Weekend Exploration: The Peak Temptation of Nanzhong Mountain's Southern Wutai

The weekend is upon us, and it's time to give our weary souls a break! The Southern Wutai scenic area of Nanzhong Mountain, a hidden gem deep in the Qinling Mountains, radiates natural and historical charm and is well worth exploring. Southern Wutai is not just any mountain; it is the gathering place of five small peaks, each with its own character and story. The refreshing Qingliang Platform, the wise Wenshu Platform, the ancient legend-telling Sheshen Platform, the Lingying Platform that seems to echo with the sounds of history, and the awe-inspiring Guanyin Platform. Moreover, this was the essential path for the Tang Dynasty's eminent monk Xuanzang on his journey to the West, where every step seems to imbue his indomitable spirit. Trekking the winding paths of Southern Wutai, every step is a new discovery. You'll encounter playful squirrels, hear the cheerful songs of streams, and see the smiles of mountain flowers. Here, nature's gifts are abundant, and ancient relics like the Tang Dynasty's Jinfen Buddha Pagoda and the Ming Dynasty's Wuliangshou Temple stand quietly, telling tales of past glories. The most thrilling part is the 12.5-kilometer hiking journey. It's not just a walk, but a purification of the soul, a deep conversation with nature. Every step is challenging, and every moment is memorable. The Southern Wutai scenic area is a place where you can breathe freely and relax your body and mind over the weekend. This weekend, let's embrace the beauty of life and enjoy the fun of adventure in the embrace of Southern Wutai's peaks. Southern Wutai is waiting for you to discover! 🚉 Transportation Strategy: A Wei Qu Nan B Mouth 730 (6:00-19:30) Direct to the ticket office (this station is crowded, sometimes you may stand for over an hour, or you can take a seat directly from the first station of 730 at Fanjia Cross Station) B Wei Qu Nan B Mouth 338 (6:30-20:00) The end point is about one kilometer away from the ticket office Self-driving: About 40min from Xi'an city, but close to the scenic area, there is a parking lot at the village entrance, 10 yuan per day (some people drive directly to the scenic area parking lot). 📝 Tips: After checking the ticket and entering, there is a shuttle bus stop, as it's 11 kilometers away from the stairway entrance, and the scenic area staff recommend taking the sightseeing bus (20 yuan per person one way, usually until 17:00). If you are physically fit and choose not to take the bus, you don't need to queue, but it's really tiring because there are 1888 steps waiting for you. The mountain gate has a brief introduction to the scenic area, which gives a basic idea of the route. If you walk the whole way, it's expected to take about two hours to reach the stairway entrance (walk up along the driveway, be sure to pay attention to safety) At the Changshi Step Entrance Platform, you can replenish some energy before starting to climb. There is a steep section of steps, but the views from Guanyin Platform, Wenshu Platform, and Lingying Platform are very good and open!