Where to See Snow Scenery in Shaanxi

Written by Clementine | Updated December 30,2025

The rugged landform and towering mountains of Shaanxi Province have created the most magnificent winter snow scene in China. There is little snow in the city of Xi’an, so from December to February of the following year, people go to the surrounding mountains and natural parks to enjoy the snow, frozen waterfalls and forests covered with frost flowers.

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• 1. Mount Hua
• 2. Cuihua Mountain
• 3. Xi’an City Wall
• 4. Taibai Mountain
• 5. Hukou Waterfall
• 6. Lishan Mountain
• Quick-Reference Winter Snow Destinations in Shaanxi
• Practical Travel Tips
• Plan a Xian Winter Trip with China Xian Tour

1. Mount Hua

In winter days Mt. Huashan would become a huge wash drawing. The rime covers the trees, rocks, and buildings on the mountain with a layer of glittering quilt. It looks like a dreamland. Standing on top of the mountain and have a far look, the rolls of mountain lie beneath your foot. The whole world looks pure and silver.

• Location: Huayin, Shaanxi Province
• Tickets: Around CNY 100 in winter (low season: Dec–Feb)
• Time Needed: 4–8 hours (depending on hiking routes)

2. Cuihua Mountain

Located in the Qinling Mountains, Cuihua Mountain is a popular choice for Xi’an citizens to travel in winter. After the snowfall, the sky pool may be completely frozen, and there are many icicles along the trail. Unlike high-altitude mountainous areas, the hiking route here is more gentle, but you can still enjoy the classic snow scene.

• Location: Taiyi Palace Town, Chang’an District, Xi’an
• Time Needed: Half day
• Tickets: Around ¥70in winter (off-season price)

3. Xi’an City Wall

Xi’an City Wall is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. When snowfall reaches the urban area, the wall becomes one of the most atmospheric snow-viewing spots in Xi’an. Snow resting on the gray bricks, watchtowers, and surrounding trees creates a poetic contrast between history and nature.

Compared with scenic spots in mountainous areas, the city wall has convenient transportation, which is suitable for short-distance hiking or cycling in winter. Although the snow here is not frequent, once it snows, it instantly turns into the most iconic winter scenery in the city.

• Location: Xi’an city center, Shaanxi Province
• Time Needed: 1–3 hours
• Tickets: Around CNY 54; bike rental extra

Recommended tour: 1 Day Terracotta Army & City Wall Group Tour

4. Taibai Mountain

Taibai Mountain is the main peak of Zhongnan Mountain. The mountain top is covered with snow all year round. Looking from afar the snow on mountain top is like a white crown. The name of the mountain “Taibai” just means “lasting white”. In winter days, when the first snow falls, from the mountain foot to the mountain top are all covers by the snow. The plants and the buildings on the mountain are all hung with silver thaw.

• Location:Tangyu Town, Mei County, Baoji City
• Time Needed:6–8 hours
• Tickets:Around CNY 80–120 depending on route

5. Hukou Waterfall

Hukou Waterfall is a highlight natural sites nearby Xian. In winter days the cold weather makes the waterfall a huge glacier fall. The quiescent glacier fall looks like a large scale artwork. On the eastern cliff there appear cogbells in various shapes and sizes.

During winter, parts of the Yellow River freeze, forming ice waterfalls and frozen waves along the cliffs. This seasonal change gives Hukou Waterfall a dramatic and rare winter appearance compared with other seasons.

• Location: On the Yellow River at the border of Shaanxi and Shanxi Provinces
• Time Needed: About 2 hours
• Tickets: Around CNY 90

6. Lishan Mountain

At present Lishan Hill is part of Huaqing Pool Scenic Area. To most of tourists, Lishan is the snow scenery appreciating spot that most accessible. Lishan is a branch of Qinling Mountain ranges. When the sun sets, the hill body would be painted by the golden sunglow and it would be much inviting. “Sunset of Lishan Hill” is one of the top 8 natural beauty in Guanzhong Plain. Visiting Lishan Hill in winter days is a nice opportunity to see the boundless snow scenery. And after the climbing, enjoy a hot spring bath here would be an extremely enjoyable experience.

• Location:Lintong District, Xi’an
• Time Needed:2–4 hours
• Tickets:Included in Huaqing Pool Scenic Area ticket

Quick-Reference Winter Snow Destinations in Shaanxi

Practical Travel Tips

Best Time To Visit for Snow

The most reliable snow scene usually occurs from December to early February of the following year, especially in high-altitude areas such as Huashan and Taibai Mountain. There is less snowfall in the urban area of Xi’an and most of it is light snow, but the scattered snowflakes falling in the cold wind add a unique charm to Xi’an’s city wall and other landmark buildings.

What to Pack

• Warm clothes:carry thick warm coats, sweaters, warm underwear, gloves, hats and scarves – in the cold and dry winter, it is very important to wear them in layers.
• Shoes: Waterproof, warm and non-slip boots are indispensable, especially suitable for hiking or walking on icy roads.
• Accessories: Sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen can resist dry cold wind and strong light reflection in the snow.
• Healthy and comfortable: Xi’an is dry in winter, it is recommended to carry moisturizers and masks. Keep your water replenished, and prepare basic medicinefor symptoms of cold.

Travel & Safety Tips

• Avoid snowfall delays: If it is forecast to snow, please give priority to confirming the opening status of traffic and scenic spots. Mountain roads are prone to freezing(which is quite dangerous), and some trails may be closed.
• Indoor alternatives: In severe cold weather, it is recommended to visit indoor scenic spots such as Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum and Shaanxi History Museum, and avoid visiting only outdoor places.
• Keep the flexibility of the itinerary: Winter is the off-season for tourism (except during the Spring Festival), and you can enjoy fewer people and more favorable hotel prices.

Plan a Xian Winter Trip with China Xian Tour

Xi’an is one of the most attractive destinations in China. While most people are coming for its grand cultural and historical highlights, its natural heritage is, indeed, also worth visiting. And when winter comes, this city will then show you an incredibly unique and beautiful side. To better explore its charm, we recommend you to join China Xian Tour on a wonderful Xian Winter Trip. We’re an local based professional travel agency, which has been planning China tours for visitors for over a decade. And as we can provides with customized itinerary and private-guide services, all you need to along the way are just making unforgettable memories and enjoy yourself.