Shangluo

Shangluo is relatively cool in summer. Bring a light jacket when heading into the mountains or caves.

Located on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains, Shangluo is a small city in southern Shaanxi where mountains, rivers, and old towns sit side by side. The average summer temperature is about 22°C, making it suitable for a relaxing summer escape. From Xi’an, the fastest high-speed train takes about 24 minutes, so it works well for a weekend or short holiday trip.

• Shangluo Jinsixia Gorge: Jinsixia is a 5A-rated scenic area known for its long, narrow gorge, elegant scenery, and dramatic landforms. The area features a ten-thousand-meter gorge, thirteen tiers of waterfalls, and emerald-green pools. It feels cool in summer and is good for gorge hiking and playing by the water.

• Shangluo Niubeiliang National Forest Park: Niubeiliang National Forest Park is located in the eastern section of the Qinling Mountains, with forest coverage of 93% and fresh air. It is best to start with the Shangluo Takin Valley area, where the creekside boardwalk is relatively gentle and suitable for forest hiking and water play. Those with better stamina can take the cable car to Shangluo Nantianmen to see alpine meadow scenery.

• Shangluo Tayun Mountain: The ancient buildings on Tayun Mountain cling to steep peaks. The mountain, clouds, mist, and temples together create a classic Qinling mountain landscape. Known as the “No. 1 Fairy Mountain of the Qinling Mountains,” it is good for photographing mountain scenery and suits travelers who like rugged views.

• Shangluo Dihua Ancient Town: Dihua Ancient Town is the hometown of Shangluo writer Jia Pingwa and is free to visit. Here you can explore Qingfeng Old Street and Shangluo Song-Jin Border Town. In July and August, the thousand-mu lotus ponds are especially scenic, and the town combines a literary atmosphere with the character of the ancient Qin-Chu road.

• Shangluo Zhashui Caves: Zhashui Caves are known as a “northern wonder” and consist of an underground space formed by 118 karst caves, with richly shaped stalactites. The caves stay at about 18°C year-round. Visitors can also experience a glass sky bridge and a 3D projection show, making it suitable for a half-day visit.

• Shangluo Tianzhu Mountain: Tianzhu Mountain is within the travel area of Shanyang County, Shangluo, and is a national forest park. Strange peaks, ancient temples, and seas of clouds set each other off within the scenic area. During the climb, you can experience the changing landforms of the southern Qinling slope; on cloudy days, there is a chance of seeing a sea of clouds.

• Shangluo Muwang Mountain: Muwang Mountain is within the travel area of Zhen’an County, Shangluo, and is also a national forest park. Its forested mountains, peak forests, and seasonal mountain flowers create a layered Qinling ecological landscape, making it suitable for self-driving travelers and those who prefer in-depth nature trips.

• Shangluo Zhongnan Mountain Village: Zhongnan Mountain Village is close to Niubeiliang. The village offers water activities and folk performances, making it suitable for families with children to cool off and relax in summer. Nearby guesthouses are relatively affordable.

Classic Three-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart from Xi’an and explore Jinsixia Gorge
  • Transport: In the morning, take a high-speed train from Xi’an East Station to Shangnan Station, about 1 hour, then transfer to a bus to Jinsixia Town. You can also take a direct bus from Xi’an Fangzhicheng Bus Station.
  • Activities: After arrival, enter Jinsixia Scenic Area. The less tiring route is to take the scenic shuttle bus from the visitor center uphill to Liyuan Gate (South Gate) at the mountaintop, then follow the downhill route past Danjiangyuan, Suolong Waterfall, Heilong Gorge’s narrow sky-view section, and Bailong Gorge before exiting from the North Gate. The full route takes about 4.5–5 hours. There is plenty of shade along the way, so it is relatively cool in summer.
  • Stay: Stay overnight in Jinsixia Town, where you can try small Danjiang fish and acorn jelly noodles.
• Day 2: Stroll through an ancient town and head to Zhashui
  • Activities: Travel from Jinsixia Town to Danfeng County, then take a taxi to Dihua Ancient Town. You can visit Qingfeng Old Street and Jia Pingwa Book House, and learn about the culture of the ancient Qin-Chu road. For lunch, consider immortal-leaf jelly noodles and Dihua fried dough twists.
  • Transport: In the afternoon, travel from Danfeng to Zhashui County. Public transport between counties usually requires transfers, so groups may consider carpooling.
  • Stay: Arrive in Zhashui County in the evening for dinner. Try Zhashui potato ciba and tofu stewed with free-range chicken, then stay overnight in Zhashui County.
• Day 3: Cave exploration and forest fresh air
  • Activities: In the morning, head to Zhashui Caves. The cave interior is about 18°C, so bring a light jacket. The visit takes about 2 hours. Return to the county town for lunch at noon.
  • Activities: In the afternoon, carpool to Niubeiliang National Forest Park. Focus on the Takin Valley area first, hiking along the creekside boardwalk and enjoying the primeval forest environment.
  • Return: Pay attention to timing. You should leave the scenic area before 16:00, then carpool back to Zhashui Bus Station and return to Xi’an by bus or high-speed train.

Two-Day Slow Trip in Shangluo City Area Suitable for an Unhurried Weekend

• Day 1: Arrive at Shangluo Station in the morning and take a taxi to Heping Morning Market for breakfast. Options include Ye’s rolled cold noodles and Shangluo Nan’s pan-fried buns. In the morning, visit the Shangluo Qinling Museum (free, advance reservation required). In the afternoon, go boating and walking in Lianhu Park. In the evening, climb Jinfeng Mountain to watch the sunset, then head to Shangzhou Night Market for skewers and malatang.
• Day 2: In the morning, go to Erlongshan Reservoir. You can walk uphill to view rocky cliffs and reservoir scenery, or take a boat ride. In the afternoon, stroll around the city, buy walnut buns as souvenirs, then return by high-speed train.

Shangluo Food Highlights

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Transport:
  • High-speed train: From Xi’an to Shangluo West or Shangnan Station, the fastest trip takes about 24 minutes. To Niubeiliang Station, it takes about 15 minutes, making access fairly convenient.
  • Self-driving: From Xi’an, it takes about 2 hours to reach Shangluo city area. Overall road conditions are good, and driving also makes it easier to continue to attractions in different counties and districts.
  • Inter-county transport: Public transport transfers between Shangluo’s counties and districts can be relatively inconvenient, especially when going to places such as Jinsixia and Zhashui. Self-driving, carpooling, or joining a local one-day tour is recommended.
• Accommodation:
  • Shangluo city area: You can stay near Wanda or Lianhu Park. Taxis are convenient, and city attractions and dining spots are nearby.
  • Zhashui County: Convenient for visiting Niubeiliang and Zhashui Caves, with many guesthouse and hotel options at moderate prices.
  • Jinsixia Town: If you plan to visit Jinsixia early on the first day, you can stay in the town in advance, though accommodation conditions are usually not as complete as in the city area.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance: Free venues such as the Qinling Museum require advance reservations, so book ahead to avoid being unable to enter on arrival.
• Watch the time: Jinsixia stops admitting visitors at 16:00, and Niubeiliang stops admitting visitors at 17:30. The last urban-rural buses are usually quite early, so plan your return in advance.
• Temperature differences and gear: The Qinling mountain areas and cave interiors are usually 8–10°C cooler than the city, so bring a light jacket or windproof jacket. Wear non-slip sports shoes for gorge hiking, and consider bringing trekking poles.
• Mosquito and sun protection: Forests and gorges have many mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent. Although the mountains are cool, daytime UV rays are still strong, so use sun protection.
• Luggage storage: If you take a bus to Jinsixia, you can store luggage at the visitor center to avoid carrying large bags during your visit and then rushing for transport afterward.