Cuihua Mountain National Geopark
Escape to Cuihua Mountain for breathtaking views, a unique ice cave, and a thrilling slide down the peak. A refreshing natural retreat near Xi'an.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Cuihua Mountain National Geopark
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape to Cuihua Mountain for breathtaking views, a unique ice cave, and a thrilling slide down the peak. A refreshing natural retreat near Xi'an.
"Awesome mountain outside of Xi'an! The view is worth it and there's even a fun slide down the mountain."
🚗 Drive for Convenience
Public transport is scarce. Driving your own car is best, as Didi can be unreliable.
💰 Slide Fee: WeChat Pay Only
The fun slide down has a fee, and only WeChat Pay is accepted.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ice Cave
Inside the mountain
Experience a surprising chill as temperatures drop to 3°C, even after winter, thanks to stored ice.

Scenic Mountain Hike
Mountain trails
Enjoy stunning views and a rewarding climb, with fewer people on the lower sections.

The Mountain Slide
Peak of the mountain
A fun and unique way to descend the mountain, offering an exhilarating ride down.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive for Convenience
Public transport is scarce. Driving your own car is best, as Didi can be unreliable.
💰 Slide Fee: WeChat Pay Only
The fun slide down has a fee, and only WeChat Pay is accepted.
🧊 Embrace the Ice Cave
Don't miss the ice cave for a refreshing escape from the heat, with temperatures near freezing.
🚶♀️ Hike the Lower Trails
Enjoy a less crowded experience by exploring the bottom portions of the mountain trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive for Convenience
Public transport is scarce. Driving your own car is best, as Didi can be unreliable.
💰 Slide Fee: WeChat Pay Only
The fun slide down has a fee, and only WeChat Pay is accepted.
🧊 Embrace the Ice Cave
Don't miss the ice cave for a refreshing escape from the heat, with temperatures near freezing.
🚶♀️ Hike the Lower Trails
Enjoy a less crowded experience by exploring the bottom portions of the mountain trails.
⛰️ Conquer the Climb
The hike is steep and takes about an hour, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
🛏️ Escape Xi'an's Bustle
A great weekday getaway from the city, offering a peaceful natural retreat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cuihua Mountain is praised for its stunning views and unique attractions like the ice cave and mountain slide. Visitors appreciate its escape from city crowds, especially on weekdays. However, access can be challenging due to limited public transport, and the slide payment is restricted to WeChat Pay.
"Awesome mountain outside of Xi'an! It's pretty steep and takes about 1 hour to climb. The view is worth it and there's even a fun slide down the mountain."
Simon Godsk Grome
"Easy access from Xi'an. The ice cave is really freezing 🥶. Away from the crowds in Xi'an during weekdays."
TL Yeap
"There are less people on the bottom portion of the climb.
There is a slide down from the peak of the mountain but there is a fee, only WeChat Pay is accepted.
There is no public transportation to the mountain and Didi may not allow drivers to pickup or drop-off passengers here depending on the weather. Recommended to drive own car here."
Ordinary Person
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Public transportation to Cuihua Mountain is very limited. The most recommended way to visit is by driving your own car. Ride-sharing services like Didi may also have restrictions on pick-up and drop-off depending on weather conditions, making a personal vehicle the most reliable option.
Parking availability can vary, especially during peak times. It's advisable to arrive early, particularly on weekends or holidays, to secure a spot.
Unfortunately, direct public transport options are scarce. Visitors typically rely on private vehicles or organized tours for convenient access to the park.
The park is located southwest of Xi'an. Follow major routes heading out of the city towards the mountains, and use GPS navigation for precise directions.
Information on internal shuttle services can vary. It's best to check on-site for any available transport options once you arrive, though many visitors explore on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific pricing can change, there is an entrance fee to access the park. It's recommended to check the latest admission prices before your visit.
Booking in advance is generally not required for standard entry, but it's always a good idea to check the official website or local tourism information for any updates, especially during busy seasons.
The park typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. Exact hours can vary seasonally, so confirm before your trip.
The ice cave is usually accessible with the park's general admission, but it's wise to confirm on-site if any additional charges apply.
The popular slide down the mountain accepts only WeChat Pay. Ensure you have this app set up and funded before you plan to use the slide.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the peak typically takes about an hour, depending on your pace and fitness level. The trails can be steep, so wear appropriate footwear.
The ice cave is remarkably cold, with temperatures dropping to around 3 degrees Celsius (37.4°F) due to ice that remains from winter.
Yes, a highlight is the fun slide down from the mountain peak, offering an exciting way to descend. There's also the unique ice cave experience.
While the hike can be challenging for very young children, families can enjoy the scenic beauty and the unique ice cave. The slide offers a fun element for older kids and adults.
The summit offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making the climb a rewarding experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic vistas from the hiking trails, the entrance to the ice cave for dramatic contrast, and the top of the mountain for sweeping panoramas. The slide itself can also make for dynamic action shots.
Yes, the stark contrast between the icy interior and the outside world can create dramatic and unique photographic opportunities. Bring a camera that handles low light well.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday can be harsh.
A tripod can be helpful for capturing stable shots in low-light conditions, especially within the ice cave or during sunrise/sunset. However, consider the ease of carrying it on the hike.
Generally, photography is allowed throughout the park for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Cuihua Mountain: Transportation & Access
Once inside the park, while the main attractions are accessible via hiking trails, there's a unique way to descend from the peak: a fun slide. Be aware that this slide comes with a fee, and importantly, it exclusively accepts WeChat Pay. Ensure you have this payment method set up and sufficiently funded if you plan to experience this exhilarating descent. The park's layout encourages exploration on foot, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the natural beauty and reaching the various points of interest.
The Unique Appeal: Ice Caves and Mountain Slides
For those seeking a bit of adventure on their way down, the mountain slide from the peak is a major draw. This isn't your average playground slide; it's a thrilling ride that provides an exciting and memorable way to descend the mountain. While it requires a separate fee and payment via WeChat Pay, many visitors find it to be a highlight of their trip, adding an element of fun and exhilaration to the natural beauty of Cuihua Mountain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit