Guanzhong West Imperial Tombs & Mount Taibai

Head west from Xi'an to see Han and Tang imperial tombs, Yuanjia Village, Famen Temple, and ancient bronzes, then ascend Mount Taibai, the main peak of the Qinling Mountains.

Drive west along the north bank of the Wei River and loop back along the southern bank at the foot of the Qinling Mountains, making a complete loop. Spend the first three days exploring Han and Tang imperial tombs, Buddhist heritage, and Zhou and Qin bronze culture, then transition to the alpine landscapes of Mount Taibai and the Taoist culture of Louguantai for the last two days. A rental car is required as distances between attractions are significant. This route skips Guanshan Grassland and other areas further west, making it ideal for returning visitors who have already seen downtown Xi'an.

The temperature difference between the base and the summit of Mount Taibai is huge; bring a down jacket for the high-altitude areas reached by the cable car.

Day by day

Day 1 · Maoling & Qianling to Yuanjia Village

Xi'an（Maoling Mausoleum、Qianling Mausoleum、Yuanjia Village）

Take the highway northwest from Xi'an to Maoling (about 1 hour), continue to Qianling, and head east to Yuanjia Village in the evening (about 1 hour).

Yuanjia Village is crowded during the day; it is much more pleasant to explore in the evening and early morning.

Stay: Yuanjia Village

Day 2 · Famen Temple & Zhouyuan to Baoji

Baoji（Famen Temple、Zhouyuan Site）

Drive from Yuanjia Village to Famen Temple (about 1.5 hours). Zhouyuan is very close. Drive to Baoji in the evening (about 1 hour).

Allow about 3 hours for Famen Temple. Check the schedule for the Sarira exhibition in advance.

Stay: Gaoxin District · Bronze Museum

Day 3 · Bronze Ware Museum & Wuzhang Plains

Baoji（Baoji Bronze Ware Museum、Zhonghua Shigu Park、Wuzhangyuan Zhuge Liang Temple）

Visit the Baoji Bronze Ware Museum in the morning. Drive east to the Wuzhang Plains in the afternoon, then continue to Tangyu in Meixian County (about 1 hour).

Stay: Tangyu, Foot of Taibai Mountain

Day 4 · Mount Taibai Cable Car Alpine Tour

Baoji（Taibai Mountain National Forest Park）

Tangyu is very close to the scenic area entrance. Transfer to the sightseeing bus to enter the mountain, then take the cable car. Spend the entire day on the mountain.

The cable car stops going up relatively early in the afternoon, so enter the mountain early. Be mindful of altitude sickness.

Stay: Tangyu, Foot of Taibai Mountain

Day 5 · Louguantai & Return to Xi'an

Xi'an（Louguantai、Chongyang Palace）

Drive east along the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains to Louguantai (about 1 hour). After visiting, head to Chongyang Palace, then return to Xi'an (about 1.5 hours).