Live Your Best Lives
At Qinling Guanhuashan Scenic Area, visitors can enjoy hiking the scenic mountain trails, take in panoramic views from the various peaks, explore the lush forests and waterfalls, and visit the cultural temples located within the area. The region also offers opportunities for bird watching and photography in its serene natural surroundings.
The Qinling Huashan Tourist Scenic Area is located at the junction of Huayin, Luonan, and Tongguan counties, deriving its name from its proximity to the Huashan National Scenic Area. Located at the easternmost tip of the Guanzhong-Tianshui Economic Zone, the Qinling Huashan Tourist Scenic Area serves as a natural barrier to ecological protection in Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Chongqing. With a forest coverage rate exceeding 95%, it boasts abundant medicinal resources and is a significant green treasure trove at the junction of central and western China.
To the south of the Guanzhong Plain lies the towering Qinling Mountains, the eastern extension of the massive Kunlun Mountains. Joining the Huai River, they serve as the north-south dividing line between mainland China. The northern part, representing the geographical north, has rivers that freeze in winter, while the southern part, representing the geographical south, has rivers that do not. South of the Lingnan Mountains enjoys abundant rainfall and humid air, while north of the Lingnan Mountains enjoys less precipitation and an arid climate.
Due to its topographical variations, the Guanhuashan Scenic Area boasts distinct vertical zoning of its landscape. Beginning at the Weihe Plain in front of the mountain, the landscape progresses upwards through the warm-temperate Platycladus orientalis forest zone, the temperate Cork Oak forest zone, the cold-temperate Sharp-toothed Oak forest subzone, the Qindong Oak forest subzone, the birch forest subzone, the fir forest subzone, the subarctic Larix gmelinii forest zone, and the cold shrub meadow zone. As you ascend, the flora constantly changes, creating a unique experience through the various scenes. Rare animals such as canaries, herons, black storks, wolves, leopards, deer, wild boars, and muntjacs inhabit the mountains and forests.
The warm temperate semi-humid monsoon climate features four distinct seasons, with rain and heat occurring in the same season, and distinct dry and wet seasons in the summer and winter. Avoid the cold winter and travel in spring, summer, and autumn.
The Qinling Huashan Guanshan Tourist Scenic Area is adjacent to the most dangerous view of Huashan - the Changkong Plank Road. Due to the steepness of the plank road, the operating model of the Changbai Mountain Guantianchi was introduced, and a tourist highway directly to the Qinling ridge was built, allowing tourists to climb the ridge at the southern foot of Huashan. Within a radius of 30 kilometers, they can easily, freely and from multiple angles to enjoy the scenery of Huashan, taking in the entire landscape of Huashan. This makes up for the regret of climbing Huashan but being unable to see its entire scenery due to its treacherous terrain. It transcends the geographical and spatial constraints of Huashan, experiences the philosophy of "I cannot see the true face of Lushan because I am in it", and appreciates the wonderful pleasure of "There has been only one road to Huashan since ancient times, but today you can see Huashan without walking", reaching an ideal state that originates from nature and transcends nature.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
50 yuan/person
09:00-18:00
The Qinling Guanhuashan Scenic Area is located in the Qinling Mountains and is known for its rich natural biodiversity and cultural significance. The area is home to ancient temples and various species of wildlife, including the endangered giant panda. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking spiritual solace.
Qinling Guanhuashan Scenic Area is located in Shaanxi Province, about 50 kilometers from Xi'an city. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car from Xi'an, or you can take a bus from the city center to the scenic area.
The scenic area is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the landscape is most vibrant.
The entrance fee varies depending on the specific areas you plan to visit, typically ranging from 50 to 100 RMB. Tickets can be purchased online through local travel platforms or at the entrance gate.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn). A few days in advance should suffice for booking tickets online.
To fully explore the scenic area, including the hiking trails and cultural sites, you will need approximately 4-6 hours. If you prefer a more relaxed visit, a half-day tour can still cover the major highlights.
The must-see highlights include the Guanhuashan Temple, the panoramic viewpoints along the hiking trails, the waterfalls, and the rich biodiversity within the forested areas. Don't miss the views from the peaks, offering a stunning perspective of the surrounding landscapes.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and you can request a guide at the entrance. Audio guides are available in Mandarin and English for self-guided exploration.
The best viewpoints are from the mountain peaks, where you can capture sweeping views of the valley, forests, and distant mountains. The waterfalls and serene lakes also provide great photography opportunities, especially in the early morning light.
Start with a visit to the Guanhuashan Temple, then hike along the scenic trails leading to the various viewpoints. Follow the paths that lead to the waterfalls, and take time to explore the forested areas. Finish your visit with a relaxing break at one of the rest areas.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at the Qinling Guanhuashan Scenic Area. The best experience is during daylight hours when you can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
The area can be crowded during weekends and public holidays, particularly during peak tourist seasons. The least crowded times are on weekdays, especially in the morning hours when the area opens.
Facilities include rest areas, toilets, and water stations along the hiking trails. There are small shops near the entrance where you can purchase snacks and souvenirs, as well as a few food stalls offering local delicacies.
The attraction is partially accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with some areas having paved paths and accessible viewpoints. However, the hiking trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, and cash payments are also possible. Cards are generally not accepted, so mobile payments or cash are the most convenient options.
There are a few restaurants and food stalls near the entrance offering local snacks and simple meals. For more dining options, you can head to Xi'an city, where you will find a variety of restaurants and cafes serving regional and international cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available, especially in Xi'an city. Halal food is also commonly available in local restaurants, particularly those catering to Muslim visitors.
There are several hotels in Xi'an city, ranging from budget to luxury accommodations, that are about an hour’s drive from the scenic area. Some guesthouses and smaller inns are available near the entrance of the scenic area for more convenient access.
Nearby attractions include the Terracotta Army, Mount Hua, and the ancient city wall of Xi'an. These can easily be combined in a day trip from Qinling Guanhuashan, as they are all within a few hours' drive from the scenic area.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance selling local handicrafts, including pottery, silk items, and small statues of deities. You can also find traditional Chinese teas and snacks to take home.
The best options are to return to Xi'an by taxi or private car. From Xi'an, you can easily access other major attractions via public transport or organized tours. Alternatively, you can continue your journey by bus or train from the city.
