One Mountain, One Medicine King, One Scenery, One Legend – In-Depth Experience at Yaowang Mountain

Yaowang Mountain Travel Guide – Exploring the Millennium-Old Sanctuary of Health

📍 Introduction to Yaowang Mountain
Located in Yaozhou District, Tongchuan City, Shaanxi Province, Yaowang Mountain is named after Sun Simiao, the "Medicine King" of the Tang Dynasty, who once lived and practiced medicine here. It is not only one of the birthplaces of traditional Chinese medicine culture but also a national 4A-level tourist attraction combining natural scenery, historical relics, and religious culture.

🚗 Transportation Guide
Self-drive: Approximately 1.5 hours from Xi'an (via G65 Baotou-Maoming Expressway to Tongchuan, then transfer to Yaozhou District).
Public transport:
Xiabei Bus Station/Xi'an Railway Station → Tongchuan Yaozhou → Transfer to a bus or taxi to Yaowang Mountain (total journey about 2 hours).
In-park transport: Sightseeing buses (optional), some sections require walking.

🎫 Tickets & Opening Hours
Tickets: Peak season (March-November) 60 RMB/person, off-season (December-February) 40 RMB/person (subject to the latest park notice).
Opening hours: 8:30-17:30 (recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours).

🌟 Must-Visit Attractions
1. Yaowang Grand Hall (Sun Simiao Memorial)
The core attraction, featuring a statue of Sun Simiao and exhibits of medical classics like "Qianjin Fang," offering insights into traditional Chinese medicine culture.
2. Cliff Carvings
Grotto statues and stone inscriptions from the Northern Wei to Ming-Qing dynasties, boasting high artistic and historical value.
3. Medicine-Washing Pool
Legend has it that Sun Simiao washed medicinal herbs here. The pool is crystal-clear, surrounded by serene scenery.
4. Yaowang Mountain Forest Park
A natural oxygen bar ideal for hiking, with stunning autumn foliage.
5. Nan'an (Yaowang Mountain Taoist Temple)
A Taoist cultural site offering panoramic views of Yaozhou City from its heights.

🍜 Local Delicacies
Herbal cuisine: Nearby restaurants serve health-boosting dishes like "Poria Cocos Stewed Chicken" and "Polygonum Multiflorum Porridge."
Tongchuan snacks: Salty Noodle Soup, Yaozhou Wowo Noodles, and Snowflake Candy (worth trying along the way).

📌 Travel Tips
1. Best seasons: Spring and autumn (April-May for herb gathering, October-November for red leaves).
2. Attire: Comfortable sports shoes (some steps are steep), sun protection in summer, and warm clothing in winter.
3. Cultural immersion: Learn about Sun Simiao’s life or "Qianjin Fang" stories beforehand for a more engaging visit.
4. Nearby attractions:
Yaozhou Kiln Museum (one of China’s six major kiln systems from the Song Dynasty, about 15 minutes by car).
Zhaojin Xiangshan (a red-leaf paradise in autumn, ideal for extended self-drive trips).

📸 Photo Spots
Ancient cypress and incense burners in front of Yaowang Grand Hall (rich cultural ambiance).
Millennium-old grottoes beside the cliff carvings (steeped in history).
Stone bridge by the Medicine-Washing Pool (picturesque blend of mountains and water).

✨ Conclusion
Yaowang Mountain is not just a mountain but a "living history book" of traditional Chinese medicine culture. Whether tracing the footsteps of the Medicine King, embracing nature’s beauty, or experiencing health-preserving practices, your visit here will be truly rewarding!