2025 Shenmu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

DAY1: Hongjiannao → Gaojiabao → Shimao Ruins (Museum) DAY2: Tongwancheng (Tongwancheng Ruins Museum) → Wave Valley DAY3: Hongshixia → Zhenbeitai (Great Wall Museum) → Confucius Temple and Yulin Ancient City (Lingxiao Tower, Yulin Old Street, Wanfo Tower, Xingming Tower, Bell Tower, Drum Tower)

Erlang Mountain is located in the southwest of Shenmu City, Shaanxi Province, on the banks of the Kuye River. The mountain is steep, the architecture is simple, and it combines Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It has a profound historical and cultural heritage, and there is also the legend of Erlang Shen Yang Jian. Erlang Mountain is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The temples on the mountain were built during the Zhizheng period of the Yuan Dynasty. They flourished and have continued to this day. It is a cultural landmark and an emotional support for the people of Shenmu. While visiting historical and cultural relics, you can also enjoy the natural beauty of Shenmu City. The day I went, it was raining heavily. Climbing the mountain in the rain, the scenery was beautiful, and I felt like I was in a fairyland. Due to the heavy rain and slippery mountain roads, I only climbed one peak, which was a pity.

Hongjiannao Scenic Area is located in Shenmu City, Shaanxi Province, at the transition zone between the Loess Plateau and the Inner Mongolia Plateau. It is a dazzling gem at the intersection of the Mu Us Desert and the Ordos Basin. With an altitude of 1100 meters, it features a continental monsoon climate, offering visitors unique natural scenery. Address: Jiqin Road, Shenmu City, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province

Traveling with friends? Here's how to enjoy Yulin! Explore the tranquil lakeside scenery of Hongjiannao Lake at your leisure. This relaxing journey is free of thrills and full of pure enjoyment. -- 📅 Itinerary: Day 1: Xi'an - Jingbian Depart from Xi'an and head to Jingbian to start your Yulin trip. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the unique charm of this small city. Day 2: Erlang Mountain - Shaanxi Hongjiannao Scenic Area - Yulin Ancient City On the second day, climb Erlang Mountain to enjoy the natural scenery. Then, head to Shaanxi Hongjiannao Scenic Area to explore this magical land. Finally, stroll through Yulin Ancient City to experience its rich history and cultural charm. Day 3: Dingbian Salt Lake Scenic Area On the third day, head to Dingbian Salt Lake Scenic Area to immerse yourself in the picturesque salt lake and marvel at the wonders of nature. Take plenty of photos to capture the beautiful moments of your trip. -- Must-visit attractions: 🌟 Erlang Mountain: Located in Shenmu County, Yulin City, this mountain is home to many temples and architectural styles. Its rich history makes every step feel like a journey through time. Seniors, come here to enjoy the tranquility of life! 🌊 Dingbian Salt Lake Scenic Area: This salt lake in Dingbian, Shaanxi, is not only an important salt production area but also a peaceful tourist destination. There are no exciting activities, just leisurely walks and the gifts of nature. It's perfect for seniors to enjoy a relaxing trip. -- Tips: 🚗 Airport transportation: Yulin Airport offers convenient parking with both indoor and outdoor options at reasonable rates, ensuring a worry-free trip. 📸 Photo spots: Erlang Mountain and Tongwan City Ruins Park are great places for photography. Don't miss them! ❄️ December weather: Yulin is cold in winter, with average temperatures ranging from -11°C to 2°C. Remember to wear warm clothing. 🎁 Local specialties: Yulin offers a variety of affordable local specialties, such as red dates and buckwheat noodles, which make great souvenirs. -- Yulin is a city of stunning scenery and rich history. Don't forget to leave your footprints and memories here! 👣✨

Not sure what to do in Yulin? Don't worry, this 3-day itinerary will help you explore Yulin, avoid detours, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious food! -- Must-visit attractions: - 🌊 Wave Valley: Explore the magical world of red sandstone and enjoy the unique scenery of the canyon! - ✨ Shaanxi Hongjiannao Scenic Area: Known as the pearl of the desert, the scenery is picturesque. There are also many entertainment activities waiting for you to explore! - 🏯 Zhenbeitai Great Wall Scenic Area: Climb the beacon tower, look out over the magnificent desert, and feel the weight of history. -- Packing list: 🧳 Going to Yulin? Don't forget to bring these! 👚🧣 Clothing: Yulin is cold in December, so don't forget to bring a thick coat, sweater, and long pants. Thermal underwear is also recommended, and don't forget to bring a windbreaker and hat. 🎒🔧 Accessories: How can you travel without a backpack? Bring a power bank and charging cable. Yulin has beautiful scenery, so a camera or phone stabilizer will help you take great photos! 🆔💳 Documents: ID card, cash, and bank card are essential. Want to drive? Don't forget your driver's license and vehicle registration! -- That's all for my Yulin trip. I hope these tips will help you have a great time in Yulin! 🎉

According to the Shenmu County Annals from the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, Yangjia City in the northeast of the county is the ancient Linzhou City. It is the predecessor of Shenmu. Linzhou was a major border town in the northwest during the Tang and Song dynasties. Because the Yang family generals of the Northern Song Dynasty guarded this place for five generations, they were loyal to the country and were commonly known as Yangjia City. After being interpreted by later literary and artistic works, the story of the Yang family generals is known to all, and is praised all over the world. The existing attractions in Yangjia City Scenic Area include the General Temple, the Martial Arts Field, and the Linzhou Zhuangge Yangjia General Statue, etc. The scale and connotation are among the best in the country.

D1: Xi'an - Jingbian Morning: Depart from Xi'an, drive north along the Baomao Expressway, about 4 hours' drive. Enjoy the scenery of the Loess Plateau along the way. Afternoon: Arrive in Jingbian, visit Wave Valley (ticket about 80 yuan/person), explore this geological wonder known as the "Chinese version of Antelope Canyon", and hike through the colorful Danxia landform, estimated playtime 4 hours. Evening: Head to Jingbian County, check into an economy hotel (about 200 yuan/room), rest and adjust. Dinner: Try local snacks such as lamb paomo, saozi noodles, etc., about 50 yuan per person. D2: Jingbian - Ordos Morning: After breakfast, continue north along the Baomao Expressway, make a short stop at Hongjian Lake (ticket about 30 yuan/person), enjoy the beauty of the desert lake, and you can also take a boat to land on the small island to play, quite like Hainan scenery, but it is not recommended to stay for a long time. Afternoon: Arrive in Ordos, visit Kangbashi Fountain (starts at 8:30 pm, free admission), feel the shock of the highest musical fountain in Asia. Evening: Check into a hotel in downtown Ordos (about 300 yuan/room), rest. D3: Ordos In-depth Tour Morning: Visit Ordos Museum (free admission), learn about Mongolian history and culture through rich exhibits. Afternoon: Go to the Mongolian Source Cultural Industry Park (ticket about 120 yuan/person), experience the profound heritage of Mongolian culture. Evening: Drive to Subohan Grassland (ticket + experience activities about 200 yuan/person), enjoy the vastness and freedom of the grassland, participate in activities such as horse riding and archery. Dinner: Taste roasted whole lamb in a yurt near the grassland (about 1200 yuan each, suitable for group sharing). D4: Ordos - Hohhot Morning: Drive to Hohhot, about 3 hours' drive. Afternoon: After arriving in Hohhot, visit the Inner Mongolia Museum (free admission), learn about the history and culture of Inner Mongolia. Evening: Visit Dazhao Temple (ticket about 35 yuan/person), feel the solemnity and mystery of Tibetan Buddhism, and you can also stroll around the nearby Kuanzhai Alley, which has many local specialties. Night: Check into a hotel in downtown Hohhot (about 300 yuan/room), taste local specialties such as hand-grabbed meat, lamb offal, etc., and be sure to try Zicheng boiled lamb, which you can't find in Xi'an. D5: Hohhot - Ulanqab Morning: Drive to Ulanqab, about 2 hours' drive. Noon: Arrive in Ulanqab, lunch on your own (about 50 yuan per person). Afternoon: Visit Ulanhada Volcano Geopark (some areas are free, some viewing platforms may charge), explore volcanic relics, and take unique photos of volcanic landforms. Evening: Check into a Mongolian yurt on the Ulanqab grassland (about 300 yuan/room), enjoy the sunset on the grassland, bonfire party, and rest. D6: Ulanqab - Datong - Xi'an Morning: Experience the entertainment projects on the grassland. Then near noon, return to the city for lunch. Noon: Drive to Datong, about 3 hours' drive. Enjoy the natural scenery along the way. Arrive in Datong in the afternoon. Afternoon: Visit Yungang Grottoes (ticket about 120 yuan/person), appreciate the Buddhist art treasures of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Evening: Explore local specialties such as Hunyuan cold noodles, Datong steamed buns, oat noodles, and yellow cakes, rest and prepare to return to Xi'an the next day. D7: Datong - Xi'an Return to Xi'an Notes 1. The total cost of the trip is 6919 yuan (one car for two adults and two children), for reference only. 2. It is recommended to book tickets for some popular attractions online in advance to avoid queuing on-site. 3. There are various choices for accommodation and dining, which can be flexibly adjusted according to personal preferences and budget.

Yulin Erlang Mountain, located in Shenmu City, Yulin, Shaanxi Province, is a tourist destination that combines natural scenery and cultural landscapes. It is known as the "Shaanbei Little Huashan" and is a landmark of Shenmu. Erlang Mountain is famous not only for its steep terrain and rich historical culture but also for its unique natural beauty that attracts many tourists. The mountain is named after the Erlang Temple on it, with an altitude of 1082 meters, stretching from north to south, with winding and undulating terrain, majestic and steep. Erlang Mountain is not only a key cultural relic protection unit in Shaanxi Province but also designated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction.

🗓Itinerary: Mid-August, self-driving from Xi'an to Erenhot → Yulin ~ Zhenbeitai ~ Hongshixia ~ Hongjian Nao Shaanxi Hongjian Nao Scenic Area. ❤Recommended Reasons: Hongjian Nao is not only the largest desert freshwater lake in China but also the world's largest breeding and habitat site for relict gulls, known as the "Desert Pearl" and the "Sea in the Desert". ⛰【Attraction Guide】 📍Detailed Address: Hongjian Nao, located in Shenmu City, Shaanxi Province, on the border of Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia, with a total area of 54 square kilometers. The lake surface is roughly triangular, with seven seasonal rivers flowing into it, making it the largest desert lake in China. 🚗Transportation Guide: Accessible by self-driving to the parking lot. 🕙Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. 💰Ticket Price: Adult ticket 30 yuan each, discounted ticket for children and elderly 20 yuan each. 🌟Highlights: Strolling on the beach, the sand here is fine and soft, perfect for sunbathing or playing. 🍽Dining Recommendations: There are many specialty restaurants and snack bars in the scenic area. The small pavilion in the scenic area sells good Liangpi , and the price is not expensive. ✅Experience: The name Hongjian Nao is related to Mongolian. "Nao" is the abbreviation of the Mongolian word "Naor (lake)", the sand on the lake shore and shallow beach is light red (colored by salts), and the lake water is salty and contains alkali, so it is named Hongjian Nao in Chinese. 📌Small Tips: You can visit here all year round, but the best seasons are spring and autumn. If you bring children, they can play with the sand on the beach, but be careful of sunburn. There are concerts on the beach in the scenic area, and the atmosphere is very nice

Erliang Mountain is located 1 kilometer west of Shenmu County, Yulin. The mountain range is winding and undulating, majestic and steep, with an altitude of 1082 meters. It is known as the 'Little Huashan of Northern Shaanxi' and is a landmark of Shenmu 😜 Erliang Mountain in Shenmu, a scenic spot in Linzhou, was historically part of Qiang Mountain and is commonly known as Xishan. Due to two protrusions in the middle of the mountain body resembling the double peaks of a camel, it is also called 'Camel Peak Mountain.' During the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty (1518 AD), Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Houzhao, passed by Shenmu County on his tour. Seeing that the mountain shape resembled a pen holder, he named it 'Pen Holder Mountain.' Later, scholars and literati, observing its camel-like appearance, often referred to it as 'Camel Peak Mountain.' On the ridge of Erliang Mountain, which stretches over 1 kilometer, more than 100 halls, temples, pavilions, and pavilions are distributed in a staggered manner, such as Baxian Cave, Dizang Cave, Sanshen Buddha Cave, Haoran Pavilion, Erliang Temple, Zhushen Hall, Sanjiao Hall, Yuhuang Pavilion, Niangniang Temple, and so on.

Bolanggou 30km 1 hour Tickets: 130 yuan for one adult and one child on Ctrip (excluding the glass bridge) Free admission for seniors over 65, excluding the glass bridge Time: 8:30-17:00 Total tour time: 2.5 hours There is no shuttle bus here, it takes 5 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the entrance Without crossing the glass bridge, you enter the scenic area and go down the stairs to the bottom of the valley. Moving forward, you will reach the Mars Camp, from where you enter the iconic red sandstone area of Bolanggou. The different mineral contents in these sandstone deposits cause variations in color, forming complex and abstract striped patterns. The valley's small river is very shallow, with water birds, and you can go into the water. This is a good place to rest and resupply, as there are no resupply points further along, only rest points. Along the way, there are reed ponds and red sandstone valleys. The upper valley trail is long and unshaded, making it somewhat strenuous for the elderly. The escalator is still closed. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, with outstanding landforms. Be sure to prepare for sun protection and resupply. Shenmu Yangcheng Huafu 251km 2.5 hours The hotel environment is very good, the rooms are large, and there are two levels of parking. The breakfast is also good, but it is too quiet at night. There are many restaurants within a 15-minute walk from the hotel. We brought the elderly and children for a beef and lamb feast first, and then relaxed with some barbecue nearby.

Shenmu City Erlangshan Scenic Area Erlangshan is located about 1 kilometer west of Shenmu County, Yulin. The mountain range of Erlangshan is winding and rugged, towering and precipitous. With an altitude of 1082 meters, it is known as the 'Little Huashan of Northern Shaanxi' and has become the iconic landscape of Shenmu. Shenmu Erlangshan, a scenic gem of Linzhou, was historically part of Qiang Mountain and commonly referred to as West Mountain. It is also called 'Camel Hump Mountain' because there are two protrusions in the middle of the mountain that resemble the humps of a camel. During the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty (in the year 1518), Emperor Wuzong of Ming, Zhu Houzhao, passed by Shenmu County and thought the mountain resembled a pen rack on a desk, hence he bestowed the name 'Pen Rack Mountain'. Later, scholars who visited the place observed its resemblance to camel humps, thus it was often referred to as 'Camel Hump Mountain'. Spread over a mountain ridge more than 1 kilometer long, in front of and behind Erlangshan, there are over 100 temples, pavilions, and towers, harmoniously distributed according to the terrain, such as the Eight Immortals Cave, Ksitigarbha Cave, Trikaya Buddha Cave, Haoran Pavilion, Erlang Temple, Various Gods Temple, Three Teachings Temple, Jade Emperor Pavilion, and Goddess Temple, etc.

My stay at the Xingcheng Hotel (Yulin Shenmu Bus Station Store) was full of pleasant surprises. (❁´◡`❁) Upon arrival at the Xingcheng Hotel (Yulin Shenmu Bus Station Store), what first caught my eye was the hotel's stylish exterior design, and the spacious and bright lobby that welcomed each guest. The front desk staff greeted me with a smile, making me feel extra warm and welcomed. (๑❛ᴗ❛๑) Once I entered the room, the comfort of the accommodation made me feel as if I were at home. The bed was soft and comfortable, and a beautiful small table was adorned with a bouquet of fresh flowers, filling the entire room with a refreshing atmosphere. ( ˘ ³˘)❤ The hotel's facilities were also quite comprehensive, including a TV, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. What surprised me the most was the bathroom, which was clean and bright, offering high-quality bath products, making bathing a delightful experience. ( ˇ෴ˇ )✧ In terms of dining, the hotel restaurant offered a rich breakfast selection, with fresh fruits, various hot drinks, and bread, providing every guest with delicious food and a pleasant dining experience. (灬º‿º灬)♡ Furthermore, the service at the Xingcheng Hotel (Yulin Shenmu Bus Station Store) was very thoughtful and attentive. The staff were friendly and enthusiastic, always ready to help guests. They were not only willing to answer my questions but also eagerly provided recommendations for local delicacies and attractions, making my trip even more colorful. (灬º‿º灬)♡ Overall, the Xingcheng Hotel (Yulin Shenmu Bus Station Store) provided me with an extremely pleasant accommodation experience. (●'◡'●)ﾉ❤ The comfortable environment, comprehensive facilities, and considerate service made me feel the warmth of home even while away. The next time I come, I will definitely choose to stay here again. (灬º‿º灬)♡

||The scenery of the north rivals that of the south. Among various natural landscapes, lakes always appear particularly gentle and graceful. As you stroll around Red Alkali Lake, the mirror-like surface reflects the lush surroundings, as if a dazzling pearl is embedded in the earth, perfectly presenting the beauty of the blue sky and white clouds. The scenery here is always refreshing, and even just idly daydreaming is a delightful enjoyment. Walking along the lakeshore, the lake water is as blue as silk, soft and stretching. On the lake, birds dance gracefully, ripples spread, and the golden sunlight twinkles on the surface. Looking up, the sky meets the water, forming a vast painting that is unforgettable. Here, the scenery between the heavens is peaceful and clear, as if a huge emerald jade plate is set into the desert, creating a magnificent picture of mountains, lake, and sand complementing each other. In Red Alkali Lake, besides the beautiful scenery, there are plenty of entertainment activities. You can choose to ride water motorcycles, parasailing, water bicycles, etc., to race on the lake and feel the howling wind; or drive sand karts, off-road vehicles in the sand sea, experiencing speed and passion; you can also participate in ATV jungle crossing, grass sliding, desert camel bells, grassland horses, and other activities, getting close to nature. Whether you are looking for laughter, excitement, or a lively and joyful atmosphere, this place can meet your needs. Red Alkali Lake combines the grandeur of the northern scenery with the elegance of the southern landscape, like a huge treasure mirror, shining brightly under the sun, always radiating enchanting light. Tips: Ticket: 30 yuan Address: Erlintu Town, Shenmu City

Hongjiannao is the largest desert freshwater lake in the country, and the relic gulls here are endangered migratory birds, listed in the Red List of Endangered Species by the World Conservation Union. Hongjiannao is a beautiful picture, combining the desert, grassland, and freshwater lakes, presenting a unique style of beauty. There are various amusement facilities on the other side of the lake, highly recommended, you can take a whole day or two days and one night to leisurely spend a weekend~ Aunt Jin, let's go now~ The scenery along the drive is very beautiful, a straight highway, surrounded by clumps of white clouds, it really relaxes the mood~

Gaojiabao Ancient City, located about 50 kilometers southwest of Shenmu County, Yulin City, is about 5 kilometers away from the Ming Great Wall. Gaojiabao Ancient City was built in the fourth year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty, and is a relatively well-preserved ancient fortress of the Ming Dynasty in Shenmu County and even the entire northern Shaanxi region.

The place is so beautiful,Enjoying a lot of fun,So hopefully everyone will come to this place. #merrychristmas