Taibai Mountain National Forest Park
Lying at the north foot of Taibai Mountain (the peak of Qinling Mountain), Taibai Mountain National Forest Park, is located in Meixian County, in Baoji City of Shaanxi Province. Covering an area of 7,287 acres, 94.3% of which is covered with forest, it contains 10 scenic districts and over 180 attractions. Since its height above the sea level varies from 0.39 miles to 2.18 miles, it is the highest national forest park of China. It was officially established in 1991 and has been formally open to the public since July, 1992.
Taibai means 'too white' in Chinese, used here to describe the color of the mountain. Because of the cold climate in the mountain, thick layers of ice have always been covering its summits all year round. Endowed with prosperous forest resources, rich animal species, odd mountainous physiognomy together with its profound historical scenes, Taibai Mountain National Forest Park has attracted countless visitors from home and abroad.
Various Creatures
Titled as the 'Asian Natural Botanical Garden' and the 'Natural Zoo of China', the forest park has more than 1,850 kinds of seed plants and over 1,690 kinds of insects and animals, including more than 230 kinds of birds and over 40 kinds of beasts. Among them are some rare animal species, such as pandas and golden monkeys. Thanks to this natural advantage, the park is also considered to be an inartificial gene warehouse of natural species.
Lively Mountainous Scenery & Wonderful Hot Spring
Traveling here, visitors cannot help but admire the unique appearance of the rocks and the streams joyfully tottering along the winding mountain road. Your eyes will be stricken by the continuous chains here, while your ears will be pleased by the melodious song of the running water. Unconsciously, you will find yourself absorbed in the beautiful natural scenery. Another wonder of the park is its natural mineral water. There are abundant supplies of terrestrial heat in the low mountainous area in the park. The temperature of the hot spring can reach as high as 72 degrees centigrade (162 F) and it contains scores of mineral substances and microelements that are beneficial to people's health. There are also three lakes and several pools on the mountain top called Daye Hai, Erye Hai, Sanye Hai, Yuhuang Pool and Star Pool respectively.
Profound Historical Sights
Charm is added to Taibai Mountain National Forest Park by its profound historical sights. Historically, Taibai Mountain has received recognition from many emperors in past dynasties. Plentiful cultural relics, poetries and folklores have been left through generations. Many Chinese ancient poets, such as Li Bai, Du Fu (the two most prominent poets in Tang Dynasty (618 - 907)) and Su Shi (a famous poet of Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127)), traveled here and wrote some of their notable poems. There is also plenty of ancient architecture in this park, including 14 sites of temples, 32 ancient houses, 5 stone steles, 10 iron tablets, over 110 iron Buddha statues, 64 woodcarvings and several iron bells and furnaces.
Taibai Mountain National Forest Park is a fantastic place for visitors to find relaxation and refreshment. With respect to its climate, it is better to travel here in July and August, but do not forget to bring a cotton coat and rain gear. Traveling by ropeway (with a length of 0.68 mile) gives visitors the chance to appreciate the marvelous spectacle of glacier relics and sea of clouds.
TIPS
1. Basic info
Address: Meixian County, Baoji City
Ticket:
March 1 to November 30: CNY 100
December to the end of next February: CNY 60
Ropeway: CNY 60 (round-trip)
Strop: CNY 50
Time: 08:00-18:00
2. Transportation
From Xi'an:
Take Tour Bus No.2 from Xi'an Railway Station East Square to Taibai Mountain. The bus leaves at 08:00 every morning to via Famen Temple and returns Xi'an at 15:00. The bus fare is CNY22 per person.
Take regular bus to Meixian County or Baoji at Xi'an West Bus Station and get off at Da Qiao Kou, then transfer to bus to Tangyu (Taibai Mountain). The bus fare is about CNY20 to CNY23 per person.
Take bus to Tangyu at the Bus Station close to Xi'an Railway Station, which departs at 15:00 daily. The bus fare is CNY11 to CNY13 per person.
From Baoji:
Take regular bus (every 30mins.) at Baoji Passenger Station to Meixian and then transfer to buses that run to Tangyu. The bus fare is CNY10 to CNY13 per person.
Take bus to Tangyu at Baoji Yiyunsi Coach Station, which departs at 15:00 daily. The bus fare is CNY7.5 per person.
