Plan at a glance
Enter through the South Gate and choose a short or long route
Huoshizhai is about 15 km north of Xiji County town. Its South and North Gates are about 6 km apart. The visitor center and parking are at the South Gate; Muke Zhai is toward the North Gate. Allow 2–3 hours for Yuntai Mountain alone. The longer route toward Muke Zhai via Lover’s Valley takes around 4–5 hours, but should only be attempted after confirming where and when you can catch a return shuttle to the South Gate.
The short route focuses on Yuntai Mountain, its grottoes, and the Danxia scenery; the longer route follows Lover’s Valley toward Muke Zhai. Confirm the route and shuttle stops for the day before entering.
Admission, park shuttle bus, and opening hours
The reference adult admission price is CNY 60. Sightseeing bus prices have been quoted as CNY 35 round trip or CNY 20 one way; listings also show CNY 30. Confirm the ticket type, route, and current fare at the ticket office. The glass bridge or zipline may cost extra.
Regular opening hours are 8:00 am–6:00 pm, and the last entry time is listed as 5:30 pm; verify before setting out. The park suspended visits for fire prevention beginning October 31, 2025. A public listing showed it open on October 19, 2026, but this year’s fall and winter closure dates have not been announced. Call 0954-3906999 to confirm.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Yuntai Mountain and the Saozhuling Grottoes
Yuntai Mountain is the main hiking area, with views over red Danxia peaks and valleys. The Saozhuling Grottoes are scattered around Yuntai Mountain. Visit grottoes such as Yuhuang Pavilion and the Great Buddha Hall on foot as part of the climb.
There are no definitive historical records for when the Saozhuling Grottoes were carved. If the dating of the surviving bronze Buddha is reliable, they may have been first carved during the Northern Wei dynasty, but this remains uncertain. Follow the day’s signs for open grottoes and the visitor route.
Lover’s Valley and the route toward Muke Zhai
Lover’s Valley is a roughly 1.4 km woodland trail that takes about 40 minutes to walk, with birch trees and wooden boardwalks along the way. It is part of the longer route from Yuntai Mountain toward Muke Zhai. You can skip it on the short route; the day’s route and shuttle pickup point depend on current arrangements.
Muke Zhai is toward the North Gate. Look for red sandstone formations such as the “Pillar Reaching the Sky” and naturally shaped rock contours. Local legend says that Mu Guiying once raised horses here.
The glass bridge and zipline are optional
A glass bridge and zipline are near Yuntai Mountain. Their operation may depend on the season and weather. In autumn, check whether they are open, how much they cost, and which descent route is available before deciding whether to try them.
For a separate museum visit in downtown Guyuan, plan another stop after returning to the city: see Guyuan Museum.
Build your day
2–3 hours: Climb Yuntai Mountain and return to the South Gate
Enter at the South Gate and take a sightseeing bus to the Yuntai Mountain visitor center. Hike to the summit to see the grottoes and viewpoints, then descend along the same route or a boardwalk route that is open, and take a bus back to the South Gate. The climb takes about 40–60 minutes; allow about 2–3 hours in total for the short route, plus time for stops.
The short route does not pass through Lover’s Valley or Muke Zhai, making it suitable if you have limited time. Try the glass bridge or zipline only after confirming they are open. If you skip them, ask which footpath leads down and where to board the return shuttle.
4–5 hours: Head toward Muke Zhai via Lover’s Valley
Take a bus from the South Gate to Yuntai Mountain, climb to the summit, then follow the main route downhill toward Lover’s Valley. Walk about 1.4 km, or 40 minutes, toward Muke Zhai. At the shuttle stop announced for that day, follow staff directions to board a bus back to the South Gate. Confirm the boarding point, direction of travel, and last departure; do not assume the North Gate is always the designated pickup point.
This longer route suits visitors who are comfortable walking woodland trails and have arranged their return shuttle. If Lover’s Valley is closed, follow staff directions to an open route. If there is no suitable return service that day, take the short route out and back from the South Gate.
Get there
Navigate to the South Gate visitor center
For driving, set your destination to “Huoshizhai National Geopark South Gate” or “Huoshizhai Visitor Center,” about 15 km north of Xiji County town. There is a parking lot at the South Gate. A parking fee of about CNY 5 has been reported; follow the rate posted on site.
Coming from the Xumishan Grottoes, navigation may direct you to the North Gate. If your car is parked at the South Gate, confirm your entry point and how you will return to the car. Before walking between areas, check your exit point, shuttle stop, and pickup plan; do not assume the North Gate is a fixed boarding point. The two gates are about 6 km apart.
Buy your ticket, then confirm the shuttle
At the South Gate, ask where the sightseeing bus stops, which ticket to buy, where to board for a return from the Muke Zhai direction, and when the last bus leaves. Also confirm whether a package includes the glass bridge or zipline.
If you are not driving, arrange transportation to and from Xiji County town before deciding when to finish your visit.
Know before you go
Fire-season closures and the last shuttle
Huoshizhai has suspended visits in fall and winter for fire prevention in the past; reopening dates depend on that year’s announcement. If you plan to visit from late October through winter or early spring, confirm that the park is open on the day.
The last sightseeing bus may leave before the park closes. Start the longer route early enough to reach the return shuttle stop well before its last departure. If the timetable is too tight, choose the shorter South Gate round trip instead.
Steps, wind, and supplies
The stone steps on Yuntai Mountain are steep. Wear shoes with good grip and pace the climb to your fitness level. At about 2,000 meters above sea level, the summit gets strong sun, high winds, and noticeable temperature changes. Bring sun protection, a jacket, water, and a simple snack.
Lover’s Valley comes later in the visit, so save energy for both the hike and the return trip. There are small shops and farm stays near Muke Zhai, but their hours vary by season; you can bring your own supplies.
Choose attractions based on the day’s conditions
Follow on-site notices for the glass bridge and zipline’s hours, prices, and restrictions. Visitors with a fear of heights or traveling with very young children can take the footpath down; confirm where to board the return shuttle.