Snowfall at Zhongnan | Nanwutai First Snow Hiking Guide Breathtakingly Beautiful

Detailed Itinerary 1. Preparation Before the Trip • Transportation: Drive from the city with navigation set to "Nanwutai Scenic Area Parking Lot" (about 1.5 hours), or take Metro Line 2 to "Weiqunan Station" and transfer to Bus 730 (terminus at Nanwutai Scenic Area, about 2 hours). • Tickets: Book in advance via the "Zhongnan Mountain Nanwutai Scenic Area" WeChat public account. Adult tickets are 45 RMB per person, students half price (with ID). Scenic area shuttle bus costs 20 RMB per person (mandatory, about 6 km from the mountain gate to the trailhead). • Supplies: You may bring crampons; safety is the top priority. Besides core gear, bring some energy snacks (chocolate, nuts), band-aids, and trash bags. Avoid carrying overly heavy luggage (snow hiking is tiring with heavy loads). • Note: Check the scenic area announcements before departure (there may be temporary flow restrictions after snowfall). Fully charge your phone and save the scenic area rescue number (029-85949234). 2. Key Points for Hiking • Pace: Walk slowly on snowy mountain paths, rest 5 minutes every 30 minutes to avoid sweating from climbing too fast (cold wind can cause chills). Lingying Platform and Guanyin Platform offer the best snow views and are good spots to stop for photos. • Safety: When steps are covered with snow, place both feet flat and firmly, use handrails, and avoid shaded areas (prone to hidden ice). Do not climb over railings or enter undeveloped areas (road conditions unclear after snow). • Supplies: There are simple vending points on the trail (hot water, instant noodles), but prices are high. It is recommended to bring your own hot water and snacks. There is a rest pavilion at Guanyin Platform on the summit to shelter from the wind. 3. Descent and Return • Descent Time: After 2:00 PM, sunlight weakens and steps can ice over. Start descending before 3:00 PM, walk slowly without running, and wear crampons throughout. • Return: If driving, you can stop at a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain for a hot bowl of noodles (recommended: oil-splashed noodles, lamb stew with bread) before heading back. For bus travelers, note that the last Bus 730 departs around 6:00 PM, don’t miss it. • Warmth: Change into dry clothes promptly after descending, drink hot water to keep warm, and avoid catching a cold. Snow Scenery Highlights and Photo Tips • Must-visit spots: Lingying Platform sea of clouds + snow-covered pines, Guanyin Platform ancient temple snow scene, snowy steps (top-down angle), summit rime ice (if low temperatures occur) • Photo tips: Wear bright colors (red, yellow) to contrast with the white snow, avoid harsh midday light, and shoot during soft light in the early morning or afternoon for better photos.