Day 1 All places → or → Xi'an ★ All day meeting day
All day
Today is the gathering day for activities.
Tourists will check in at designated hotels after 2:00 PM. Please report your "China-Travel Note + Name" at the front desk. You will then be free to move around. Please keep your belongings safe and take care of yourself.
Recommended attractions
Museums: Shaanxi History Museum, Shaanxi Archaeological Museum, Hanguangmen Ruins Museum, Forest of Steles Museum, Anrenfang Ruins Museum, etc.
Other attractions in the city: Bell and Drum Tower, Muslim Street, Daming Palace, The Longest Day in Chang'an, Tang Paradise, Guangren Temple, etc.
Food recommendations
Muslim Street—Dingzikou, west of Dapianyuan: Dingjia Crispy Pork, Shengjia Noodle Noodles, Hongshunxiang Braised Jelly, Shaanxi Shisan Ice Cream, Southeast Asian Zenggao, Yizhenlou Pao Mo, Mijia Pao Mo, Wujia Stir-fry, Shengzhiwang Sesame Sauce Cold Noodles. Yongxingfang
—Zhengjia Steamed Buns, Wangjia Bucket Chicken, Pao Pao Oil Cake, Honey Cold Zongzi, Jinxian Youta.
Simple Restaurant Chains—Weijia Cold Noodles, Yuanjia Roujiamo, Laotongguan Roujiamo, Dongguan Jixiang Roujiamo, Sanqin Set Meal (Cold Noodles, Roujiamo, Bingfeng).
Shaanxi Restaurant Chains—Chang'an Food Stalls, Zui Chang'an, Dahaizi, Liji Jiaotuan, Chef's Restaurant, Narrow Alley.
Traffic Tips
Xianyang Airport: We recommend taking the airport shuttle bus to Zhonglou Station or taking Metro Line 14 to Xi'an North Railway Station. Then, take Metro Line 1, 2, or 4 depending on
your hotel's location. Xi'an North Railway Station: We recommend taking Metro Line 2 or 4 depending on your hotel's location.
Day 2 Xi'an → Qinling Four Treasures Science Park → Qinling National Botanical Garden → Caihou Paper Museum → Stay in Meixian
All day
After breakfast, head to Qinling Sibao Science Park
The Qinling Four Treasures Science Park is located at Louguantai, Zhouzhi County, Xi'an, at the scenic northern foot of the Qinling Mountains. It was created by expanding and renovating the existing breeding facilities of the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center (Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue Base), a project of the Shaanxi Qinling Ecological and Biological Resources Conservation, the Qinling Giant Panda Breeding Base, and the Crested Ibis Ex-situ Breeding Base. Its primary responsibilities include the rescue, breeding, education, and research of rare wildlife. Visitors will find 10-15 giant pandas, 50 crested ibis, 8 golden monkeys, and 20 takin. Qizi, the captive-bred brown giant panda, will also be on hand. Visitors will also see over 100 rare Qinling wildlife species, including red pandas, black bears, lesser muntjacs, gorals, golden eagles, long-eared owls, eagle owls, kestrels, vultures, and golden pheasants.
Then go to Qinling National Botanical Garden
The Qinling National Botanical Garden, located in the most resource-rich section of the Thousand-Mile Qinling Mountains, is the world's largest botanical garden with the most distinct vegetation zonation and the most natural landscape. Spanning an altitude of 480 to 3,000 meters, the garden comprises five geomorphological units, from north to south: plains, hills, low mountains, mid-range mountains, and high mountains, forming a complete three-dimensional ecosystem.
Special experience for tourists: We will invite professional teachers who are experts in Qinling ecological flora and fauna to take us to visit the Four Treasures of Qinling and the Botanical Garden. This will be a unique nature lesson.
Then go to [Cai Hou Paper Museum]
In this unassuming little museum, we'll witness the birth of a piece of paper. The raw material for papermaking is entirely derived from the bark of the paper mulberry tree (scientifically known as the paper mulberry tree) found in the Qinling Mountains. To collect this raw material, the Qiliang people traversed nearly every valley along the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains. As a papermaking base, they maintain friendly relations with the local mountain dwellers. The process involves peeling the bark, soaking it in water, soaking it in ash water, steaming it, washing it, removing it, stamping it, shaking it, plucking it, soaking it in water, washing it, stamping it, cutting it, pounding it, beating it, making it into paper, pressing it, drying it in the sun, saving water, and finally peeling it off. Even more remarkable is the fact that giant panda feces are transformed into valuable material here, with the ingenious craftsmen using the bamboo fibers to make paper for human use.
Special experience for tourists: We will follow the paper makers to learn how to make paper and experience the original handmade art.
Check in to Meixian Hotel at night and have a good rest~
Day 3 Taibai Mountain National Forest Park → Stay in Baoji
All day
After breakfast, head to Taibai Mountain International Forest Park to challenge yourself and visit the north-south dividing line of China.
After arriving at Taibai Mountain, take the scenic shuttle bus, which stops along the way to admire scenic spots such as the Lotus Peak Waterfall, the Three Kingdoms Ancient Plank Road, Pomo Mountain, and the Utopia. (The shuttle bus takes about 1 hour.)
Take the scenic sightseeing bus to the destination, Xiaban Temple, and start hiking along the hiking trail to enjoy the scenery of Taibai Mountain (there is also a cable car going up and down the mountain, you can choose to take it)
Along the way, we admired the Quaternary glacial relics of the Qinling Mountains' main peak, the sea of clouds at Bansi Temple, and the Taibai fir and larch trees. Breathing in the fresh air, we ascended wooden steps to Baixiantai, the site of Su Shi's three rain prayers. Standing on this massive rock formation, you can gaze out over the mountains! After gazing at floating clouds, fir forests, and emerald green mountains, we continued ascending the wooden steps to "Tianyuandifang" (Heaven Round Square) at an altitude of 3,511 meters. This spot is one of the best places to view the sunrise, snow, and sea of clouds on Taibai Mountain. Here, we can also visit the boundary marker "China's North-South Dividing Line, Main Peak of the Qinling Mountains"! We fully appreciate the magical scenery of the Qinling Mountains' summit and feel the vastness of the Yangtze and Yellow River watersheds. While the journey may be arduous, the spiritual joy is doubled!
At noon, you will have your own lunch at the top of the mountain. In the afternoon (subject to the time notified by the tour guide), you will take the scenic area shuttle bus down the mountain to the tourist service center to end today's challenge!
Special instructions:
1. This itinerary is a normal tour route for the Taibai Mountain Scenic Area. It does not involve unopened areas, does not visit the Big and Small Wengong Temples, and is not for taking photos while walking. Please pay attention to your feet!
The mountain's weather is changeable, with snow falling in June. Please be sure to wrap up warm! In the event of heavy rain, fog, or other special scenic area restrictions, the scenic area may be temporarily closed. We will relocate to other attractions such as Qingfeng Gorge, Red River Valley, Zhengguo Canal, and Cuihua Mountain. Thank you for your understanding!
3. This itinerary only includes Taibai Mountain tickets and round-trip shuttle buses, and does not include any round-trip cable cars within the scenic area. You can choose a variety of tour combinations based on your physical condition!
Day 4 Baoji → Liuba Gaojiang Road → Zhangliang Temple → Liuba Old Street → Lover's Valley → Shizigou Ranch → Stay in Hanzhong
All day
After breakfast, head to Qinling Mountains [Shaanxi's Most Beautiful Highway - Gaojiang Road]
Gaojiang Road, built over half a century ago, stretches deep into the Qinling Mountains. It's dotted with diverse ecological and cultural attractions, including thousand-year-old ginkgo trees, the Zhang Liang Temple, Shimen Gate, and Zibai Mountain. The metasequoia trees lining the road block out the sun, creating a refreshing feeling as you drive beneath them. The mountains along the road, along with fences, farmland, houses, and cattle, create a sense of otherworldliness and tranquility, akin to a "paradise." We can pose for as many photos as we want here.
Then go to Zhang Liang Temple
Legend has it that the Zhang Liang Temple was first built in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, though most of the existing ancient buildings date back to the Qing Dynasty. Later generations, in admiration of his strategy of "keeping one's head above water" and his noble character of "refusing to take credit for one's achievements," built a temple here to honor him. Legend has it that the Zhang Liang Temple was first built in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, though most of the existing ancient buildings date back to the Qing Dynasty. Numerous stone tablets and cliff carvings remain, many of which are by renowned calligraphers. For example, the "First Mountain" stele by Northern Song calligrapher Mi Fu is on display. Calligraphy enthusiasts are welcome to admire these in the North Garden's stele gallery.
Then go to [Liuba Old Street]
The old street is said to have been built during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty. Its stone-paved streets, carved doors and windows, and ornate horse-head walls reflect its rich history. The old market customs are still preserved here, where mountain dwellers sell all sorts of local goods, including valuable medicinal herbs and local specialties.
Then go to [Lover's Valley]
Entering Lover's Valley, one is immediately struck by a sense of tranquility. The stream, clear and bright, flows freely, carrying the scent of the mountains. Here, amidst 500 acres of larch forest, the autumn sun filters through the branches, casting dappled rays of light. The stream, clear and bright, carries the scent of the mountains. Ascending along the wooden steps, crossing the suspension bridge, one inhales deeply the delicate fragrance of the pine branches, the delicate aroma permeating one's heart. Mountains, water, forests, stories, hopes, romance, and love.
Then go to [Shizigou Ranch]
The Shizigou Ranch in Liuba County is located in Zhakou Shiyingpan Village, Liuhou Town, at the foot of Zibai Mountain in Liuba. It is said that this was the place where Zhuge Liang's troops grazed their horses during the Three Kingdoms period. Coming here, you will feel refreshed and relaxed, away from the hustle and bustle and close to nature. There are no tall buildings, and all you see are endless grassland hillsides and leisurely cattle and sheep, as if they were a series of oil paintings jumping into your eyes.
Stay in Hanzhong at night and you can go to Qianjin Road Night Market to eat and shop freely.
Day 5 Hanzhong → Liping National Forest Park → Stay in Hanzhong
All day
After breakfast, head to Liping National Forest Park
This is a breathtakingly beautiful place, a sea of pristine forests, towering ancient trees, waterfalls, and flowing streams. Liping, like Sichuan's famous Guangwu Mountain, lies on both sides of the Migang Mountain Range, but it's much quieter and less crowded than Guangwu Mountain. We'll take a scenic shuttle bus to reach it. (Reminder: Liping is a large scenic area, so the specific itinerary will be arranged by your tour leader.)
【Undersea Stone Castle】
The unique karst landform of the underwater stone city looks like a castle. The stones are in the shape of pillars and stalagmites in various shapes, just like a castle on the seabed.
【Chinese Dragon Mountain】
Humanity's greatest discovery of the 21st century has journeyed beyond the underwater stone city to a unique geological phenomenon discovered after the Wenchuan earthquake ripped apart the mountainside, offering both scenic and scientific value. It's said that 44.8-46.8 billion years ago, this area was a shallow sea. Storms, driven by the accumulation of coastal silt, formed small hills of various shapes. Up close, you can clearly see the dragon's spine, scales, and claws. Standing here, you feel like you're riding a giant dragon through the clouds.
Qixingtan
According to legend, this is the bathtub where the seven fairies came down to earth to bathe. Climb the ladder to heaven and you will arrive at a quiet place where there are seven stone pools of different sizes scattered around. There is also a natural beauty pond beside the pool. Legend has it that this is the bathtub where the seven fairies came down to earth to bathe. It was here that Dong Yong met the seven fairies and got married.
[Maple Forest Waterfall] This internet-famous glass bridge will captivate you with its endless maple forest and captivate you with its cascading waterfall. Also known as the Little Hukou Waterfall, it's one of Liping's most beautiful sights.
【Jade Maiden Peak】【Jade Bracelet Pond】【Jade Belt River】
Legend has it that fairies gather at Yunv Peak, a peak that, from afar, resembles a graceful young woman, changing her attire with the changing seasons. The dense primeval forests of Yunv Peak obscure the sky, blocking out the sun. Trees grow among the rocks, and the trees reflect the rocks. Walking along the Yudai River, one can experience the scene described in ancient poetry: "The bright moon shines among the pines, and clear springs flow over the rocks." The Yuzhutan River is another jade bracelet worn by fairies. Jade in this world adorns the wrists of beautiful women. The jade bracelets here may be admired from a distance, but not touched.
【Red Dust Gorge】
The Love Valley, a paradise of clear water, reaches the entrance of the Hongchen Gorge plank road. Go down the Xiliu River and immerse yourself in it, forgetting everything else.
After having fun, go to Liping to check in and rest.
Day 6: Longtou Mountain in Hanzhong → Disbandment in Hanzhong
All day
After breakfast, head to [Hanzhong Longtou Mountain]
Longtou Mountain Scenic Area is perpetually shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland. Its captivating landscapes, including strange rocks, seas of clouds, colorful forests, and rime, are truly captivating. We'll ascend the mountain by cable car and ladder (the scenic area uses a combination of a cable car and ladder (electric ladders) for easy commuting!). We'll then follow the 3.5-kilometer Longtou Cloud Stacks, a relatively flat path with a few steps. Resting seats and pavilions are also provided, making it a very convenient and comfortable route.
Longtou Cloud Stack Tour Route:
Panlongtai (for a distant view of the 69-turn winding mountain road) - Lanyuntai (for an occasional squirrel encounter, a recommended spot for viewing the sea of clouds) - other viewing platforms - Longbaitai (for a break before entering the suspended plank road) - Suspension plank road (thrilling and exciting, with blockbuster movies in seconds) - Glass plank road (startling every step) - Juyuntai (for a distant view of Hanzhong city) - Huayutai (for immersing yourself in a sea of flowers in the deep forest) - other viewing platforms - Fengxiangtai (the best spot for viewing alpine jasmine, where you may occasionally encounter the amazing "Buddha's Light" when the wind blows and fog gathers) - Yinlongtai (the last stop on the plank road, continue forward, exit the plank road, and return to Longtoushan Square)
Plank Road Internet celebrity check-in points:
Jungle white deer, angel wings, eternal diamonds, confession balloons, retro corridors...
We are expected to return to Hanzhong Station around 15:30 in the afternoon, ending our pleasant journey.
The estimated arrival time at Hanzhong Station is 17:00. It is recommended to buy a train after 17:30 to avoid delays!
Since high-speed trains run frequently from Hanzhong to Xi'an, returning tourists can take the high-speed train. Tourists who wish to visit Guangwu Mountain can sign up for the 4-Day Guangwu Mountain Autumn Tour to continue savoring the beauty of the Qinling Mountains.
