The Qinling Mountains after a snowfall are like a fairyland! A complete guide to winter hiking in the South Wutai Mountains.

On November 18th, 2025, after the first snowfall in the Qinling Mountains, I headed straight to Nanwutai Mountain. There were quite a few people there even though it was a weekday, and my legs were aching from climbing the steps, but the scenery was absolutely worth it! Nanwutai Mountain Post-Snowfall Experience: I rushed to Nanwutai Mountain right after the weekend snowfall, and I didn't expect it to be so crowded even on a weekday! The snow on the mountain hadn't melted yet, and there were still plenty of rime ice and sea of ​​clouds—it was like stepping into a winter wonderland. The entire route was up to stairs, which was a test for my knees, but every step offered a different view. Transportation - Public Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Weiqu South Station, Exit B, then transfer to bus 730 directly to the scenic area gate. The journey takes about 1 hour. - By Car: Navigate to "Zhongnanshan Nanwutai". It takes about 1 hour from Xi'an city center. The road is narrow near the trailhead, so drive carefully through villages. Practical Money-Saving Tips Ticket Information: - Off-season (December-February): 25 RMB/person, student ticket 12 RMB; Peak season (March-November): 45 RMB/person, student ticket 22 RMB - Must Take the Scenic Shuttle Bus! 11km winding mountain road, 20 RMB one way, 40 RMB round trip, 20 minutes (hiking takes 2+ hours). Taking the bus is recommended to save energy. Recommended Route: - Efficient Route (3-4 hours): Scenic Area Gate → Scenic Shuttle Bus to Trailhead → Huolong Cave → Zizhu Forest → Lingying Terrace → Guanyin Terrace (highest point) → Return via the same route. The entire route has 1888 steps and takes 1.5-2 hours to reach the summit. - After snowfall, be sure to wear non-slip hiking boots and crampons, as the steps are very slippery when icy! Hiking poles are also essential. Four Must-See Sights After Snowfall 1. Red Walls Reflecting Snow: The red walls of Shengshou Temple contrast sharply with the white snow; perfect for photos in Hanfu (traditional Han clothing). 2. Rolling Sea of ​​Clouds: On clear mornings after a snowfall, between 6:30 and 8:30, the chances of seeing a sea of ​​clouds at Lingyingtai are highest. The clouds swirl among the peaks, creating a fairyland-like scene. 3. Frost and Jade Branches: The pines and cypresses around Wenshutai are covered in glistening frost; stunning photos taken with a phone's macro mode. 4. Golden Sunset at the Summit: Watch the sunset at Guanyintai between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. The snow turns golden, and the nighttime lighting makes it even more dreamlike. Practical Suggestions - Equipment: Non-slip hiking boots, crampons, hiking poles, a warm down jacket, hat, and gloves are all essential. - Supplies: Bring 1L of hot water and high-energy snacks. Bottled water is 7 yuan per bottle on the mountain, and instant noodles are 15 yuan per pack. Time: Try to depart from the city center before 7:00 AM. Entry to the scenic area closes at 4:00 PM, but the shuttle bus operates until 4:00 PM. - Photography: Bring a power bank (batteries drain quickly in low temperatures), a tripod (essential for capturing the sea of ​​clouds), and sunglasses (to protect against glare from the snow). Although climbing the steps will leave your legs sore, the snow-covered Nanwutai Mountain is breathtakingly beautiful! Those planning to see snow soon should hurry and grab this guide before heading out! Qinling Snow Scenery