Niubeiliang National Forest Park
牛背梁
Takin habitat on the southern slopes of the Qinling Mountains. A canyon boardwalk follows a stream past waterfalls and deep pools, and hikers can climb to the Qinling main ridge for alpine meadows and boulder fields.
Niubeiliang lies in Yingpan Town, Zhashui County. It is a national nature reserve and national forest park focused on protecting takin. Its main peak, at about 2,802 m, is the highest point in the eastern Qinling Mountains. Most visitors enter through the Zhujiawan scenic entrance and walk the boardwalk along Takin Valley. Along the way they pass waterfalls, deep pools, and primeval forest. Fit hikers can take the cable car (subject to opening hours) or continue up to the Qinling main ridge, where they will see boulder fields, fir forests, and alpine meadows. It is about 1 hour by car from Xi'an and is reached by taking the Yingpan exit off the Baoji–Maoming Expressway. Admission and shuttle bus fees are set by the scenic area. It is about 10°C cooler on the mountain than in Xi'an, so bring a jacket and non-slip shoes.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:30