Cuihua Mountain is part of the Qinling-Zhongnan Mountain UNESCO Global Geopark — its main feature is a 2,300 BCE earthquake-triggered landslide that buried valleys with boulders the size of houses, creating Tianchi (天池, 'sky lake') and a labyrinth of ice caves + boulder passes. 33 km south of Xi'an, accessible by direct bus 215 from the South Bell Tower bus stop (1 hour) or chartered taxi (¥80). Park entrance ¥45; cable car +¥50 RT (50 min ride to summit). Hiking trail loop: cable car up → Tianchi → Boulder Maze → 风洞 wind cave → walk down (3-4 hours total). Best autumn (late Oct) for the red maples or summer to escape Xi'an heat. Modest hiking shoes; trails are well-paved.
Address
Taiyigong Town, Chang'an District
长安区太乙宫镇
Highlights
- UNESCO GeoparkQinling-Zhongnan global designation
- Tianchi 'Sky Lake'Quake-formed in 2,300 BCE; jade-green
- Ice + wind cavesYear-round 4°C boulder maze caves
For foreign visitors
- English service: none
- Cards accepted: visa, master
- Booking / entry: not needed
- Best time: Late October maples; summer heat-escape
- Wi-Fi: none
- Transit access: need taxi
Photos
What travelers say (3 reviews)
HikingChina·TripAdvisor·4/5
UNESCO geopark — Tianchi lake formed by a 2300 BCE earthquake. Cable car ¥50 RT to summit, walk down through boulder maze (3-4h).
2026-04-05
翠华山徒步·Xiaohongshu·5/5
秋天枫叶红+夏天避暑！门票 ¥45。地震滑坡奇观，冰洞夏天 4°C。终南山段，远比想象壮观。
2026-03-15
Eric M.·Google Maps·4/5
Bus 215 from Bell Tower 1 hour. Park ¥45. The 'sky lake' is jade-green and otherworldly. Good half-day if you skip the cable car.
2026-02-22
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