Pingli County Travel

Southern Shaanxi Pingli — Qinba secret realm, hometown of Nüwa. Explore Tianshu Gorge's billion-year geological wonders, trace the Tea Horse Ancient Road's commercial civilization, and experience the wellness philosophy of "China's Gynostemma Homeland". 3-day in-depth tour includes geological exploration, cultural pilgrimage, and ecological wellness.

5000+
Years of Human Activity
3
4A Scenic Spots
85%
Forest Coverage
200+
Herbal Medicine Species
Pingli Tianshu Gorge canyon stream and strange rock landscape
Tianshu Gorge - Qinba Geological Wonder
National 4A scenic area, a natural geological museum formed by Cambrian karst canyon and virgin forest

Pingli County Three-Day Two-Night Secret Realm Journey

Read the billion-year heavenly book, worship the creator goddess, wander the alpine lake, taste medicinal cuisine, and experience Pingli's unique landscape and cultural charm

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Tianshu Gorge, Nüwa Mountain, Guxian Lake
Suitable For
Geology enthusiasts, culture travelers
Budget per person
¥850-¥1300
01
Geological Wonder
Tianshu Gorge · Dragon Cave · Tea Horse Ancient Road
Highlights

Arrive in Pingli, check into scenic area homestay then visit Tianshu Gorge, explore Cambrian karst landform, trek through virgin forest, and hike the Tea Horse Ancient Road ruins in the evening.

Attractions
Tianshu Gorge Scenic Area
National 4A scenic area, the gorge walls resemble a heavenly book, featuring Cambrian karst landform and virgin forest ecosystem, known as "Qinba Geological Textbook".
Dragon Cave Waterfall
Core landscape of Tianshu Gorge, a three-tier waterfall with 80-meter drop bursting from a karst cave, creating a rainbow across the canyon in summer.
Shaanxi-Sichuan Tea Horse Ancient Road
Well-preserved Ming-Qing stone-paved road, with remaining hoof prints of pack mules and ancient courier stations, an important tea-salt trade route in ancient Qinba mountain region.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Tianshu Gorge Wooden Villa
  • Baxian Town Farm Stay
  • Pingli County Hotel
Hiking Gear
  • Non-slip creek shoes
  • Trekking poles
  • Waterproof backpack
  • Geology hammer (optional)
Safety Tips
  • Some sections in the canyon are slippery
  • Do not climb undeveloped areas
  • Protect geological relics
02
Cultural Tracing
Nüwa Mountain · Taiji City · Gynostemma Garden
Highlights

Morning pilgrimage to Nüwa Mountain Sacrificial Square, visit Nüwa Culture Museum; afternoon explore Taiji City ruins, experience gynostemma picking and tea ceremony.

Attractions
Nüwa Mountain Scenic Area
National 4A scenic area, said to be the place where Nüwa smelted stones to mend the sky, featuring China's largest Nüwa sacrificial square and a 69-meter tall Nüwa statue.
Taiji City Ruins
Tang Dynasty ancient city ruins, named for its Taiji diagram-shaped terrain, with remaining city wall foundations and Tang Dynasty cliff inscriptions.
Gynostemma Expo Garden
China's standardized gynostemma planting demonstration base, offering picking and processing experiences, and learning gynostemma health tea ceremony.
Practical Info
Cultural Experiences
  • Nüwa Sacrificial Ceremony (1st of each month)
  • Gynostemma Tea Art Performance
  • Tang Dynasty Stone Rubbing
Transportation Tips
  • 30-min bus from county to Nüwa Mountain
  • Scenic area electric cart ¥20/person
  • Chartering a car recommended
Photography Tips
  • Shoot Nüwa statue at sunrise
  • Taiji City great for drone shots
  • Gynostemma Garden suitable for portraits
03
Lake & Mountain Scenery
Guxian Lake · Liao Qianwu Former Residence · Souvenir Shopping
Highlights

Morning boat ride on Guxian Lake Wetland, visit Liao Qianwu Revolutionary Former Residence; afternoon purchase Pingli gynostemma, Baxian cured meat and other specialties before returning.

Attractions
Guxian Lake Wetland Park
National Wetland Park, lake area 6.8 km², habitat for crested ibis, Chinese merganser and other rare birds, known as "Pearl of Qinba".
Liao Qianwu Former Residence
Former residence of Northern Expedition general Liao Qianwu, displaying his revolutionary deeds and southern Shaanxi residential architecture, a provincial cultural relic protection unit.
Pingli Specialty Market
Comprehensive market selling gynostemma series products, Baxian cured meat, selenium-rich foods and other specialties, with mailing service available.
Practical Info
Boat Information
  • Painted boat: ¥50/person
  • Bamboo raft experience: ¥30/person
  • Private boat fishing: ¥200/2h
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Pingli Gynostemma
  • Baxian Cured Meat
  • Selenium-Rich Rice
  • Handmade Bamboo Weaving
Return Suggestions
  • Guxian Lake is 40-min drive from county
  • Gynostemma should be stored refrigerated
  • Allow sufficient time

Must-Try Foods in Pingli County

Pingli Gynostemma Stewed Chicken

Stewed with national geographical indication product "Pingli Gynostemma" and free-range chicken, the broth is clear green with nourishing health benefits, a local hospitality delicacy.

Baxian Cured Meat

Traditionally smoked mountain pork, firm texture with rich smoky flavor, can be steamed, stir-fried or stewed in various ways.

Jiangshui Noodles

Pingli specialty noodle dish, using fermented corn slurry as soup base, paired with pickled vegetables and chili, sour and spicy appetizing, a perfect summer refresher.

Immortal Tofu

Green tofu made from the juice of the unique Qinling immortal tree leaves, cool and refreshing, rich in pectin and trace elements.

Pingli County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Mountain flowers bloom, tea picking season
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Colorful forests, photography season
  • Lunar March 15th: Nüwa Public Memorial Ceremony
Must-Try Experiences
  • Tianshu Gorge geology study
  • Nüwa Mountain pilgrimage
  • Guxian Lake bird watching
  • Gynostemma picking experience
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥200
  • Accommodation: ¥180-400/night
  • Meals: ¥70-120/day
  • Experience activities: ¥150-300
  • Total: ¥850-1300
FAQ
  • Need a guide at Tianshu Gorge? → Audio guide recommended
  • Is Nüwa Mountain suitable for elderly? → Cable car to summit
  • How to choose gynostemma? → Look for national geographical indication mark
  • Can I fish at Guxian Lake? → Licensed fishing in designated areas

Explore Districts and Counties of Ankang City