The Green National Park Atop Mount Taibai

A Complete Guide to Taibai Mountain National Forest Park I. Authentic Food Recommendations The cuisine of Taibai Mountain combines Shaanxi flavors with mountain delicacies. The following dishes are highly recommended: 1. Saozi Noodles: A classic Shaanxi noodle dish, known for its spicy, sour, and savory taste, and chewy noodles. 2. Yangyu Caca (Potato Rubs): Crispy potato snacks, best enjoyed with chili sauce. 3. Guokui (Crusty Cake) with Green Chili: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with fresh chili for a rich texture. 4. Stewed Mutton: A winter delicacy, slow-cooked with medicinal herbs such as angelica and red dates to warm the body. 5. Cold Liangpi Noodles: A Baoji specialty, thin and chewy noodles served with hot chili oil and vinegar for a spicy and refreshing taste. 6. Wild Mushroom Dishes: Such as mushroom stewed chicken and stir-fried fungus with meat, made with fresh mountain mushrooms. II. Must-Visit Attractions Natural Scenery: 1. Baxiantai (elevation 3,771m): The highest peak of Taibai Mountain, offering panoramic views of the sea of clouds. The Taoist temple ruins are full of legends. 2. Tianyuan Place (3,511m): The landmark of the north-south boundary line, experience the spectacle of "stepping on both the north and south." 3. Honghua Plain: In autumn, the forest is ablaze with color. The orange-red bark of the red birch trees contrasts beautifully with the glacial remains. 4. Daxie Lake: A high-altitude lake at 3,590m, reflecting the snow-capped mountains in summer and freezing into a mirror in winter. 5. Lotus Peak Waterfall: An 80-meter waterfall that forms a spectacular icefall in winter, a paradise for ice climbing enthusiasts. Cultural Attractions: • Taibai Mountain Taoist Temple: A Taoist holy site where you can experience the cultural atmosphere of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. • Ancient Plank Road of the Three Kingdoms: The rebuilt "Taibai Bird Path," a steep ancient road described in Li Bai's poems. III. Accommodation Options Inside the Scenic Area: 1. Simple Accommodation on the Mountain Top: Such as Daxie Lake Inn (dormitory-style, basic conditions but excellent location, suitable for stargazing and watching the sunrise). 2. Hot Spring Hotel: Taibai Mountain Phoenix Hot Spring Hotel in Tangyu Hot Spring area is recommended, where you can enjoy forest hot springs and snow mountain scenery. Outside the Scenic Area: • Mei County: Many budget hotels, such as Taibai Mountain Yinlongyuan Hotel and Jingyue Resort Hotel, priced at CNY 150-500/night. • Farmhouse: Experience local customs and culture at affordable prices (approx. CNY 100-200/night). IV. Transportation Guide Self-driving: • From Xi'an: Take the Lianhuo Expressway to Lanjia South Exit, then turn to Jiangtang Highway, about 2.5 hours. • From Baoji: Take the Xibao Expressway to Mei County, about 1.5 hours. Public Transportation: • Take a direct bus to Taibai Mountain from Xi'an West Bus Station, or take Tourist Line 2. • Take the high-speed train to Baoji South Station, then transfer to a shared car/Bus 203 to the scenic area. Transportation within the Scenic Area: • Sightseeing Bus: Visitor Center to Honghua Plain, ticket price CNY 60/person. • Cable Car: Tianxia Cable Car (Honghua Plain - Tianyuan Place, one way CNY 90) and Fuyunge Cable Car (Xiabansi - Shangbansi). V. Useful Tips 1. Best Time to Travel: • Summer (June-August): A summer resort with an average temperature of 25℃. • Autumn (September-October): Red leaves cover the mountains, perfect for photography. 2. Equipment Recommendations: • Non-slip hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses (strong ultraviolet rays at high altitudes). • Warm clothing (large temperature difference on the top of the mountain, you need to bring a coat even in summer). 3. Tickets and Fees: • Peak season ticket CNY 90, off-season CNY 54; cable car one way CNY 90, round trip CNY 150. • Hot spring experience about CNY 150/person, average meal cost CNY 50-100/meal. 4. Safety and Environmental Protection: • Follow the scenic route and do not enter unopened areas without permission (there may be wild animals). • Take your own garbage down the mountain to protect the original ecology. 5. Itinerary Planning: • One-day tour: Give priority to Tianyuan Place and Baxiantai, and take the cable car to save energy. • Two-day tour: Hike to Daxie Lake for accommodation on the first day, and climb to the top to watch the sunrise on the second day. Taibai Mountain combines natural wonders and cultural heritage. Whether it is climbing to enjoy the scenery, healing in hot springs, or tasting mountain delicacies, it can meet diverse travel needs. It is recommended to pay attention to the weather before departure and book accommodation in advance to avoid peak hours.