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Candle Mountain, located in Langao County, Ankang City, Shaanxi Province, is one of Langao's famous mountains. A branch of the Daba Mountains' Yunwu Range, it faces Deshengzhai in the Muwangzhai Mountains and is a strategically located pass on the Anlan Road. Rising from the banks of the surging Lan River, its two peaks towering into the sky resemble a pair of red candles, hence the name Candle Mountain.
Candle Mountain stands 1,552 meters above sea level, with a vertical drop of 1,200 meters from the riverbed. From afar, its twin peaks tower, reaching toward the azure sky. Up close, its four walls appear sheer and steep. From the summit, the view is captivating, with clouds and mountains overlapping and embracing emerald peaks. Standing proudly on the banks of the Lan River, Candle Mountain embraces the lush green waters. Its unique southern scenery and charming southern Shaanxi folk customs make this scenic spot unique.
The subtropical continental monsoon climate is characterized by a humid and mild climate with distinct four seasons, abundant rainfall, and a long frost-free period. Its characteristics are cold and dry winters, rainy summers with frequent summer droughts, warm and dry springs, and cool and humid autumns with frequent periods of rain. Spring, summer, and autumn are the best seasons for travel.
At 620 meters above sea level on Candle Mountain, a spring boasts crystal-clear, sweet water. A massive rock overshadows the spring's mouth, covered by lush vegetation such as sedge and cycads, giving it the name Cuiyan Spring. At approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, along the road leading to the summit of Xiaozhu Mountain, a naturally arched stone bridge appears to have been artificially carved, earning it the name Tiansheng Bridge. The Candle Mountain Scenic Area, bounded by the Anlan Highway to the west, the Caijiaya River Dam to the east, Laoyinggou to the south, and the northern slope of Candle Mountain to the north, covers a total area of 21 square kilometers.
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Candle Mountain in Shaanxi is known for its distinctive rock formations that resemble candles. It is a popular hiking destination and holds cultural significance for local communities due to its natural beauty and spiritual importance.
Candle Mountain is located in Ankang, Shaanxi Province. It can be accessed by taxi from Ankang city center or by bus from the nearby transportation hubs. Walking or hiking is common for those staying nearby.
The mountain is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from spring to autumn when the weather is mild. It is recommended to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
The entrance fee is typically around 30-50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the mountain or online through local tourism platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but during peak tourist seasons (especially holidays), it is recommended to book 1-2 days ahead to avoid long lines.
A typical visit to Candle Mountain takes around 2-4 hours, depending on your hiking pace and the areas you choose to explore. For a more leisurely visit, you may want to spend half a day.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and they can provide valuable insight into the history and natural environment of Candle Mountain. Audio guides may also be available at some entry points.
Start your hike from the main entrance, head towards the base for an easier stroll, then continue towards the peak for a more challenging climb. Stop at the scenic viewpoints along the way to take in the views.
Night visits are not commonly available due to the natural setting and lack of lighting. Special tours are generally available during the day, but there are no light shows or nighttime events.
The area can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. The best times to visit to avoid crowds are early mornings on weekdays, especially in the spring and autumn months.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available along the trails. There are small shops offering snacks and water near the entrance, but be sure to bring enough supplies if hiking further into the mountain.
The trails to the peak of Candle Mountain are not fully accessible for disabled visitors, and the hike may be challenging for elderly people. However, the base and some lower areas can be accessed by children and those with limited mobility.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used and accepted at most locations around the site.
Vegetarian food is available at some local eateries. However, vegan and halal options may be limited, and it's best to check in advance in Ankang city for specific needs.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance of Candle Mountain, where you can buy traditional Chinese handicrafts, mountain-themed items, and local snacks.
