Must-see Natural History scenic spots of Xi’an
Awe-inspiring getaways
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life, there are plenty of picturesque landscapes to explore in Xi'an and the Shaanxi Province. Take a look at these awe-inspiring getaways – guaranteed to be a breath of fresh air.
Hua Shan
Flower Mountain
Stretching up 2,160m above sea level, the five peaks of this spectacular range are said to resemble the petals of a huge plant. The literal translation of its name being 'Flower Mountain'.
On top of the world
Hua is considered to be one of China's most sacred mountains. At the base of this rocky skyscraper, you’ll find the Xiyue Temple – a grand shrine dedicated to the god of the mountain that emperors in years gone by would visit in order to appease the entity believed to live within.
However, Hua Shan's spiritual connection doesn't end there. It was also said that youth-restoring herbal medicines could be found on its banks, and many holy men travelled to Hua Shan to live out their last days on its mounts.
Today, you can retrace the steps of their pilgrimages by following over 12kms of trails around its striking peaks. Watch the sun rise over the morning clouds on its glorious East Peak, conquer the heights of the tallest, South Peak, or enjoy the tranquillity and verdant views of the lush West Peak.
However you choose to ascend, you'll feel on top of the world after tackling these rewarding treks.
Mount Taibai National Forest Park
A treasure trail of culture and nature
With a reputation as the natural zoo of China, this forest park has more than 1,850 kinds of seed plants and over 1,690 types of insects and animals. Among them are some particularly rare species, including placid pandas and playful golden monkeys.
Poetic inspiration
The park is well known for its winding streams, enormous lakes and hot springs – the temperatures of which can reach as high as 72 degrees centigrade. They contain scores of mineral substances said to be perfect for rejuvenating the body, so make sure you indulge in a quick dip while you’re there.
Mount Taibai has been an inspiration to poets throughout Chinese history, and there is a mass of ancient architecture to mark its historical importance. This includes 14 temple sites and over 110 iron Buddhas that form a treasure trail of culture and nature certain to stir something of your own creative spirit.
Cuihua Mountain
Explore the park’s many mysteries
This unusual mountain is renowned for its well-preserved geology that illustrates how a landslide affects the environment.
Unique topography
According to historical documents, a large earthquake occurred in 780 BCE that shaped its unique topography and is now one of the top ten attractions in Xi'an. Find out more about its geographical roots in the Tianchi landslide science and recreation area or admire its natural flora in the Yifangyuan ecological sightseeing area.
A delight all year round, in spring you'll witness birds nesting everywhere while in summer the sunlight sparkles on the cascading streams. Come autumn the foliage turns rust-red and in winter the waterfalls appear to freeze mid-motion. Whenever you choose to visit, you can explore the park’s many beguiling mysteries for yourself, including a legendary love story that explains how the sanctuary got its name.
Qinling Mountains
Home to the Qinling pandas
This breathtaking range forms a natural barrier between the north and south of the country and supports a huge variety of plants and wildlife – some of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
Drawing visitors for over 100 years
The Qinling Mountains are home to the Qinling pandas – a subspecies of the giant panda that form a fifth of the world's total giant panda population. You may also spot the Chinese giant salamander swimming around its ponds and lakes. Stretching over 1.8 metres, it's the largest amphibian in the world.
Amidst the rocky roads, you'll also find Huaqing Pool – a complex of hot springs built by Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty in 723 CE. Using locally occurring geothermal heating, its gorgeous water features have drawn visitors for centuries.
Qujiang Ocean World
Explore the aquatic and Antarctic life
Covering 11.5 acres, this massive ocean park consists of an aquarium, polar museum and the Golden Coast Business Park.
An abundance of interactive activities
You can discover China's largest example of a Bryde's Whale – a type of whale found in warmer climates – or experience what it's like to live in a tropical rainforest. Walk its 80-metre-long underwater tunnel and witness over 90 types of sea species from around the world, encompassing everything from dancing skates to dreadful sharks.
In the polar museum, you'll be transported to the icy wilds of Antarctica, with its walrus iceberg, polar bear gazebo and penguin island. You can closely examine the living habits of polar creatures first-hand and from just a few footsteps away.
With so many interactive activities, this exploration of aquatic and Antarctic life is a treat for adults and children alike.
Hukou Waterfall
A much-loved cascading treasure
The largest waterfall on the Yellow River, the Hukou Waterfall is located at the intersection of the Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces.
Enjoy this natural beauty
The Hukou Waterfall is formed as the river flows through the Jinxia Grand Canyon, where it drops from a height of 20 metres. The cascade also spans an impressive width that varies between 30 and 50 metres depending on the season.
When the sunlight refracts on the waterfall's constant mist, it appears to form a rainbow that bridges the two Chinese provinces, which is why it has become a much-loved national treasure.
Just below the waterfall, there is a shining stone called guishi. The stone mysteriously moves up and down according to the water level, yet always manages to remain visible.
Previously, the falls were practically inaccessible due to its location in the Loess Plateau, but improved infrastructure means that tens of thousands of visitors enjoy this natural beauty spot every year.