Cuihua Mountain rises just south of Xi'an in the Qinling range, which separates the north China plain from the south of the country. The area is part of the Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark, recognised for the way it records the collision of continental plates and for the unusual landforms left behind.
What makes it unusual
The character of Cuihua comes from a huge landslide in ancient times, which broke the mountain slope and dammed a valley to form Tianchi, a small high-altitude lake ringed by cliffs. Around it the debris field has created a landscape of tilted granite blocks, chasms and boulder fields that geologists study. Walking paths climb between the slabs and through a narrow cleft in the rock known as the Wind Cave, where cold air pushed through the gaps acts as natural air conditioning even in midsummer. The Ice Cave nearby holds ice well into the warm months.
Mountain and temple
Beyond the lake a steep stone staircase climbs to the summit ridge, with views back over the Guanzhong plain and across the Qinling to higher peaks. Ancient shrines and small temples sit at several points on the route, including a temple dedicated to the Tang princess Cuihua after whom legend says the mountain is named, and a cliff carved with Buddhist figures.
Practical information
Cuihua Mountain is about 20 kilometres south of Xi'an, roughly an hour by car or taxi, or a bus from the city's south bus station to the park entrance followed by an internal shuttle. The park charges admission and runs a shuttle to the lake, and the summit walk adds two to three hours. There is a ski area operating in winter on the upper slopes, and the lake and caves are the main draw from spring to autumn.
Who it suits
Anyone who wants a half day of walking and forest after several days of cities and museums. Wear shoes with real grip, bring water and a light jacket whatever the season, and go on a weekday if you want the trails to yourself.
