1. Things To Know Before You Go
As a branch of Qinling Mountains, Lishan Mountain Forest Park is thickly wooded and looks like a dark green steed from a distance. There are numerous cultural relics and historical sites as well as beautiful natural landscapes on this Mountain. Tourists can enjoy visiting many famous scenic spots here, such as Beacon Tower, Laojun Hall, Laomu Hall and Wanzhao Pavilion. These famous attractions not only demonstrate the long historical and cultural background of Lishan Mountain, but also provide tourists with a wonderful place to get close to nature and relax themselves.
2. Why Is Lishan National Forest Park So Special?
2.1 The Tangible Benefits Bring To Tourists
Due to the steep terrain, the springs, gullies, strange rocks and trees are scattered all over this mountain, the East and West Xiuling Ridges wind and stand across the land of Lishan Mountain. Peaks, ridges, valleys and forests are distributed naturally as well. In addition, there are green pines and cypresses on the mountain together with some stone steps and pedestrian walkways for the convenience of visitors. After tourists visit the Huaqing Pool, they can climb Lishan Mountain to appreciate its natural scenery and get a good grasp of its historical and cultural backgrounds, thus getting a deeper understanding of the unique charm of Xi'an.
2.2 Attractions Overview
2.2.1 Geographical Features
Lishan National Forest Park, as a part of the Huaqing Pool Scenic Area, is located in the south of Lintong District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, and lies on a branch of Qinling Mountains. The highest peak is Jiulongding(九龙顶), with an altitude of 1,301.9 meters. The pines and cypresses on the mountain remain evergreen and are lush and thick. Seen from a distance, it looks like a Green horse, so it got the name "Lishan".
2.2.2 Tourism Resources
Since the natural conditions in Lishan Mountain are suitable for the growth of a variety of plants, so it is covered with trees, flowers and grasses. It mainly consists of mixed forests composed of sophora flower, peach blossom, pomegranate flower, Chinese arborvitae, Chinese pine, black locust, maple with five angles, mountain peach and so on, as well as pomegranate orchards and persimmon forests. All kinds of scenic forests form their independent units but they also intersect with each other, therefore forming a sharp contrast. Apart from this, there are more than 30 species of animals on Lishan Mountain, such as deer, rabbits, badgers and birds, tourists can spot them once in a while, various animals are active in the mountain all year round, so the tourism resources are very abundant in this forest park.
2.2.3 Culture Resources
The legends of Lishan Mountain are mainly closely related to the stories of Nüwa Mending the Sky and the Blue-maned Horse. Legend has it that in ancient times, Gonggong and Zhurong had a fierce battle. After being defeated, Gonggong angrily pushed down Mount Buzhou in a rage, which led to the collapse of the sky and the earth and the rampage of floods, thus human beings were faced with a huge disaster. In order to save the mankind, Nüwa refined five-colored stones to mend the sky, captured and beheaded dragons and snakes, and blocked the floods. Eventually, she restored the order of the heaven and the earth. However, the fire for refining the stones couldn't be extinguished. Nüwa's mount, the Blue-maned Horse, threw itself onto the fire and finally transformed into the continuous Lishan Mountain.
Besides, there are many other historical events happening here. For example, Emperor Qin Shi Huang once built his mausoleum here and left behind the famous Terracotta Army. Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and The Magnificent Concubine Yang also staged a poignant love story in Huaqing Pool, which is located on the foot of Lishan Mountain. The famous Xi'an Incident also took place here, leaving behind the historical site such as Bingjian Pavilion.
3. How To Get To Lishan National Forest Park
The main transportation methods to Lishan Mountain include subway, bus, self-driving and cableway, etc.
Subway: Take Metro Line 9 to Huaqingchi Station. After getting out from Exit B, walk about 100 meters and you can reach the East Gate of Lishan Mountain.
Subway + Bus: Take the subway to Huaqingchi Station. After getting out of the station, take Bus No. 613 or No. 602 to Lishan Park. The fare for Bus No. 613 is 5 yuan per person, and the fare for Bus No. 602 is 2 yuan per person.
From the Terracotta Army to Lishan Park: Starting from the Terracotta Army Museum, you can choose to take Bus No. 602 and get off at the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and then walk to Lishan Park.
Self-driving Route: Head for Lishan Mountain via Lianhuo Expressway(连霍高速) and National Highway 108.
Cableway: There is a cableway between Xi'an Huaqing Pool and Lishan Mountain. Tourists can directly buy cableway tickets to go to Lishan Mountain after visiting the Huaqing Hot Springs.
Hiking Route: Get off at Huaqingchi Station by subway, walk along Huaqingchi East Road, go up the slope after passing Lintong Museum, and then follow the designated route until you finally reach the Beacon Tower, the highest point of Lishan Park.
Ticket Prices for the Cableway of Lishan Mountain
Peak season (from April to October): 7:00 - 19:00; Off-season (from November to March of the next year): 7:30 - 18:00.
Ticket Price: In the peak season (from April to October), the ticket price is 120 yuan.
Cableway Fees: The one-way adult ticket for the cableway is 30 yuan, and the one-way child ticket is 15 yuan.
4. What To See In Lishan National Forest Park
There are six major scenic areas in Lishan Mountain Forest Park, here is the introduction about them.
Firstly, it's the Red Tourism Area of "Xi'an Incident". The representative scenic spots are Bingjian Pavilion, Bingjian Garden and the relief sculptures of "Xi'an Incident".
Secondly, it's the Lishan Green Plant Sightseeing Area along the line from Sanyuan Cave to Sunset Pavilion. More than 300 kinds of plants and flowers on Lishan Mountain are showcased here in a concentrated manner. It's also a great place for tourists to get close to nature and go on spring outings.
Thirdly, it's the Natural Scenery Area of the Evening Glow on Lishan Mountain. As one of the Eight Scenic Spots in the Guanzhong Region, its representative scenic spot is the Sunset Pavilion.
Fourthly, it's the Taoist Culture Area located on the second peak of the West Xiuling of Lishan Mountain. Three large Taoist temples, namely Laomu Hall, Mingsheng Palace and Chaoyuan Pavilion, form the largest Taoist temple complex in the northwest region. On top of this, there is also a newly developed scenic spot, Lishan Mountain Bird Forest, which is a good place for birds watching.Fifthly, it's the Zhou Culture, which is sited on the highest peak of Lishan Mountain. The representative scenic spot is Beacon Tower. The historical allusion of "King You of Zhou played jokes on the feudal lords with the beacon fires and lost his kingdom with a laugh" happened right here.
Sixthly, it's the Natural Scenery Area of Shiweng Valley between the East and West Xiuling(绣岭). Here, waterfalls cascade down from high places, trees grow thickly, and the valley is quiet and secluded. Historically, it was renowned as the "Secluded Valley of Orchids".
4.1 Bingjian Pavilion & Bingjian Garden 兵谏亭& 兵谏园
Bingjian Pavilion is the place where General Yang Hucheng and General Zhang Xueliang captured Chiang Kai-shek during the Xi'an Incident in order to sincerely remonstrate with him to stop the civil war and fight against the Japanese invaders unitedly.
This pavilion was built in March 1946. It was initiated by Hu Zongnan and funded by all the non-commissioned officers of the 7th Branch of the Huangpu Military Academy. It was originally named "Zhengqi Pavilion". After liberation, its name was changed to "Bingjian Pavilion". It displays the actual weapons used during the Xi'an Incident at that time and is of great historical value.
Bingjian Garden was built to commemorate the Xi'an Incident. It exhibits some weapons related to the Xi'an Incident, such as mountain guns, jeeps, armored vehicles and so on at that time. There are also theme relief sculptures about the Xi'an Incident in this Garden, which reproduce that period of history. The Xi'an Incident was also a historical event that shocked both China and the rest of the world in modern Chinese history. The outbreak and peaceful settlement of this event promoted the second cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party and the establishment of the united front against Japanese aggression. To commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Xi'an Incident, this Bingjian Garden was established on the basis of the original stele forest of the Bingjian Pavilion to carry forward the patriotic spirit of General Zhang Xueliang and General Yang Hucheng.
4.2 Wanzhao Pavilion 晚照亭
It is located to the east of Laojun Hall on the West Xiuling. With the meaning of "The Evening Glow on Lishan Mountain", it was a square pavilion built in 1981 with a double-eaved pyramidal roof. Standing on the north side of this Sunset Pavilion, one can have a bird's-eye view of the Huaqing Pool, the East Garden, the whole panorama of Lintong and the Wei River. "The Evening Glow on Lishan Mountain" is one of the Eight Scenic Spots in Guanzhong area. It is said that whenever the rain stops and the sky clears, and the clouds disperse, Lishan Mountain looks like a steed, so green and fresh that it is clearly visible. Bathed in the setting sun, it is draped in a charming layer of gold, looking even more glorious and enchanting.
4.3 Sanyuan Cave 三元洞
It is adjacent to Huaqing Pool in the north and leads to Laojun Hall above. As the first scenic spot to climb the mountain from the west gate of Lishan Forest Park, it is also a natural wonder, there are several quiet and elegant cave dwellings here. Inside the caves, the "Three Palaces" (the Jade Emperor, the God of Land and Yu the Great) respected in Taoism are enshrined. The most peculiar thing is that there are five round natural ventilation holes as thick as the mouth of a teacup in the cave. They are unfathomably deep and generate wind day and night, the wind blows outward in spring and summer, blows inward in autumn and winter. Therefore, it is called Sanyuan Cave. When tourists climb up to the entrance of the cave, they will immediately feel the gentle breeze blowing, which makes them feel cool and comfortable. So people call it the "divine wind".
4.4 Laojun Hall 老君殿
As a Taoist temple, Laojun Hall is located on the third peak of the West Xiuling of Lishan Mountain, it was originally the site of Palace of Eternal Life in Huaqing Palace. Legend has it that Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty met the Supreme Lord Laozi descending here twice, so it was called "Jiangsheng Pavilion" or "Chaoyuan Pavilion". Since the Supreme Lord Laozi is enshrined in the hall, it is named the Laojun Hall. The white jade statue of the Supreme Lord Laozi once worshiped in the hall was exquisitely shaped, with simple carving techniques and a vivid and lifelike appearance, it was the artwork made by Yuan Xiongjia, a famous sculptor from the Western Regions in the Tang Dynasty, now it is treasured in the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. At present, the statue of the Supreme Lord Laozi enshrined in the hall was erected in modern times. Inside the hall, the windows are bright and the tables are clean, the environment is quiet and secluded, outside the hall, the scenery is very stunning and charming, which makes it the famous Taoist temple in Shaanxi Province.
4.5 Laomu Hall 老母殿
It is located on the second peak of the West Xiuling of Lishan Mountain. According to historical legends, this temple was built to commemorate Nüwa, the founder of the Chinese nation. Legend has it that Nüwa "made humans out of yellow earth" and created mankind. Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors were all her descendants, she also refined stones on Lishan Mountain to mend the sky, working hard and making great contributions, so later generations respectfully called her "the Mother Goddess of Lishan". After her death, people buried her on the southern side of Lishan Mountain (now within the territory of Lantian County) and built the Nüwa Temple on this Mountain to commemorate her. Given its long history and booming incense offering, during the period from the 11th to the 15th day of the sixth lunar month every year, there are traditional temple fair celebrations under this magnificent hall, countless devout believers come to pay their respects in an endless stream, making it very lively.
4.6 Beacon Tower 烽火台
The Beacon Tower is situated on the highest peak of the West Xiuling of Lishan Mountain. It is the scenic spot with the highest altitude of 1,302 meters. Actually, it was a facility for transmitting war reports and dispatching troops in ancient times during wars. Meanwhile, it is also the birthplace of the story of "King You of Zhou played jokes on the feudal lords with the beacon fires and lost his kingdom with a laugh", and this story has been passed down until now. According to the legend, in order to make his beloved concubine Baosi (褒姒) smile, King You of Zhou lit the beacon fires right here, which indirectly led to the downfall of the Western Zhou Dynasty. Standing here, visitors can have a panoramic view of the whole Lintong area and the scenery of Lishan Mountain, making it a destination not to be missed.
4.7 Shiweng Temple 石瓮寺
Perched on the East Xiuling of Lishan Mountain, it was founded during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty and was a famous Buddhist temple in the Tang Dynasty. The ancient cypresses in front of the temple are green, tall and straight, standing upright in the wind, the views surrounded this temple make it a very peaceful and quiet place for a visit. When tourists look down at the valley scenery and look northward at the Weihe Plain, they will feel that their vision is broadened and their minds are suddenly enlightened, so it is really amazing.
4.8 Mingsheng Palace 明圣宫
It is said that Mingsheng Palace was donated and built by a Taoist compatriot from Taiwan. Inside the palace, there are palaces commonly seen in Taoism, such as Sanqing Hall, Xianzu Hall, Lingguan Hall. It is worth mentioning that great attention was paid to the building materials for the Mingsheng Palace. For example, the construction wood used is pine from the northeast of China, the wood for the statues is small-leaved camphorwood from Jiangxi Province, and the redwood imported from South Africa was used for the shrines and offering tables, so visitors can carefully appreciate them.
5. Suggested Tour Routes And Attractions
The following paths are the recommended touring routes in Lishan Mountain.
Leisure Route: Firstly, take the cableway to reach the Laomu Hall on the mountainside, and then walk to the Beacon Tower to overlook the panoramic view of Lintong. After that, walk down the mountain to visit Huaqing Pool. In the evening, visitors can also watch the stage play "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" by the way.
Sports Route: Firstly, visit the Huaqing Pool at the foot of the mountain. Then, climb up the mountain from the Bingjian Pavilion all the way to the Beacon Tower at the highest point, and it may take most of the day in the mountain. If you reach the top of the mountain in time for the sunset, you may enjoy the wonderful scenery of "The Evening Glow on Lishan Mountain". After that, you can choose to walk down or take the cableway down according to your physical strength.
Route without Taking the Cableway: Zhaoyang Gate → Bingjian Pavilion → Bingjian Garden → Beacon Tower.
Note: The Zhaoyang Gate (昭阳门) was built in the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, it is the east gate of Lishan Mountain Forest Park and also the starting point for visiting Lishan Mountain without taking the cableway.
It should be noted that the upward entrance (downward exit) of the Lishan cableway is outside the scenic area (about 200 meters west of the west gate). If you take the cableway to go down the mountain, you cannot re-enter the Huaqing Pool after getting out of the station. 6. Best Time To Go
The best time to visit Lishan National Forest Park is from April to October every year. During this period, the natural scenery and cultural landscapes of Lishan Mountain are the most enchanting, and the climate is pleasant, which is very suitable for outdoor activities like photographing and hiking.
7. What To See Nearby Lishan National Forest Park
Since the combined ticket system has been implemented for Huaqing Pool and Lishan Mountain, it is necessary to connect the two scenic spots together.
If tourists plan to visit Huaqing Pool and Lishan Mountain in the morning and don't intend to watch the performance of "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (长恨歌) in the Huaqing Pool, they can first spend about three hours visiting Huaqing Pool and then visit Lishan Mountain.
If tourists intend to watch the performance "Song of Everlasting Sorrow", it is recommended that they do the opposite, which means that they can first spend two hours visiting Lishan Mountain and then continue to visit Huaqing Pool after coming down the mountain, finally catch the appropriate time to watch the performance of "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" in the evening.
Certainly, visitors can also visit the Terracotta Army at first, which may probably take about three hours, and then they can have lunch around the Terracotta Warriors at noon, finally arriving at the Huaqing Pool in the afternoon to appreciate its breathtaking views.
8. Travel Tips
Playing time: It is recommended that tourists reserve at least two hours for the visit, they can choose to take the cable car or ropeway, or they can also choose to go on a hiking adventure to enjoy the natural beauty.
Best hiking routes: They can choose to climb along the trails. In this way, they can save their strength and also enjoy the beauty of nature.
Other activities: After visiting the scenic spots mentioned above, tourists can also visit other scenic spots in the forest park by the way, such as Laomu Spring (老母泉) and the Jade Maiden Lake (玉女湖), and the scenery there is also very beautiful.
