Stayed at the Shanjian Hotel in Taibai and don’t want to leave.
🌿 After spending a week in Taibai County, I completely don’t want to go back to the city.
I originally just wanted to escape the summer heat at Taibai Mountain, but ended up staying a whole week in Taibai County. This small county town is incredibly comfortable, with an average temperature of only 19°C in July, and you even need a blanket at night. The air is especially fresh, the sky is very blue, and every morning I wake up feeling refreshed.
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🌡️ How cool is Taibai County?
Here’s the temperature I measured myself:
· Hottest time at noon: 25°C
· Morning and evening: 15-18°C
· Nighttime sleep: need a light blanket
· In the mountains: 10-15°C
It’s truly a natural air-conditioned city, perfect for summer heat relief in July. I came from Xi’an, and as soon as I got off the car, I felt the coolness; even the wind was cool, completely unlike the stuffy heat in Xi’an.
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🏞️ Recommended lesser-known nearby attractions
Besides the Taibai Mountain Scenic Area, Taibai County has many beautiful spots with fewer people:
1. Qingfeng Gorge Forest Park
This place is seriously underrated! It has a 92% coverage of primeval forest, with many waterfalls inside. The tallest waterfall has a huge drop, and standing underneath is very refreshing.
My experience:
I went in the afternoon when there were very few people; it felt like I was the only one in the entire park. Walking along the trail, towering trees lined both sides, blocking out the sunlight completely. The waterfall was stunning, with loud water sounds and a cool mist drifting by. I stood there for a long time.
Tips:
· Wear non-slip shoes as some trail parts are slippery
· Bring a jacket; it’s about 5 degrees cooler in the mountains
· The park is quite large, allow 3-4 hours
2. Huangbaiyuan Pristine Scenic Area
This place is a bit far, about a 2-hour drive, but definitely worth it. Known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Qinling," the water is especially clear and green, just like Jiuzhaigou.
My experience:
We left early in the morning, and the scenery along the way was beautiful, with green mountains on both sides of the winding mountain road. At Huangbaiyuan, walking along the river, the water was so clear you could see the stones and small fish at the bottom. The water volume in July is abundant, and the waterfall is spectacular.
Must-visit spots:
· Dajian Gorge: the clearest water, emerald green like jade
· Hetao Ping: primeval forest, very tranquil
· Tangluo Ancient Trail: an old plank road with a strong historical feel
3. Yaowang Valley Scenic Area
This place is smaller but very distinctive. It is said that Sun Simiao once gathered herbs here, and there are many Chinese medicinal herbs on the mountain.
My experience:
The scenic area is small and can be toured in 2 hours. The air is especially good, with a fresh herbal scent. There is a Yaowang Cave on the mountain, dedicated to the Medicine King Sun Simiao. Halfway up the mountain, there is a viewing platform with a panoramic view of Taibai County.
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🚶 Slow life experience in the county town
Taibai County’s town is very small but clean and comfortable. My daily routine was like this:
8 AM:
Wake up and stroll the streets; the air is very fresh, and the sky is very blue. Few people on the street, a slow pace. Find a small shop for breakfast—soy milk, fried dough sticks, and buns, all with simple, authentic flavors.
10 AM:
Take a walk by the river. The river runs through Taibai County, with a trail along the bank where many people walk or practice Tai Chi. The water is very clear, and you can see small fish swimming. Sitting by the river, daydreaming and watching the clouds is very pleasant.
2 PM:
The hottest time, but only 25°C. Find a café to sit in all afternoon, read a book, or just stare out the window. The cafés here are quiet with few people, nothing like the noisy city.
6 PM:
The sun begins to set, and the weather cools down. Take a stroll in town, buy some local specialties like Taibai vegetables or honey. Or go up the mountain to watch the sunset; the sunset on the mountain is especially beautiful.
8 PM:
It starts to get dark, the temperature drops to about 18 degrees, so wear long sleeves. Have dinner; the local home-style dishes are delicious, with fresh ingredients and simple flavors.
10 PM:
The streets are almost empty and very quiet. Return to where you’re staying, open the window, feel the cool breeze, and fall asleep listening to the sound of insects—very peaceful.
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🍃 Why recommend Taibai County?
1. Truly cool
The average temperature in July is 19°C, and you need a blanket at night. This is such a luxury in summer. It’s a dry coolness, not the damp cold of the south, very comfortable.
2. Exceptionally good air quality
Taibai County’s air quality is excellent year-round, with a high content of negative oxygen ions. Taking a few deep breaths daily feels like your lungs are being cleansed. After a week there, my skin even improved.
3. Very slow pace
People here live at a slow pace—walking slowly, talking slowly, eating slowly. The longer you stay, the slower you become, without the anxiety of city life.
4. Few people, not crowded
Unlike popular summer resorts packed with tourists, Taibai County has few visitors, and the scenic spots are never overcrowded. You can quietly enjoy nature without disturbance.
5. Affordable
Accommodation and food are inexpensive with great value. You can stay in a nice hotel for a few hundred yuan and have a good meal for just a few dozen yuan.
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Final thoughts:
Taibai County is truly an underrated summer retreat. If you can’t stand the summer heat and don’t want to go to crowded places, come to Taibai County. Spend a few days here, and you’ll realize life can be this slow and comfortable.
I’ve already decided to come to Taibai County every summer from now on. The coolness, the quiet, and the slow pace here are truly addictive.
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Accommodation
🏨 Yijing Camp (Mei County Qinling Taibai Mountain Hot Spring Camp)
A private courtyard hot spring camp at the foot of Taibai Mountain, with private villas and hot springs, rustic luxury style, no neighbors to disturb, full vacation vibe.
🏨 Taibai Mountain Wushanju Private Hot Spring Boutique Hotel
A design-focused private hot spring boutique hotel at the foot of Qinling’s main peak, with 26 boutique rooms and butler service, 80 minutes by car from Xi’an, the top choice for weekend getaways.
🏨 Taibai Mountain Phoenix · Starry Sky Hot Spring Courtyard
A starry sky hot spring courtyard in the Phoenix Hot Spring Park, with beautiful garden and mountain views, pet-friendly, family-friendly, soaking in the hot spring while stargazing is very romantic.
🏨 Qinglan · Shanjian Hot Spring Private Courtyard Resort (Taibai Mountain National Forest Park Branch)
A hidden wellness secret courtyard in the mountains, each courtyard has a private hot spring, surrounded by mountain stream water, far from city noise, full of healing vibes.