Where to Go for National Day? Autumn Getaway Around Xi'an: A 2-Day, 1-Night Deep Dive into Louguan

Radiant Qinling, vibrant Louguan.

In the middle of the Qinling Mountains, stretching 1,600 kilometers from east to west, lies a gleaming dragon scale: Louguan. Over 2,500 years ago, Laozi wrote the Tao Te Ching, a work of 5,000 characters, here, making Louguan's name famous throughout the world.

The Ming-era Shaanxi Gazetteer records: 'Among the many mountains and rivers inside the passes, Zhongnan is the finest; among Zhongnan's thousand verdant peaks, Louguan is the best.'

Louguan is located on the northern foothills of Zhongnan Mountain, 15 kilometers southeast of Zhouzhi County in Shaanxi Province, about 70 kilometers from downtown Xi'an. To its south lies the Qinling Mountains, to its north the Wei River. With beautiful mountains and clear waters, it is a blessed land combining cultural landscapes and natural resources, known since ancient times as 'the foremost blessed place under heaven'.

Today, with cooperation between Qujiang New District and Zhouzhi County, and under the coordination of Xi'an Tourism Group, the concept of 'Greater Louguan' has taken shape. Before the launch of the '2021 Qinling Louguan Autumn Tourism Season', I took a two-day, one-night in-depth tour to get a sneak preview of the autumn charm of Louguan in the Qinling Mountains.

From Xi'an to Louguan, take the Xihan Expressway, exit at Laoyukou, and follow the Qinling Mountain Ring Tour Route westward. It's about an hour's drive to Louguan. In my itinerary, the first day's plan includes: Qinling National Botanical Garden, Zha Gongming Cultural Scenic Area, Qinling Four Treasures Science Park, and an overnight stay at Louguan Impression Hotel.

Qinling National Botanical Garden is the starting point of the east-to-west tour of Louguan. Covering a planned area of 639 square kilometers, it is currently the world's largest botanical garden with the clearest vertical distribution zones and the most natural landscape. It is one of the five core botanical gardens planned by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the only one bearing the title 'National', earning it the name 'Emerald of the World'.

Of course, in late autumn, with countless overlapping peaks, a glimpse reveals the whole. So this trip focuses on a relaxing getaway, primarily visiting the main entrance plaza, aquatic plant area, science museum, specimen museum, and a hillside walk to see rare plants. These areas are accessible by the park's shuttle bus, saving time and making the tour easier, especially suitable for family outings with children.

The Science Museum covers an exhibition area of 1,500 square meters. It mainly features rich knowledge about the flora and fauna of the Qinling Mountains, using graphics, models, films, modern multimedia, and VR experiences to detail 14 themes including Magnificent Qinling, Nature's Kingdom, Impressions of Qinling, Rare Plants, and Four Seasons of Qinling. It offers visitors a brand-new visual, auditory, and tactile experience of the great Qinling. Here, you can watch the growth process of a plant and see the seasonal changes of Qinling, making it a great place for children to learn about science.

Inside the Specimen Knowledge Hall, there are not only specimens of the Qinling Four Treasures, insects, trees, and plants, but also ore specimens from the Qinling's evolutionary process. The marine life in these ore specimens tells us that hundreds of millions of years ago, the Qinling was once a vast ocean.

After visiting the two museums, enjoy the autumn flowers and plants in the botanical garden at the foot of the Qinling Mountains. This offers another way to appreciate the season. Yellow dew, ginkgo, and sea of flowers will present a colorful autumn scene. It is said that during the National Day holiday, the Qinling National Botanical Garden will also host a 'Love Our China Golden Autumn Flower Exhibition', inviting us to jointly build the Chinese Dream.

Taking the shuttle bus further south, you reach the rare plant area, featuring dove trees, wingceltis, yew trees... Learning about these rare species fosters a deeper love and care for nature. Climb to the viewing platform, and the vast Guanzhong Plain spreads out before your eyes. The grand vistas of the Zhongnan Mountain Ancient Louguan Scenic Area and Zha Gongming Cultural Scenic Area come into full view—truly a magnificent sight.

After visiting the Qinling National Botanical Garden, head west for one kilometer to reach Zha Gongming Cultural Scenic Area. Lunch can be arranged at the People's Commune Canteen north of the visitor center here. The meals cater to all budgets, featuring fresh ingredients from the Louguan area, full of rustic countryside flavors.

The afternoon itinerary begins at Zha Gongming Cultural Scenic Area.

Zha Gongming Cultural Scenic Area is located at the hometown of Zhao Gongming, China's foremost God of Wealth. It features three sequential courtyards that are grand and well-structured. Inside, sculptures, exhibits, and murals related to prominent Zhao-surnamed figures in Chinese history and the folk-belief 'Civil and Martial Gods of Wealth' make it an important window for understanding wealth culture.

Regular visitors to Louguan know that within Zha Gongming Cultural Scenic Area, there is a hidden gem: the God of Wealth Folk Culture Museum, rich in content, featuring dynamic video interactions and integrating folk customs of the God of Wealth.

Recently, the scenic area has carefully upgraded the museum in terms of exhibits, lighting, and video interaction. In addition to traditional murals and exhibits, the exhibition area now uses holographic imagery and glasses-free 3D technologies to present the God of Wealth folk culture through sound, light, and electricity. This allows visitors to interact as they tour, greatly enhancing interactivity and fun, attracting many to check in.

At Zha Gongming Cultural Scenic Area, besides sightseeing and learning about wealth culture, the daily afternoon performance of the 'Grand Welcoming Wealth and Blessings Ceremony' is a classic must-see for Louguan visitors.

The ceremony blends ancient Chinese rites with local folk culture in Louguan, exuding classical charm, cultural appeal, and both visual spectacle and interactivity. Through tributes and dances, it recreates traditional rituals, expressing people's longing for a better life. During the show, lucky rice is distributed to audiences, enhancing on-site engagement. Since its launch, the ceremony has drawn a strong response; the immersive experience fully absorbs visitors, who participate, take photos, record videos, and savor every splendid moment.

The entire visit experience takes about three hours. Finishing at Zha Gongming Cultural Scenic Area around 3:00 to 3:30 p.m., you can then head to the next attraction—Qinling Four Treasures Science Park.

When visiting Xi'an and watching the National Games, you naturally want to get up close with the Games' mascots, the 'Qinling Four Treasures'. To see them in real life, the Qinling Four Treasures Science Park is a must-visit!

Located west of the Zhongnan Mountain Ancient Louguan Scenic Area, the park was built on the existing breeding facilities of the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center (Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue Base) and expanded from three projects: Qinling Ecological and Biological Resource Conservation, Qinling Giant Panda Breeding Base, and Crested Ibis Ex-situ Breeding Base.

The park showcases 10 to 15 giant pandas, 50 crested ibises, 8 golden monkeys, and 20 takins. Additionally, it is home to over 20 species of rare wildlife native to the Qinling region, totaling more than 100 animals, including red pandas, black bears, muntjacs, gorals, golden eagles, long-eared owls, eagle owls, kestrels, vultures, and golden pheasants. It is a paradise for both adults and children to interact with animals. Notably, the world's only captive brown giant panda, 'Qizai', lives here—its adorable appearance has become a favorite attraction for visitors of all ages.

Friendly reminder: As the park is seeing many visitors recently, please make a reservation in advance through its official WeChat account.

After the Qinling Four Treasures Science Park, just a short walk west is another Louguan attraction—Huanü Spring.

Huanü Spring was built around the historical story of Laozi enlightening his disciple Xu Jia. It is an experiential site integrating feminine culture, spring-water tasting, and tea culture. With pavilions and terraces built along the mountain, the scenery is delightful, making it a great place to relax and sip tea. If time permits, you can stroll over to discover the mysteries of the spring's culture.

After a day of fun, return to the People's Commune Canteen at Zha Gongming Cultural Scenic Area for a delicious farmhouse meal. The mountain breeze is cool, the night enchanting. After checking into the Louguan Impression Hotel, you can head to the second floor of the Xi'an Poverty Alleviation Supermarket at the hotel entrance to enjoy a Qinqiang opera performance. This perfect day becomes a delightful escape without traveling far.

Wake up early the next morning and take a walk to the Tianyu River Scenic Area. The air is freshest at this hour, with dewdrops hanging on grass tips, clean and lovely. An occasional birdcall rings out crisp and heavenly. Breathe deeply, and you catch a sweet scent. Back at the hotel for breakfast, another beautiful day begins.

Today's first stop is Fudi Square in the Zhongnan Mountain Ancient Louguan Scenic Area, directly opposite the Louguan Impression Hotel, just a few minutes' walk. On the square's west side lies Zongsheng Palace.

Every time I visit Louguan, Zongsheng Palace is a must. This is where Yin Xi observed the stars at night. It houses Ziyun Tower, Laozi's Ox-tied Cypress, Three Eagles Cypress, and the ancient ginkgo tree personally planted by Laozi... Every autumn, this ginkgo becomes the most stunning sight at the foot of Zhongnan Mountain. Year after year, with fresh green and renewed glory, this tree has stood for over 2,500 years, weathering storms through history. Its core was hollowed out by a fire, yet it still thrives, drawing nutrients from just a few thick pieces of bark. It has grown into an awe-inspiring form and was named one of the 'Ten Most Beautiful Ancient Ginkgo Trees' by the Chinese Forestry Bureau.

Whenever I see this tree, I fall silent, walk around it three times, and pray for blessings and peace.

Going south from Zongsheng Palace, you reach the Zhongnan Mountain Ancient Louguan Scenic Area.

Zhongnan Mountain Ancient Louguan Scenic Area is the core engine of the Xi'an Louguan Chinese Daoist Culture Demonstration Zone. The magnificent ancient building complex follows the mountain terrain, taking advantage of the south-high, north-low topography, facing north from the south. The axis is divided by three gates—Taiqing, Shangqing, and Yuqing—forming the Daoist 'Three Pure Ones Sacred Realm'. With the main hall on the central axis, it creates a space of nine sequential courtyards, fully displaying the grandeur and magnificence of the 'fount of Daoism', earning it the nickname 'Little Forbidden City of Shaanxi'.

From the mountain gate to the last hall, the distance is considerable; visitors can choose to take the scenic shuttle bus or walk. Note: if you wish to visit Shuojing Platform and Louguantai National Forest Park, you can now go directly from the Zhongnan Mountain Ancient Louguan Scenic Area (since the national forest park is under the Forestry Department, a separate ticket is required). The shuttle bus from the scenic area now enters the forest park, taking you easily to the Bamboo Garden, Shuojing Platform, and Laozi's Bronze Statue.

Continuing south from the scenic area, you enter the Bamboo Garden under Louguantai National Forest Park.

Stepping into Louguantai National Forest Park, the first sight is the vast bamboo groves, stretching for acres. Walking among them, the thousands of tall bamboo stalks seem to store their purity deep in your soul. The clean air fills your heart, and your body and mind feel thoroughly refreshed, light and clear like the bamboo itself.

Circling past the Bamboo Garden, you reach Shuojing Platform, where Laozi is said to have preached.

Louguan is situated on the northern foothills of Zhongnan Mountain’s middle section, on piedmont plains and shallow hills. To the south, the Qinling Mountains rise with a thousand verdant peaks, resembling stacked towers. Among the green trees and bamboo, Daoist temples are tucked away, the area anciently known as Shilou Mountain. In front, rolling loess hills extend. The core landscape, Shuojing Platform, sits on a hill at an altitude of 580 meters. To its north, it connects to a fan-shaped earth bank, facing the picturesque Qinchuan plains and Wei River—a scene of surpassing grandeur. Su Shi of the Song Dynasty once wrote: 'From this platform, Qinchuan looks small; before the scripture is even finished, meaning has already emptied.'

In my view, the essence of Louguan lies in two places: Zongsheng Palace and Shuojing Platform.

Because Shuojing Platform is part of a Daoist temple complex, I hadn't come up for several years. Now I climb again, offering devout prayers. The temple remains unchanged, and I almost see Laozi in a plain robe, gazing into the wind of the seasons, contemplating, pacing, stroking his beard, with an open mind as vast as a valley.

In addition to Shuojing Platform, Louguantai National Forest Park preserves other cultural landmarks such as Wenxian Gully, Lüzu Cave, Xianling Mountain, Liandan Peak, and Laozi Statue. It is an ideal place for visitors to explore Louguan, trace ancient relics, and get close to nature.

After this journey, you might feel a bit tired. Let the shuttle bus take you directly to the Laozi Says Light-and-Shadow Exhibition Hall. Slow down time, contemplate the profound depth of the Dao following nature. Through the animated Laozi Says, understand great truths from simple beginnings.

After lunch, if you still want more, I recommend visiting Yansheng Temple.

Yansheng Temple was the place where Princess Yuzhen of the Tang Dynasty practiced Daoism. Originally built in the Tang era and once called Yuzhen Temple, the scenic area is built along the mountain, grand in scale, and offers excellent vantage points for climbing and distant views. According to stone inscriptions, during the Jingyun era of the Tang, Princess Yuzhen, the sister of Emperor Xuanzong, entered a temple in the capital to practice Daoism, and later built a separate residence here, taking the Daoist name 'Yansheng' (Prolonging Life). The residence was imperially named Yansheng Temple.

Yansheng Temple was built by Princess Yuzhen to honor her mother, and it also symbolizes the wish for all people to live long without aging. The temple was renovated and expanded in the Song Dynasty and remained prosperous in the Ming. Since its founding, many literati through the ages have visited, including Li Bai and Su Shi, who left behind poems, stories, and anecdotes. The most famous is Li Bai's poem 'The Immortal Yuzhen': 'The immortal Yuzhen, often at Taihua's peak. At dawn, the heavenly drum resounds, whirlwinds lift twin dragons. Never ceasing playing with lightning, walking clouds leave no trace. When will she enter Shaoshi? The Queen Mother will surely meet her there.'

Louguan is a place of stories. Every tree, every gully, every mountain, every rock here can spark a charming legend from a local villager's mouth, a beautiful tale that lingers long.

I've always felt that to truly understand a place, you must slow down and savor it. Although I've been to Louguan many times, each visit was hurried. Just before National Day, I finally slowed down, spending two days and one night to deeply experience its beauty. Then, using a full day, I documented the journey in words and images as a travel guide—for you, as a mark for the upcoming holiday, so you can explore worry-free, get to know Louguan, and fall in love with it.

It is reported that the 2021 Qinling Louguan Autumn Tourism Season will grandly open on September 29. At that time, the Qinling National Botanical Garden, Qinling Four Treasures Science Park, and the Xi'an Louguan Eco-Cultural Tourism Resort (including Zha Gongming Cultural Scenic Area, Zhongnan Mountain Ancient Louguan Scenic Area, Yansheng Temple Scenic Area, Huanü Spring Scenic Area, and Zongsheng Palace) will for the first time launch a 'Nine Scenic Areas One Ticket Pass' for Louguan. With one ticket, you can visit all nine scenic areas within the Louguan Eco-Cultural Tourism Resort (including Qinling National Botanical Garden and Qinling Four Treasures Science Park). Additionally, a special discount ticket will be offered (final price subject to official announcement). The discount ticket is valid for two days, allowing you to explore the greater Louguan area without rush!

At that time, the resort will also roll out five themed itineraries: 'Classic Louguan Seasonal Journey', 'National Games Family Fun Journey', 'Radiant Qinling Flower & Heritage Journey', 'Wellness & Blessings Fortune-seeking Journey', 'Qinling Mountain Autumn Hiking Journey', and 'Autumn Louguan Farmhouse Flavor Journey'. Each is packed with rich content, interesting highlights, and superb experiences. Whether for cultural exploration, autumn hiking, or a family getaway, it will be well worth it. I came a bit early, but I know I'll be back.

Where to go for National Day? Right here! No long-distance travels, just a relaxing, slow-paced tour. As you wander, the blessed land of Louguan will slowly unfold unexpected beauty...