Reluctant to Share This 22°C Hidden Gem in the Qinling Mountains – The "Altay" of Shaanxi

While most cities are sweltering in the heat, the depths of the Qinling Mountains hide a perfect summer retreat. My recent trip to Liuba, Shaanxi, was full of delightful surprises—plenty of off-the-beaten-path attractions perfect for a road trip. On my last day in Liuba, I not only discovered the most scenic highway but also encountered a 4,000-year-old ancient ginkgo tree. 🌲 Nearby Attractions: 📍 **Zibai Mountain** – Ticket + cable car: 115 RMB Take the cable car up and down, as you’ll still need to hike 30-50 minutes after the ride to reach the summit. At the top, you’ll find alpine meadows, rolling mountain ranges, and rest areas with photo frames and pavilions. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a sea of clouds! ☁️ 📍 **Lover’s Valley** – A free attraction Just a 10-minute drive from Zibai Mountain, this forested paradise features suspension bridges and towering fir trees, making it a great spot for photos and a cool escape—perfect for families with kids. 📍 **Most Scenic Country Road** Stretching from Gaoqiaopu to Yuhuangmiao Town, this road is lined with breathtaking views. While autumn brings vibrant colors, summer offers a soothing palette of lush greens. 📍 **4,000-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree** I expected it to be tucked away in a village, but it’s right by the highway exit! The nearby walls are painted with ginkgo leaves. Though the leaves are still green now, autumn here must be stunning. 🏨 **Accommodation:** After exploring Zibai Mountain National Forest Park, we stayed at **Wufang Lanshan** beside the scenic highway. The place was refreshingly cool! Located in Yuhuangmiao Village, Liuba County, the rooms overlook the Qinling Mountains. Open the window to a mountain vista wrapped in greenery. A stroll along the road 🛣️ is pure bliss, with shaded paths and picturesque countryside views. The host was incredibly kind—helping with luggage, recommending nearby spots, and serving delicious homemade farm-style dinners 🥒. Breakfast was hearty and well-balanced, with plenty to go around! 🌈 **Tips:** · **Liuba, Hanzhong** is nestled among mountains, offering a rustic and tranquil escape—ideal for travelers seeking hidden gems. Visit in summer to beat the heat or in autumn for stunning foliage. · Other attractions: **Liuba Old Street**, **Zhangliang Temple**, **Lion’s Gulch**, and more. · **From Xi’an**, it’s a 3.5-hour drive 🚗 or take a high-speed train to Hanzhong and rent a car to Liuba.