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At Xitai Mountain, you can enjoy scenic hiking, visit historical temples, and take in the beautiful views from the mountain's peaks. It's a great spot for nature lovers and those interested in Buddhist culture and history.
Xitai Mountain is located in the hinterland of Funiu Mountain, 52 kilometers south of Ruyang County, Henan Province, 120 kilometers from Luoyang and 240 kilometers from Zhengzhou. It is adjacent to Lianhuo, Nanluo and Erguang Expressways, and Linmu Road passes through the area. It has convenient transportation and can be called the back garden of Zhengzhou and Luoyang, and the northern gate of Funiu Mountain tourism.
Mount Xitai is a mountain of culture and civilization, the cradle of Chinese culture. Over 2,200 years ago during the Spring and Autumn Period, the renowned politician and thinker Han Feizi wrote in his "Han Feizi: Ten Mistakes" that "in the past, the Yellow Emperor gathered spirits and gods atop Mount Xitai. Driving an elephant-shaped chariot, he was accompanied by six dragons, with the Bifang beasts at his helm. Chiyou was at the head, the God of Wind swept the land, and the God of Rain sprinkled the path. Tigers and wolves were at the front, spirits and gods were behind. Teng Snakes lay prone on the ground, and Phoenixes soared above. This great gathering of spirits and gods created the 'Qing Jiao'." The "Book of Family Origins," compiled by pre-Qin historians, also records in its "Clan Names" chapter that "Nüwa, a daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, was given a concubine on the south bank of the Ru River. She later became the Son of Heaven and was thus called the Empress."
The name "West Mount Tai" dates back to the Middle Ages. According to the "Lushan County Chronicles" and other historical records, after King Wu conquered the Shang Dynasty, he divided the land among the princes. Bo Qin, the eldest son of Duke Zhou, was granted the title of Marquis of Luyang. To ensure good fortune, he designated a section of the former Kongtong Mountain as a sacred mountain for worshipping heaven, earth, and ancestors, naming it "Mount Tai," where he offered sacrifices and made wishes annually. Later, when King Cheng ascended the throne, Duke Zhou was ordered to march east. Bo Qin accompanied the campaign and captured Yan (present-day Qufu, Shandong). King Cheng then granted Bo Qin the title of Duke of Lu, renaming him "Yan." The capital was moved to Qufu, known historically as Eastern Lu, and Mount Tai was established as the Eastern Peak. Thus, the former Luyang was renamed "Western Lu," and the former "Mount Tai" became known as West Mount Tai.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Mount Xitai, imbued with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, the essence of the sun and moon, boasts unique rocks and beautiful waters, lush forests and bamboo groves, rare trees and flowers, rare birds and auspicious animals, cascading waterfalls and giant vines, cenotes and groves. Its steep peaks and unique rocks are shrouded in misty clouds and shrouded in purple mist, creating an auspicious atmosphere. During the hottest summer months, temperatures atop the mountain drop 5-8 degrees Celsius below those at the foot of the mountain. It is an ideal destination for leisure, vacation, and summer retreat. Key attractions include Yanhuang Peak, the Ancient Lovers' Trail, Lovers' Peak, Nuwa Temple, Holy Water Lake, and Incense Burner Peak.
It is recommended to visit for about 1 day.
60 yuan/person
08:00-19:00
Xitai Mountain has deep historical significance, especially in Buddhist culture. It has been a place of worship and retreat for centuries, with several ancient temples and structures. The mountain is also noted for its natural beauty and has been a popular spot for meditation and reflection.
Xitai Mountain is located in Luoyang, Henan Province. It can be reached by taxi or private vehicle from the city center. Public transport options may also be available, but they can be limited.
The mountain is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal for avoiding the crowds.
The entrance fee is around 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be bought at the entrance to the mountain or in advance online, though it is usually easier to buy them on-site.
Booking in advance is not typically necessary, though it might be useful during peak tourist seasons (spring and fall). You can generally buy tickets on-site without issues.
You should plan for about 3-4 hours to fully explore Xitai Mountain, including hiking to the main viewpoints, visiting temples, and enjoying the surrounding nature.
Must-see highlights include the temples on the mountain, the panoramic views from the summit, and the tranquil nature trails. The main peak offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some local tour guides may offer English tours, though it is not guaranteed. Audio guides may be available, but it's best to check in advance.
The best viewpoints are at the top of the mountain, where you can capture sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and forests. The temples and ancient structures also offer great photo opportunities.
Start by hiking up to the main temple, then explore the various small shrines along the way. Spend time at the summit for the best views before descending via a different path to see the other temples and features.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at Xitai Mountain, as it is primarily a natural and historical site. Visiting during the day is recommended to fully appreciate the scenery.
Xitai Mountain can be crowded on weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the early morning or later in the afternoon.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets and rest areas. There are a few small shops selling snacks and drinks, but it’s recommended to bring water and food if you're planning on spending several hours hiking.
The mountain has many stairs and steep paths, so it may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children and active visitors can enjoy the trails, though it’s best to come prepared for some physical activity.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used and recommended for convenience. Credit cards may not be accepted at all places.
There are limited dining options at the base of the mountain. Most visitors bring their own snacks or enjoy a meal in Luoyang after the visit. Several local eateries and restaurants offer Chinese cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants, though vegan and halal options may be limited in the immediate area. Larger restaurants in Luoyang will have more diverse options.
There are several hotels in Luoyang, ranging from budget to mid-range. For those who prefer to stay closer, small guesthouses and inns near the base of Xitai Mountain are available.
Nearby attractions include the Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, and the Old City of Luoyang. These landmarks can be combined with a visit to Xitai Mountain for a day trip.
Souvenir shops near Xitai Mountain sell local handicrafts, religious items, and traditional Chinese goods like postcards, sculptures, and tea sets. The area is not known for large souvenir shops but offers small, locally made items.
After visiting Xitai Mountain, you can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing service like Didi to continue your trip. The Luoyang city center is about a 30-minute drive away, where you can explore more attractions.
