Boat rowing at Cuihua Mountain Geological Park

Aside from those famous historical and cultural relics, Shaanxi also boasts fascinating bearings of nature, such as the Cuihua Mountain Geological Park, Zhashui Karst Caves (Zhashui Rongdong) and so on.

The Cuihua Mountain, an offshoot of Zhongnan Mountain range, stands graciously 23 kilometers south of Xian. One can take bus No. 215 or No. 600 from the Bell Tower bus stop at the cost of CNY1.00 net per person to reach the South Chang'an Road bus stop, and then transfer to the tourist bus 905 to Cuihua Mountain Geological Park (terminal stop; ticket fare: CNY5.00 net per person). The admission fee is CNY70.00 net per person; telephone number of the park is (029) 85892176. Having been regarded as the "Geologic Museum" in China, the mountain scenic area is famous for landscapes formed after the ancient earthquake in Tang Dynasty (618-907). The highlights on the mountain lie in those odd peaks, the Barrier Lake (namely Taiyi Pool), the Wind Cave, the Ice Cave and etc. Ices never melt all the year round inside the Ice Cave. Thus the difference in temperature could reach 23℃ or more in summer inside and outside the Ice cave. The Wind Cave is sheltered from sunshine in all seasons and air stream would speed up when goes through the cave, while the force of the wind will trail off. Visitors will marvel at the characteristics of the geological park while enjoying oneself in the picturesque scenery. Nosheries are available in the scenic area, and you can have some local snacks at lunch time. If you are in fond of skiing, a visit to Cuihua Ski Resort is a great idea in later autumn, winter or early spring. Being well-appointed, this Ski Resort is the largest of such kind in Shaanxi province. Always remember that safety should come first while enjoying the activities. You may return to Xian by taking the same tourist bus.

Zhashui Karst Caves

Zhashui Karst Caves Area is located in Shiwong Town about 15 kilometers from Zhashui County of Shangluo, Shaanxi province. First take bus K603 at the cost of CNY2.00 net per person from the Bell Tower bus stop to Xian South Coach Station bus stop, where you can get on coach to Zhen An and stop over halfway at Zhashui Karst Caves scenic area. The coach is available in every 30 minutes and the journey takes about 2 hours (Ticket fare: around CNY25.00 net per person). One the way, the coach will get through about 10 tunnels, among which the Qinling Zhongnan Mountain tunnel, 18020 meters in length, ranks the longest tunnel in Asia and the second longest in the world. There are about 115 big or small karst caves in the Zhashui Karst Caves scenic area, and the most famous are the Tianfo Cave (Buddha Cave), Heaven Cave and Wind Cave. Walking through the caves, visitors could feast their eyes on various peculiar shapes of stalactites like stalagmite, stone monkey, stone Buddha and etc. The admission fee for the sightseeing spot is CNY60.00 net per person (Tips: You are advised to wear comfortable travel shoes as one has to climb more than 300 steps to reach the entrance. Moreover, the temperature inside the cave is lower than that of outside.). The return coach only operates before 18:00 everyday, so one may time the schedule carefully.