Overview
Climb to Baxiantai (3,767 m), the highest peak of the Qinling range and of eastern mainland China, on the safe, classic scenic-area route.
About This Tour
Mount Taibai is the crowning summit of the Qinling Mountains — the great east-west range that divides northern and southern China — and at 3,767 m its peak, Baxiantai ("Pick-Immortal Platform"), is the highest point in eastern mainland China. This three-day private trek follows the official, well-marked scenic-area route, not the restricted and dangerous Aotai ridge traverse, so you enjoy a serious alpine summit safely and legally. The trail climbs through a remarkable sequence of life zones: dense broadleaf and pine forest, mossy fir woods, dwarf rhododendron and finally bare granite scree and ancient glacial lakes such as Daye Hai ("Big Grandfather Sea"). On a clear day the summit offers a vast sea of clouds and ridgelines fading into haze in every direction. The mountain holds deep cultural significance in Taoism, and you pass shrines and pilgrim huts along the way. It suits reasonably fit hikers comfortable with long days and a high-altitude summit push. Best walked from late spring through autumn, when the high trail is snow-free. This is a private tour priced per person. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and border-area regulations. Good to know: • Best season: May to October; the high trail can hold snow and ice outside these months • Fitness level: moderate to demanding — long days of 6–8 hours with sustained ascent • Altitude: summit Baxiantai reaches 3,767 m; mild altitude effects possible, oxygen carried by guide • Route note: this trek uses the legal, marked scenic-area route — NOT the prohibited Aotai ridge traverse • Pack warm layers, rain shell, gloves and hat — summit weather is cold and changeable even in summer • Private tour, priced per person; mountain lodging is simple guesthouse/dormitory style
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Tangkou to Lower Banshan｜Into the Qinling forest
Drive about 2 hours from the Xi'an / Mei County area to the Tangkou trailhead on the scenic-area route, starting near 1,700 m. After a briefing you begin the ascent through lush Qinling forest of oak, pine and birch, climbing roughly 8–9 km over 5–6 hours with around 900 m of gain. The graded stone-and-earth path passes streams, old Taoist shrines and the first mossy fir stands; keep an eye out for birds and, with luck, signs of the region's rich wildlife. Pace is steady to aid acclimatization. You reach a mountain guesthouse in the Banshan ("mid-mountain") zone by late afternoon, around 2,600 m. Settle in, warm up, and enjoy a simple hot dinner. Lunch (packed) and Dinner included; overnight in mountain guesthouse.
2
Day 2: Summit day｜Baxiantai 3,767 m and Daye Hai
The big day. Set off early, climbing above the treeline into dwarf rhododendron, alpine meadow and finally open granite scree. The route covers about 12–14 km over 7–8 hours, gaining roughly 1,100 m to the summit ridge. You pass Wengong Temple and the glacial lake Daye Hai ("Big Grandfather Sea"), a still tarn cradled in rock at around 3,590 m, before the final push to Baxiantai (3,767 m), the highest point of the Qinling and of eastern mainland China. On a clear day a vast sea of clouds laps the ridgelines below; your guide carries oxygen for anyone feeling the altitude. After summit photos, descend to a high mountain hut for the night. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included; overnight in simple high-mountain lodge.
3
Day 3: Descent｜Back through the forest belt
After breakfast and a final look at the high peaks, begin the long descent on the scenic-area trail, retracing the change of life zones in reverse — scree to rhododendron to fir, then back into the rich green broadleaf forest. Today's walk is around 14–16 km over 6–7 hours, mostly downhill, so trekking poles ease the knees. You pause at viewpoints and waterfalls missed in the morning mist of day one, and your guide shares the mountain's Taoist legends. Reach the trailhead in the afternoon where the private vehicle waits, then transfer back toward Xi'an. The tour concludes on arrival, with time to catch an evening onward connection. Breakfast and Lunch included; no overnight (tour ends today).
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking professional guide Private vehicle and transfers from Xi'an area Mountain guesthouse and high-camp lodging as per itinerary Listed scenic-area entrance tickets and park fees Meals as specified (B/L/D) First-aid kit and supplementary oxygen for altitude Trekking support and route logistics
✕ Not included
International and domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Personal trekking gear (boots, poles, warm layers) Tips and gratuities Meals not specified Personal expenses Single supplement
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.5★★★★★Based on 124 reviews
Jonas O.🇦🇪 UAE★★★★★2026-02
For us, what stayed with me wasn't the booking or the car. It was the time at the Qinling Mountains, when we could slow down and actually look around.
Lena D.🇳🇱 Netherlands★★★★☆2025-05
Practically speaking, the guide checked the pace before the steeper section rather than after someone fell behind. That made the trail feel supportive without becoming fussy.
Leila Y.🇦🇺 Australia★★★★★2024-12
Expect uneven ground and a few sections where conversation stops because everyone is concentrating on their feet. The views near the Qinling Mountains repay the effort.