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Mount Li Forest Park, located south of Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, is a branch of the Qinling Mountains, rising 1,302 meters above sea level. Stretching over 20 kilometers from east to west, its highest peak, Jiulongding, rises 1,301.9 meters . The mountain is covered in lush evergreen pines and cypresses, giving it the shape of a black horse from afar.
Mount Li is a renowned scenic spot in China, both ancient and modern. It was named so because it was the seat of the Lirong Kingdom during the Western Zhou Dynasty. Throughout the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties, it served as an imperial garden, housing numerous palaces and villas. Among the most notable are the Fire-Raising Tower and Beacon Tower constructed during the Western Zhou Dynasty, as well as the remains of the Hall of Eternal Life at the Tang Dynasty's Huaqing Palace. The Bingjian Pavilion ( formerly the Zhuojiang Pavilion ) , a modern witness to the Xi'an Incident , is also located on Mount Li.
" Mount Li's dense clouds and trees have endured the Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties. A stream of hot springs flows day and night, and a few desolate tombs bury emperors. " Guo Moruo once wrote a poem that gave an appropriate and accurate summary of the beauty of Mount Li and its historical status.
The temperature is suitable for visiting in spring and autumn, and you can escape the heat in summer.
Mount Li not only has beautiful natural scenery but also dozens of cultural relics : Beacon Tower, Laomu Temple, Laojun Temple, Wanzhao Pavilion, Bingjian Pavilion, Shiweng Temple, Juhuo Tower, Yuxian Bridge, Weighing Stone, Chicken on the Shelf, Sanyuan Cave, and Yaozi Flipping Over.
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
Peak season ( March-November ): 150 yuan/person
Off-season ( December to February ): 120 yuan/person
April 1st - October 31st : 8: 00-18 : 00
November 1st - March 31st : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Mount Li Forest Park is a historical and natural treasure located in Xi'an, Shaanxi. It has been historically significant due to its association with ancient Chinese emperors who used the area for retreats and ceremonies. The park also serves as a prominent natural reserve, protecting diverse species of plants and animals.
Mount Li Forest Park is located in the eastern part of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. It is accessible by taxi from Xi'an city center, which takes about 30 minutes. Public buses also serve the park, and there are various hiking routes if you prefer to walk from nearby areas.
The park is open year-round, with typical opening hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the natural scenery is at its peak.
The entrance fee to Mount Li Forest Park is approximately ¥60 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance or online via various tourism websites.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for regular visits, though booking a day or two ahead is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays to ensure availability.
Exploring the park fully takes about 3 to 4 hours, especially if you plan to visit the main attractions and enjoy hiking or picnicking along the trails.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin Chinese. Audio guides may be available in English, but it is best to confirm availability in advance or arrange for a guide who speaks your preferred language.
A good route would be to start from the park entrance, visit the temples along the way, take a scenic walk through the forested areas, and finish at the observatory for a panoramic view of the park. Allow time for photography and relaxation at viewpoints.
Night visits are not available as the park closes in the evening. There are no light shows, but the park's natural beauty during the day provides a serene and refreshing experience.
The park can get crowded on weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities like toilets, water stations, and small rest areas are available. There are also a few small shops selling snacks and souvenirs near the entrance.
The park is mostly accessible for children and elderly visitors, though some of the more rugged hiking trails may be difficult for those with mobility issues. There are paved paths and rest areas that are more suitable for all visitors.
Cash is accepted at the entrance and for smaller purchases, but mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely available.
There are a few local restaurants near the park entrance offering traditional Shaanxi cuisine, including noodles, dumplings, and steamed buns. However, there are no large cafes or restaurants inside the park.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local restaurants near the entrance. Halal food is also commonly found in the area, particularly in Xi'an, due to the city's Muslim population.
Small souvenir shops near the park entrance sell traditional items like handicrafts, local snacks, and memorabilia related to Xi'an and Mount Li Forest Park.
Taxis and buses are readily available to continue your trip to other Xi'an attractions. Public transportation from the park can take you to central Xi'an or other major tourist sites.
