Photo: www.59766.cn

Xi'an Purple Cypress Mountain

Located in Liuba county in Hanzhong, and lying at the southern foot of Qinling Mountain, the Purple Cypress Mountain gets the name from the eponymous tress all over the mountains and wilderness. It is praised as the best mountain in the region, thanks to the attractive scenery including alpine meadows, rare flora and fauna, and  primeval forest and caves. Now it has been developed into an ecological tourist zone that integrates sightseeing, scientific research, health care and exploration activities.

Admission fee: 60 yuan ($9.48)

Driving route:

Xi'an - Highway 345 (Xi'an - Baoji) - Baoji - Provincial Highway 212 - Fengxian county - National Highway 316 - Purple Cypress Mountain

Photo: www.2bulu.com

Huangbaiyuan Scenic Area

Located in Taibai county in Baoji city, the Huangbaiyuan Scenic Area, which lies at the hinterland of Qinling Mountain, is known as the Shangri-La of the region, due to its breathtaking views. A total of 96 percent of the area is forested. Many rare animals such as pandas, golden monkeys, takins and crimson-bellied pheasants inhabit the area. It is also famous for its abundant natural resources, including minerals, water, and medicinal materials.

Driving route:

Xi'an - Xiwan (Xi'an - Wanxian) Highway - Highway S107 - Mazhao Paths - Highway S217 - National Highway 310 - Meixian county - Highway S210 - Taibai county - Huangbaiyuan Scenic Area

Photo: xawanduo.com

Cuihua Mountain

Located in Taiyigong town, Chang'an district, about 20 kilometers from downtown Xi'an, Cuihua Mountain is a park in the Qinling Mountain formed of metamorphic rocks. Comprised of Cuihua Lake, Tianchi Lake and a "stone sea" formed by a landslide, the mountain has beautiful scenery and is an important area of scientific research.

Admission fee: 70 yuan ($11.06)

Transportation: take the No.905 bus to Cuihua Mountain 

Photo: shaohs.com

Shaohua Mountain

Located 7 kms to the southeast of Huaxian county in Weinan city and lying at the northern slope of Qinling Mountain, Shaohua Mountain is a sister mountain of Huashan Mountain, one of the five sacred mountains in China. Covering an area of 6,300 hectares, Shaohua Mountain Forest Park is made up of the Qianlong Temple, Shaohua Peak, Hongya Lake, Shimen Gorge and Milin Valley. It is one of the famous mountains of Daoism, and has been praised by many poets and scholars.

Admission fee: 90 yuan ($14.22) (March - November); 60 yuan (December - February next year)

Transportation: Take the shuttle bus at Xi'an Chengdong Bus Station to Huaxian county, get off at the Dengta Stop, and then take another shuttle bus to the Shaohua Mountain.

Photo: www.oksxtour.com

Guanshan Pasture

Located in Longxian county in Baoji, about 300 kms from Xi'an, Guanshan Pasture, is an alpine meadow. There are grasslands, valleys, hills and streams. Visitors can go there for horse riding and camping.

Admission fee: 50 yuan ($7.9) (March - November); 20 yuan ($3.16) (December - February)

Driving route:

Xi'an - Xibao (Xi'an - Baoji) Highway - Baoji - Baoping (Baoji - Pingliang) Road - Longxian county - Guanshan Pasture