for its warm atmosphere and traditional local flavors, offering a variety of home-cooked meals.
- Country Flavor Farmhouse (乡村风味农家乐)
- This farmhouse provides a taste of rural cuisine, focusing on fresh ingredients and local specialties.
Additionally, within the scenic area, there is a snack street featuring a wide range of delicious local snacks, perfect for visitors who want to indulge in various tasty treats. This vibrant food scene allows guests to experience the culinary delights of the region while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Shopping Options
At Cuihua Mountain Scenic Area, visitors can find a variety of unique souvenirs and local products.
Souvenirs: Traditional farmhouse paintings and intricate paper-cuttings are available, showcasing local artistry and culture.
Local Specialties: You can purchase fresh and delicious local fruits, including kiwis, hawthorns, and persimmons, which are popular in the region.