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Shigu Mountain is located in Shigushan Village, Yangguo Town, Linwei District, approximately 32 kilometers from Weinan City. Declared a county-level cultural relic protection site in 1981, the protected area extends 500 meters around the site. With an altitude ranging from 900 to 1,200 meters, the mountain's geological structure is composed of black granite. Annual precipitation is between 700 and 900 mm, and the average annual temperature is around 11°C. The soil is primarily forest brown, approximately 30 to 70 centimeters thick, creating a unique natural landscape.
At the foot of the west peak of Shigu Mountain, looking up, you can see piles of huge rocks piled up, which are extremely steep, inaccessible and daunting; on the mountain, patches of green pines, cypresses and weeds of all sizes are pushing out from the cracks in the rocks, growing tenaciously and covering the originally bare stone mountain.
Every blade of grass and every tree grows in the cracks of the cliffs; beneath my feet, the rain-washed cracks in the rocks are covered with fine grains of sand, making them incredibly smooth. Following this path, worn by tourists, that isn't a path, I climb the steep slope to the summit, sweating profusely. It's almost as if there's no path at all on the West Peak of Shigu Mountain. It's simply that the sheer number of people walking on it has created this un-pathlike path. This truly embodies Mr. Lu Xun's famous saying: "There are no roads in this world; only when people walk on it do they become roads."
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate has four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, and sunny, cold, and dry winters. Spring, summer, and autumn are suitable for travel.
Shigu Mountain has five main peaks in the east, south, west, north and center. The beautiful peaks face each other, the cliffs are as sharp as cut, the strange rocks stand in rows, and the walls are thousands of feet high. Its danger is comparable to that of Mount Hua, and its beauty can be mentioned in parallel with that of Mount Hua. It is known as the "Little Mount Hua".
Atop West Peak stands a stone resembling a giant drum. It's said to be the drum Liu Xiu once struck. Dotted around the surrounding rocks are cylindrical or semi-cylindrical holes, each about the size of an old bowl. These are said to be the hoofprints left by Liu Xiu as he rode past. Standing atop the massive stone drum, I gazed southeast at the majestic and towering Xuanxiang Mountain, the highest peak in the Qinling Mountains. To the west, the rolling hills of the distant mountains, including Lantian Mountain and Lishan, were faintly visible. Nearby, the West Peak, on either side, sloped like a knife, plunging down to the foothills. The sheer peril of the scene was truly remarkable.
The South Peak, majestic and unbroken, seems to dominate the other peaks. A temple stands atop the peak, symbolizing the south's importance. The Middle Peak, with its towering ancient trees and shady paths lined with birdsong, offers a truly tranquil and natural setting. Small, nameless purple and red flowers occasionally bloom in the cracks of the rocks along the roadside. Gentle spring breezes ripple these tiny specks of purple and red, adding a touch of vibrant beauty to this tranquil landscape. Tourists often rest here, luxuriating in this natural beauty. This scene of pines and cypresses, amidst a profusion of wildflowers, stretches all the way to the East Peak, a truly breathtaking sight.
The North Peak is the highest, towering like a mighty man, towering immensely. Standing atop it, one suddenly feels a sense of vastness and relaxation. Southward, the mountains stretch out into the distance; northward, the best vantage point offers breathtaking views of the Chongning and Yangguo tablelands and the Fuhe River. In the distance, the Wei River, like a slender, dancing silver ribbon, faintly visible encircles Weinan City. The two tablelands, like two giant pythons lying sideways, their yellow background and green spots a breathtaking expanse. The Fuhe Reservoir, like a mirror, lies between the two tablelands at the end of the Fuhe River.
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Shigushan, or “Stone Drum Mountain,” is historically significant for its unique rock formations and ancient carvings. It has been a site of cultural and religious importance, with temples and inscriptions dating back centuries, reflecting local Buddhist and Taoist influences.
Shigushan is located near Huayin city in Shaanxi Province, close to Mount Hua. Visitors can reach it by taxi from Huayin city center, or by local bus services. Walking is recommended once at the base to explore the trails.
The site is generally open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Entrance fees are approximately 40–60 CNY, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through official tourism websites and authorized travel apps.
During peak seasons or national holidays, it is recommended to book tickets 1–3 days in advance to ensure entry.
2–4 hours are generally sufficient to hike trails, visit temples, and enjoy the viewpoints.
Guided tours in Mandarin are commonly available. Private tours in English or other languages may be arranged through travel agencies.
Start at the main entrance, hike the designated trail to major viewpoints, visit temples along the route, and loop back to the entrance through scenic paths.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special cultural events or festivals may occasionally be held during holidays.
Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded. Weekends and national holidays tend to be busier.
Basic facilities include restrooms, small snack stalls, drinking water points, and benches at rest areas. Some souvenir shops are near the entrance.
The trails involve steep paths and stairs; elderly visitors should take care. Children can navigate with supervision. Wheelchair access is limited.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Some vendors may also accept cash.
Small local eateries and cafes are near the entrance, offering regional Shaanxi dishes.
Some vegetarian and vegan options are available. Halal food can be found at selected local restaurants.
Several guesthouses and mid-range hotels are available in Huayin city, a short taxi ride from Shigushan.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, small Buddha statues, and postcards featuring the mountain and temples.
Taxis or local buses are convenient to return to Huayin city or continue to Mount Hua. From Huayin, high-speed trains or buses connect to Xi’an and other nearby cities.
