The most beautiful place in the Qinling Mountains, with an average summer temperature of 22°C, an excellent health and summer resort.
Try a local specialty in Shangluo.
Metro + ride-hailing cover most urban areas.
"Hello" works well — learn a few simple phrases too.
April-October
Aim for golden hours: early morning / late afternoon.
Located in Shaanxi.
Taoist Sacred Site
Geological Wonder
Popular / Alpine / Summer Retreat
Popular / Canyon Hike
Planning a trip to the Zhashui Karst Cave? This detailed guide covers everything from getting there and ticket prices to what makes this underground river and limestone formation a must-see in Shaanxi. Find practical tips and hidden details for your visit.
Planning a trip to Jinsi Grand Canyon in Shaanxi? This detailed guide covers essential tips on hiking routes, transportation from Xi'an, ticket prices, and the best spots for photography to help you plan a perfect visit to this Qinling Mountains gem.
Planning a trip to Niubeiliang National Forest Park in Shaanxi? Discover the best hiking trails, how to get there from Xi'an, where to stay, and essential tips for visiting this stunning part of the Qinling Mountains.
Struggling to find a comfortable, well-located hotel near Niubeiliang National Forest Park where staff speak some English? This guide cuts through the confusion with specific hotel picks, honest distance facts, and payment advice for international travelers.
Recent Reviews
What a peaceful retreat! I stayed in a farmhouse homestay near Zhashui County and it was exactly what I needed—fresh mountain air, friendly hosts who cooked local specialties like tofu stew and wild mushroom rice, and endless cherry blossoms in spring. No fancy hotels, no tourist traps, just pure relaxation. Would absolutely come back again next year. Highly recommend for solo travelers looking to recharge.
I came for the Qinling mountain landscapes and left with mixed feelings. The sunrise at Tianzhushan was absolutely magical—mist rolling over the peaks, perfect light for photos. But the man-made glass bridge felt gimmicky and overpriced (60 yuan just to walk across it). Also, the staff at the ticket counter were rude and barely spoke any English. Great for nature photography, not so much for service.
Very underrated destination if you’re on a tight budget. Accommodation in the old town area is cheap (around 80 yuan a night for a clean guesthouse), and street food is incredibly affordable. I had a hearty bowl of lamb soup with flatbread for less than 15 yuan. Not much nightlife, but if you want a quiet escape from the city grind, Shangluo delivers. The only downside: most attractions are scattered, so you’ll need a car or patience with local buses.
We spent three days in Shangluo mainly to see the Golden Gorge (Jinsixia). The limestone formations and waterfalls were beautiful, but the ticketing process was a nightmare—long queues and confusing online booking system. Also, the signage along the trail is poorly maintained; we got lost twice. Worth it for the scenery, but the local tourism office really needs to step up their game.
Honestly, Shangluo blew me away. I was expecting a sleepy little town, but the hiking trails around Niubeiliang are absolutely stunning—crisp air, lush forests, and hardly any crowds. The local noodle shop near the bus station served the best biangbiang noodles I’ve had in years. If you love untouched nature, this place is a gem. Just wish public transport was a bit more frequent.
Stayed at a family-run guesthouse in Manchuan Ancient Town and it was the highlight of my trip. The host cooked us a home meal using wild greens from the hills, and we sat on the rooftop watching the sun set over the old tile roofs. The ancient streets are quiet at night with lanterns lit — very romantic. Only reason it’s not 5 stars: the mattress was a bit hard.
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