How do I get to Cuihua Mountain from central Xi'an?

Cuihua Mountain is about 33 km south of Xi'an. The cheapest option is direct bus 215 from the South Bell Tower bus stop, roughly one hour. A chartered taxi runs around 80 yuan one way and saves time. Park entry is about 45 yuan, with the cable car an extra 50 yuan round trip.

What is there to see at Cuihua Mountain?

The mountain is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark built on an ancient earthquake landslide from around 2,300 BCE. House-sized boulders created Tianchi, a jade-green 'sky lake,' plus a maze of boulder passes and cold ice and wind caves. A typical loop takes the cable car up, then walks Tianchi, the boulder maze, and the wind cave over three to four hours.

Cuihua Mountain Geopark, Xi'an: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

UNESCO Global Geopark on the Qinling foothills — a giant ancient landslide (2,300 BCE earthquake), Tianchi 'sky lake', boulder caves, and a 50-min cable car.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 翠华山 (Cuì Huá Shān)
Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Time needed: Half day
Best time to visit: Late October maples; summer heat-escape
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: Little to no English
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: Taiyigong Town, Chang'an District · 长安区太乙宫镇

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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.

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

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Take the cable car up and walk down; the descent through the boulder maze is the scenic, knee-friendly direction.
▸The ice and wind caves stay near 4°C year-round; carry a light layer even in summer heat.
▸Late October brings red maples; mid-summer it works mainly as a cool escape from Xi'an's city heat.
▸Trails are well-paved but uneven over boulders; basic hiking or sturdy walking shoes beat sandals.
▸There is no English service on site, so screenshot the trail loop before you lose phone signal on the mountain.
▸Bus 215 fills fast on weekends; arrive early at the South Bell Tower stop or charter a taxi instead.
▸Tianchi photographs best in late morning when light hits the green water before afternoon haze builds.

Photos

a valley with mountains in the background

Stunning view of the Zhangye Danxia Landform showcasing vibrant geological formations.

green grass field near green mountains under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

Discover the vibrant multicolored mountains of Zhangye Danxia Geopark, a geological marvel in China's Gansu province.

a green valley with mountains in the background

A breathtaking view of Heaven Lake, a crater lake at the top of Mount Paektu.

a view of a mountain range with trees in the foreground

A breathtaking landscape view of the colorful rock formations in Zhangye National Geopark.

brown rocky mountain under blue sky during daytime

Breathtaking scenery of clear lake with mountainous backdrop under blue sky in Xinjiang, China.

A snow covered mountain with a cloudy sky

Breathtaking view of lush green mountains surrounding a tranquil blue lake under a clear sky.

a mountain covered in snow under a cloudy sky

A breathtaking aerial view of the Guozigou Bridge set amidst Xinjiang's majestic mountain ranges.

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

Frequently asked questions about Cuihua Mountain Geopark

How do I get to Cuihua Mountain from central Xi'an?: Cuihua Mountain is about 33 km south of Xi'an. The cheapest option is direct bus 215 from the South Bell Tower bus stop, roughly one hour. A chartered taxi runs around 80 yuan one way and saves time. Park entry is about 45 yuan, with the cable car an extra 50 yuan round trip.
What is there to see at Cuihua Mountain?: The mountain is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark built on an ancient earthquake landslide from around 2,300 BCE. House-sized boulders created Tianchi, a jade-green 'sky lake,' plus a maze of boulder passes and cold ice and wind caves. A typical loop takes the cable car up, then walks Tianchi, the boulder maze, and the wind cave over three to four hours.