Plan at a glance
Alpine meadow and entrances
Xicheng Mountain's core area is also called Shengwang Ping. It is in Henghe Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng, with a main peak around 1,888 metres above sea level. The area can be approached through north and east gates; Nianyao and the west gate may also serve as parking or shuttle points. Which entrance is open and which route the vehicles use follows the notice for the day. Reach the core Shengwang Ping meadow by sightseeing vehicle or a wooden walkway.
Allow about 1.5–4 hours. The short route covers Goddess Pool and the meadow; the longer one adds North Heavenly Gate, the Tangwang Temple ancient altar, Black Dragon Cave, and the Tianma walkway. Mountain weather, sunlight, and trail conditions can change the pace, so plan around the open areas at the summit.
Tickets, shuttles, and seasonal access
The admission price follows the government-guided rate and the scenic area's sales information for the day. A 2026 public pricing document gives a benchmark of RMB 60 per person per visit; from April 1 to October 31, the high-season increase is capped at 20%, while the low-season price may be reduced without a stated lower limit. Sightseeing transport and parking are charged according to the ticket and notices for the day.
Buy through the scenic area's official sales page or at the ticket window. Winter closure may be introduced in stages; the area was fully closed from November 10, 2025, with reopening announced by the scenic area. For a winter trip, check the official WeChat account, video account, and same-day ticket status first. Private cars cannot drive to the summit.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Shengwang Ping and Goddess Pool
Shengwang Ping is the main landscape: in summer, the alpine meadow opens into broad green slopes with wildflowers and cattle or sheep. Goddess Pool, also called Yaochi, is a high-altitude karst lake set within the meadow. The lake, grassland, and distant mountains form the main photographic composition.
North Heavenly Gate is a landmark after entering the meadow. The Tianma walkway is a suspended wooden path overlooking the gorge and cloud seas. Wolf's bane, also known locally as fenfen flower, blooms in June; the grass is generally greener in July and August. Flowering and weather depend on the mountain conditions that day.
Ancient altar and caves
The Tangwang Temple ancient altar preserves the site and stone array associated with King Tang's prayers for rain, and makes a worthwhile historical stop on a meadow loop. Black Dragon Cave is a natural karst cave with a low interior temperature; some sections lack clear signs, so use lighting only within areas open to visitors.
Xicheng Mountain suits hiking, photography, camping, and families, but high altitude and gravel increase the walking effort. Its meadows, sightseeing vehicles, and caves are governed by different safety conditions from Manghe's streams, macaques, and water-side paths.
Build your day
About 1.5–2 hours: short route
Enter through the north gate, east gate, or Visitor Centre transfer point open that day. Take the shuttle shown on the ticket to the reachable gate-top or summit transfer stop, then follow the wooden walkway to Goddess Pool (Yaochi) and the core Shengwang Ping meadow. Photograph the lake, grassland, and distant mountains, then return the way you came. This route keeps the main landscape and suits a short weather window or visitors who want less walking.
Published shuttle routes include Nianyao Parking Area–North Gate Parking Area round trip for RMB 5, Nianyao–North Gate–North Gate Top round trip for RMB 10, East Parking Area–East Gate Top, West Parking Area–North Gate–North Gate Top, and a longer route linking several entrances. The open route, last vehicle, and price follow the ticket for the day. Private cars cannot reach the meadow core, and the availability of a walking alternative must be checked on site.
About 3–4 hours: meadow loop
Take the sightseeing vehicle to the summit, then follow the wooden walkway loop through North Heavenly Gate, Goddess Pool, Shengwang Ping meadow, the Tangwang Temple ancient altar, and Black Dragon Cave before returning to the downhill boarding point. Spend time in Black Dragon Cave only along the open sections, and stay on the guided route between the cave and meadow.
In June, place the wolf's-bane viewing in the meadow section; in July and August, focus on the grassland and cooler air. Flowers, cloud seas, and the movement of cattle or sheep depend on the weather. After the loop, take the sightseeing vehicle back to the Visitor Centre and leave from the north or east side where your car is parked.
Get there
Driving and parking
The drive from central Jincheng takes about 1.5–2 hours along the Taihang No. 1 Road, with many mountain bends. Navigate to “Xicheng Mountain Shengwang Ping Scenic Area North Gate” or “Xicheng Mountain Shengwang Ping Scenic Area East Gate,” or follow the day's guide to the Nianyao or west parking and transfer point.
The public pricing document lists parking at RMB 10 per small vehicle per visit, capped at RMB 10 per day; medium vehicles are RMB 20 and large vehicles RMB 30. The actual charge follows the parking notice for the day. After arrival, park, buy tickets, and transfer according to the scenic-area organization; cars do not enter the summit meadow. In rain or mist, slow down on bends and return to the same parking area.
Public transport
As of September 2026, Xicheng Mountain has no direct service among the 25 tourist lines published from Jincheng Coach East Station. Public transport requires reaching Yangcheng Coach Centre first, then taking a rural bus to Henghe Town, followed by a transfer or taxi to the scenic area. Services are infrequent and connections are inconvenient, so arrange the accommodation, the last leg from Henghe, and the return together.
The north gate, east gate, Nianyao, and west gate are not the same arrival or departure point. After parking, enter and return through the direction shown for the shuttle route you bought. Xicheng Mountain and Manghe are both in the Yangcheng direction, but their tickets, hours, sightseeing transport, and returns are separate.
Know before you go
Altitude, weather, and plants
The summit is around 1,888 metres above sea level, with strong wind, noticeable temperature changes, and intense ultraviolet exposure. Bring a windproof layer, sunscreen, and a hat. Wooden walkways, gravel, and dew can be slippery; wear shoes with good grip and follow the open sightseeing and walkway routes.
Wolf's bane is poisonous. In June, look at it from a distance and do not touch or pick it. Black Dragon Cave is cold, and unmarked or closed cave sections are off limits. Wild macaques may also take food or bags in the scenic area, so keep food inside your bag and maintain distance.
Supplies, booking, and photography
Dining is limited. Prepare water and food at the foot of the mountain or in Henghe Town. Heluo noodles and knife-cut noodles are available at entrances or farm restaurants; Yangcheng pork liver, mixed soup, Li Family lamb soup, and Lao Baiyun hotpot are easier to find in Yangcheng county town. For a full mountain day, carry the main supplies with you.
Check the official ticket page before peak-season weekends and holidays. During traffic control, private cars may need to park at the foot of the mountain and transfer to a shuttle. During winter closure, visitor reception stops until reopening is announced. Photograph Goddess Pool, the meadow, the Tianma walkway, and cave areas only from open positions; do not cross barriers or enter closed meadow sections for a better angle.