[2025 Shenmu Attraction] Travel Guide for Erlang (Updated Jun)

🌲 Step into a real-life version of the Enchanted Forest! 2-day 1-night guide to Ya'an Laba River 🌲 No need to go to Nara—this hidden paradise is right near Chengdu! 🌿 Alpine forests, streams and waterfalls, wild water deer, playful monkeys... Easy family-friendly hikes, fresh oxygen therapy, and chances to encounter "mountain spirits" with fewer crowds and stunning views—super healing! ‼️ 🌳 Why choose Laba River? ✅ 3-hour direct drive from Chengdu, good road conditions, perfect for weekend getaways ✅ Zero-difficulty hiking with gentle plank paths, family-friendly ✅ Frequent wildlife sightings: water deer, Tibetan macaques, red pandas (if lucky) ✅ Beautiful year-round: Enchanted Forest in spring/summer, colorful foliage and snow-capped mountains in autumn/winter 🗺️ 2-day 1-night itinerary DAY1: Eastern Route · Exploring the Monkey Kingdom 📍 Walnut Flat: Stroll forest boardwalks and meet wild monkey troops (⚠️ Hide your food!) 📍 Red Stone Beach: Unique red moss spectacle, super photogenic 📍 Blue Crystal Hotel: Wait for water deer visits on the hotel lawn at dusk DAY2: Western Route · Searching for Forest Spirits 📍 Deer Pool: Watch water deer drink at dawn (best 7-9am) 📍 Azalea Lake: Alpine lake reflecting snow mountains, like a fairyland 📌 Practical info 🎫 Ticket: ¥50 (cheaper if booked online) 🚗 Transport: Recommended self-drive, 3hrs from Chengdu 🍜 Dining: Restaurants available, or bring snacks 👗 Outfits: Light colors for better photos, pack a light jacket 💚 Ideal for: Families, hiking beginners, nature lovers, photographers 📅 Best season: May-Oct (summer escape, autumn foliage) 🏨 Accommodation recs 1. Blue Crystal Hotel ✨ Deer sightings outside your window, frequent lawn visits ✨ Rooftop observatory for stars + snow mountains 2. Deer Call Hotel 💰 More budget-friendly, hear deer calls at night ⚠️ Notes ▪️ Don't carry plastic bags in monkey areas, keep backpacks zipped ▪️ Stay quiet when deer-watching to avoid startling them ▪️ Bring waterproof shoe covers in rainy season—boardwalks get slippery Tip: If time allows, pair with "Shenmu Ridge" or "Dawaganzha" for a mini Western Sichuan loop!

## Shenmu Erlang Mountain Travel Guide Shenmu Erlang Mountain is located 1 kilometer west of Shenmu City, Yulin, Shaanxi Province, with an elevation of 1,082 meters. Known as the "Little Huashan of Northern Shaanxi" due to its steep terrain and rich religious cultural landscapes, here's a detailed travel guide: ### Scenic Features - **Natural Landscape**: The mountain winds dramatically with steep rock faces on the east side and dense pine forests on the west. The Kuye and Tuwei Rivers converge at the foot of the mountain. - **Religious Culture**: The mountain houses over 100 halls, temples, pavilions, and towers, blending Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist cultures. The Erlang Temple, Three Religions Hall, and Dizang Cave are the most representative. - **Historical Legends**: Famous for being named "Pen Rack Mountain" by Emperor Zhengde of the Ming Dynasty, it's also known as "Camel Hump Mountain" and "West Mountain." ### Main Attractions 1. **Erlang Temple**: Built in 1444 during the Ming Dynasty, it features a courtyard-style structure with exquisite murals and Ming Dynasty brick carvings. 2. **Three Religions Hall**: The largest temple complex on the mountain, with Ming Dynasty colored paintings of "East Mountain Panorama" and "West Mountain Panorama" on its east and west walls. 3. **Dizang Cave Grotto**: Built during the Ming Dynasty, dedicated to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, with ceiling stone carvings combining Taoist Eight Trigrams and Buddhist lotus patterns. 4. **Haoran Pavilion Grotto**: Built during the Anti-Japanese War, with walls embedded with stone tablets inscribed with patriotic poems. 5. **Jade Emperor Pavilion**: Located at the highest peak, offering panoramic views of Shenmu City. ### Touring Routes Recommended route: Visitor Center → Main Entrance → Renyou Square → Blessing Corridor → Haoran Pavilion → Erlang Temple → Erlang God Spring → Dragon Mother Temple → Hall of Gods → Immortal Temple → Three Religions Hall → Reversed-Sitting Guanyin Hall → Cultural Exhibition Hall → Visitor Center. Two mountain climbing routes: - **West Mountain Path**: Separate paths for vehicles and pedestrians, safe and convenient. - **East Mountain Path**: Better for experiencing the steep mountain terrain. ### Best Time to Visit - **Suitable year-round**, with spring and autumn offering the best climate. - **Temple Fair periods** (8th day of the 1st lunar month, 8th day of the 4th lunar month, 22nd day of the 6th lunar month) are the most lively. ### Tickets and Opening Hours - **Admission**: 20 yuan. - **Opening Hours**: 08:00-18:00. ### Transportation - **Public Transit**: Take a bus from Yulin North Bus Station to Shenmu County, then walk 1 kilometer west. - **Driving**: Navigate to "Erlang Mountain," the scenic area is adjacent to the county town with convenient parking. ### Accommodation and Dining - **Accommodation**: No hotels within the scenic area; hotels in Shenmu City are recommended. - **Cuisine**: Try local specialties like potato "chacha," Shenmu big red dates, and Yulin tofu. ### Tips 1. Wear comfortable hiking shoes as some sections are steep. 2. During temple fairs, crowds are dense; consider visiting during off-peak hours. 3. Be mindful of safety when using drones for aerial photography; some areas may have restrictions. Erlang Mountain combines natural wonders with cultural heritage, making it an excellent place to experience Northern Shaanxi's religious culture and mountain scenery.

Erlang Mountain is located in the southwest of Shenmu City, Shaanxi Province, on the banks of the Kuye River. The mountain is steep, the architecture is simple, and it combines Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It has a profound historical and cultural heritage, and there is also the legend of Erlang Shen Yang Jian. Erlang Mountain is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The temples on the mountain were built during the Zhizheng period of the Yuan Dynasty. They flourished and have continued to this day. It is a cultural landmark and an emotional support for the people of Shenmu. While visiting historical and cultural relics, you can also enjoy the natural beauty of Shenmu City. The day I went, it was raining heavily. Climbing the mountain in the rain, the scenery was beautiful, and I felt like I was in a fairyland. Due to the heavy rain and slippery mountain roads, I only climbed one peak, which was a pity.

Traveling with friends? Here's how to enjoy Yulin! Explore the tranquil lakeside scenery of Hongjiannao Lake at your leisure. This relaxing journey is free of thrills and full of pure enjoyment. -- 📅 Itinerary: Day 1: Xi'an - Jingbian Depart from Xi'an and head to Jingbian to start your Yulin trip. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the unique charm of this small city. Day 2: Erlang Mountain - Shaanxi Hongjiannao Scenic Area - Yulin Ancient City On the second day, climb Erlang Mountain to enjoy the natural scenery. Then, head to Shaanxi Hongjiannao Scenic Area to explore this magical land. Finally, stroll through Yulin Ancient City to experience its rich history and cultural charm. Day 3: Dingbian Salt Lake Scenic Area On the third day, head to Dingbian Salt Lake Scenic Area to immerse yourself in the picturesque salt lake and marvel at the wonders of nature. Take plenty of photos to capture the beautiful moments of your trip. -- Must-visit attractions: 🌟 Erlang Mountain: Located in Shenmu County, Yulin City, this mountain is home to many temples and architectural styles. Its rich history makes every step feel like a journey through time. Seniors, come here to enjoy the tranquility of life! 🌊 Dingbian Salt Lake Scenic Area: This salt lake in Dingbian, Shaanxi, is not only an important salt production area but also a peaceful tourist destination. There are no exciting activities, just leisurely walks and the gifts of nature. It's perfect for seniors to enjoy a relaxing trip. -- Tips: 🚗 Airport transportation: Yulin Airport offers convenient parking with both indoor and outdoor options at reasonable rates, ensuring a worry-free trip. 📸 Photo spots: Erlang Mountain and Tongwan City Ruins Park are great places for photography. Don't miss them! ❄️ December weather: Yulin is cold in winter, with average temperatures ranging from -11°C to 2°C. Remember to wear warm clothing. 🎁 Local specialties: Yulin offers a variety of affordable local specialties, such as red dates and buckwheat noodles, which make great souvenirs. -- Yulin is a city of stunning scenery and rich history. Don't forget to leave your footprints and memories here! 👣✨

🆘You can visit Erlang Mountain in the afternoon. The ticket is 20💰 and it takes about three or four hours. The scenery on the top of the mountain is beautiful. You can feel the crystallization of the wisdom of the ancients with every step. It is worthy of being a 4A AAA scenic spot. It is amazing. You can go to Haidilao nearby for dinner. It takes about ten minutes by car. It is very convenient. After eating, you can also go to the waterscape park to see the night view🌉No tickets, take a walk, it's very quiet, the air is very good, sisters go go go

Yulin Erlang Mountain, located in Shenmu City, Yulin, Shaanxi Province, is a tourist destination that combines natural scenery and cultural landscapes. It is known as the "Shaanbei Little Huashan" and is a landmark of Shenmu. Erlang Mountain is famous not only for its steep terrain and rich historical culture but also for its unique natural beauty that attracts many tourists. The mountain is named after the Erlang Temple on it, with an altitude of 1082 meters, stretching from north to south, with winding and undulating terrain, majestic and steep. Erlang Mountain is not only a key cultural relic protection unit in Shaanxi Province but also designated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction.

Erliang Mountain is located 1 kilometer west of Shenmu County, Yulin. The mountain range is winding and undulating, majestic and steep, with an altitude of 1082 meters. It is known as the 'Little Huashan of Northern Shaanxi' and is a landmark of Shenmu 😜 Erliang Mountain in Shenmu, a scenic spot in Linzhou, was historically part of Qiang Mountain and is commonly known as Xishan. Due to two protrusions in the middle of the mountain body resembling the double peaks of a camel, it is also called 'Camel Peak Mountain.' During the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty (1518 AD), Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Houzhao, passed by Shenmu County on his tour. Seeing that the mountain shape resembled a pen holder, he named it 'Pen Holder Mountain.' Later, scholars and literati, observing its camel-like appearance, often referred to it as 'Camel Peak Mountain.' On the ridge of Erliang Mountain, which stretches over 1 kilometer, more than 100 halls, temples, pavilions, and pavilions are distributed in a staggered manner, such as Baxian Cave, Dizang Cave, Sanshen Buddha Cave, Haoran Pavilion, Erliang Temple, Zhushen Hall, Sanjiao Hall, Yuhuang Pavilion, Niangniang Temple, and so on.

Shenmu City Erlangshan Scenic Area Erlangshan is located about 1 kilometer west of Shenmu County, Yulin. The mountain range of Erlangshan is winding and rugged, towering and precipitous. With an altitude of 1082 meters, it is known as the 'Little Huashan of Northern Shaanxi' and has become the iconic landscape of Shenmu. Shenmu Erlangshan, a scenic gem of Linzhou, was historically part of Qiang Mountain and commonly referred to as West Mountain. It is also called 'Camel Hump Mountain' because there are two protrusions in the middle of the mountain that resemble the humps of a camel. During the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty (in the year 1518), Emperor Wuzong of Ming, Zhu Houzhao, passed by Shenmu County and thought the mountain resembled a pen rack on a desk, hence he bestowed the name 'Pen Rack Mountain'. Later, scholars who visited the place observed its resemblance to camel humps, thus it was often referred to as 'Camel Hump Mountain'. Spread over a mountain ridge more than 1 kilometer long, in front of and behind Erlangshan, there are over 100 temples, pavilions, and towers, harmoniously distributed according to the terrain, such as the Eight Immortals Cave, Ksitigarbha Cave, Trikaya Buddha Cave, Haoran Pavilion, Erlang Temple, Various Gods Temple, Three Teachings Temple, Jade Emperor Pavilion, and Goddess Temple, etc.

Snowflakes lightly cover the century-old roofs, trees and courtyards, and the pure white world makes people feel like they are in a fairyland. Standing on Erlang Mountain, the ancient atmosphere that has been accumulated over the years forms a sharp contrast with the pure whiteness of the snow, which makes people feel awe. Walking on the stone path, stepping on the snow and listening to the creaking sound under your feet, you seem to be able to feel the weight of history and the depth of tranquility. The snow on Erlang Mountain is not only a natural phenomenon, but also a moving picture and a silent poem. After the snow, Erlang Mountain has an extra layer of mystery and more peace of mind. Scenic area opening hours: 8:00-18:00 Transportation: City bus: Bus No. 4, No. 8, No. 2 can reach the scenic area; Train: Shenmu Station is about 17 kilometers away from the scenic area; Airplane: Yulin Yuyang Airport and Ordos Ejin Horo Airport are both about 100 kilometers away from the scenic area. Ticket information: Tickets are 20 yuan/person; Minors and students are half price; Children under 1.2 meters, seniors over 60 years old, military disabled and other special groups are free of charge. The explanation service fee is 150-300 yuan. Address: Erlangshan Scenic Area, No. 1, Fengjia Tower Group, Fengjia Tower Village, Xigou Street, Shenmu City, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province