This guide highlights Xi’an’s nearby forest parks and scenic wineries, all within a 1–5 hour drive from the city.
Discover natural escapes like Zhuque, Xiangyu, Zibai, and Qinling Harmony Forest Parks, perfect for hiking, picnics, and family outings.
Explore scenic wineries and lakes such as Ying Lake, Cuiping Island, Zhengguo Canal, and Yuchuan Winery for fishing, hot springs, wine tasting, and historical adventures.Ideal for weekend getaways, these destinations combine stunning landscapes, outdoor fun, and cultural experiences just a short drive from Xi’an.
Forest Parks
Zhuque National Forest Park (朱雀国家森林公园, Zhūquè Guójiā Sēnlín Gōngyuán)
Zhuque National Forest Park is located in the southern part of Huyi District, Xi’an, along the upper reaches of the Donglao River at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains, just a two-hour drive from Xi’an. The park’s most popular spot is the Bingjing Peak, where thanks to the pristine ecological environment, you might even spot yaks wandering on the slopes on clear days. At times, the area is shrouded in mist, creating a fairy-tale-like scene perfect for photography.
Although situated in the mountains, the park is not difficult to explore. Visitors can hike up the trails and take the cable car down, passing by pine forests, waterfalls, meadows, and clouds along the way—making it an ideal weekend destination for families.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tickets: Adults ¥45; students half price. Shuttle bus within the park ¥30 round trip; cable car ¥80 per person
Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour 37 minutes from Xi’an city center
Public Transport: Take the Huanshan Tourism Line 1 to Zhuque Forest Park Station
Xiangyu Forest Park (祥裕森林公园, Xiángyù Sēnlín Gōngyuán)
Xiangyu Forest Park sits on a branch of the Qinling Mountains, with its highest peak reaching 2,000 meters. Gentle streams flow continuously, waterfalls plunge rapidly, and dense foliage covers the area, making the entire park a giant natural oxygen bar.
Legend has it that this place was once a site for Guanyin worship, and the high altitude often brings clouds and mist, adding a mystical atmosphere. Hiking from the base to the summit takes about 3–4 hours, offering endless views of pine forests and rolling peaks, with rich, layered scenery in every season.
Opening Hours: Summer 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Winter 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tickets: Adults ¥30; free for seniors over 65 and children under 1.2 m; half price for seniors 60–65, children 1.2–1.4 m, and students with ID
Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Xi’an city center
Public Transport: Take Bus 774 to Xiangyu Forest Park Station
Zibai Mountain National Forest Park (紫柏山国家森林公园, Zǐbǎi Shān Guójiā Sēnlín Gōngyuán)
Zibai Mountain is located in Liuba County on the southern slopes of the Qinling Mountains. Named after the abundant purple cypress trees on the mountain, it is one of Shaanxi’s three famous mountains, alongside Mount Hua (Huashan) and Mount Li (Lishan) in Lintong. Its unique sinkhole formations and grassy summit make every snapshot stunning.
Within the Lovers’ Valley, Zibai Mountain features 500 acres of larch trees. Walking on wooden suspension bridges over soft fallen needles offers an incredibly pleasant experience. The mountain’s unusual rock valleys and rich wildlife create a fairy-tale atmosphere, while summer alpine meadows and the frosted winter scenery are signature sights of Zibai Mountain.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
Tickets: Adults ¥20; free for seniors over 65 and children under 1.2 m; half price with student ID
Driving Time: About 5 hours from Xi’an, 2 hours 15 minutes from Hanzhong
Qinling Harmony Forest Park (秦岭和谐森林公园, Qínlǐng Héxié Sēnlín Gōngyuán)
Although not very large, Harmony Forest Park is an ideal destination for daily relaxation and family outings. The park is well-planned, with vast lawns perfect for picnics with family and friends. You can easily spend an entire day here reading a book or simply enjoying the scenery.
Opening Hours: Open all day
Tickets: Free
Driving Time: About 1 hour from Xi’an city center
Public Transport: Get off at Jinjia Village Station and walk 1 km
Scenic Wineries
Ying Lake Scenic Area (瀛湖风景区, Yíng Hú Fēngjǐng Qū)
Located near Ankang City, Ying Lake is formed by the Han River, a tributary of the Yangtze. It is the largest freshwater lake in Northwest China.
The jagged shoreline and islands in the middle of the lake have earned it the nickname “Thousand Islands of Northwest China.” While it may not rival Zhejiang’s famous Thousand Islands Lake in sheer number of islands, the lush lakeside vegetation and the mirrored mountains in the water create a uniquely charming scene.
Cuiping Island (翠屏岛, Cuìpíng Dǎo) – Fishing, Sunset, Hot Springs
Cuiping Island is the largest island in Ying Lake. Visitors can rent a small boat for fishing or enjoy the sunset on the lake. At night, the island’s hot spring hotels offer a relaxing soak after a day of activities. There are also various water attractions, making it a popular summer destination for water fun.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry 2:00 PM)
Tickets: Adults ¥70; free for seniors over 65 and children under 1.2 m; half price for students
Driving Time: 3 hours 43 minutes from Xi’an, ~30 minutes from Ankang
Zhengguo Canal Scenic Area (郑国渠风景区, Zhèngguó Qú Fēngjǐng Qū)
For thrill-seekers, Zhengguo Canal is a must-visit. Known as the “Number One Canal under Heaven,” the valley features deep gorges and the emerald Jing River flowing through. Stand on the glass viewing platform to admire the abyss and river below, or try the cliffside swing for an exciting photo op.
Beyond the thrills, Zhengguo Canal is historically significant as one of China’s earliest large-scale dam-free irrigation projects, dating back to 246 BCE, supporting the prosperity and unification of the Qin Empire. Walking along the canyon paths, you’ll encounter caves, waterfalls, and ribbon-like river bends—a breathtaking blend of history and natural beauty.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
Tickets: Adults ¥70; free for seniors over 65 and children under 1.2 m; half price for children 1.2–1.5 m and students; sightseeing bus ¥30 per person
Driving Time: About 1 hour from Xi’an
Public Transport: Take Jingyang Bus 38 to Wangqiao Town
Yuchuan Winery (玉川酒庄, Yùchuān Jiǔzhuāng)
Nestled between the Guanzhong Plain to the north and the Qinling Mountains to the south, Yuchuan Winery is already well-known in the wine world. Designed by the famous architect and wine connoisseur Ma Qingyun over 20 years, the winery sits in a secluded valley. Its simple, elegant architecture evokes the feeling of a sunlit European estate, while its wines—“elegant, rich, and full of fruity aromas”—have earned praise from British wine master Jancis Robinson MW.
At Yuchuan Winery, visitors can enjoy both the stunning design and a sensory feast. Guided tastings by professional sommeliers are available, along with farm-to-table meals blending local ingredients with Western culinary techniques—an opportunity to experience the “new taste of Shaanxi.”
Tickets: Free
Driving Time: About 1 hour from Xi’an
Address: Yushan Town, Lantian County, Xi’an
Tip: If driving to the winery, bring a designated driver or friends who won’t drink—never drink and drive.