Taibai Mountain Baxiantai Summit Trail

Taibai Mountain, in Mei County near Baoji, Shaanxi, is the highest peak in the Qinling range at 3,771 m, and the Baxiantai summit trail through Taibaishan National Forest Park is a full alpine undertaking rather than a casual walk. The park entrance is reached by bus from Xi'an or Baoji to Mei County followed by local transport to the scenic area gate, where a scenic-area ticket is required; a cable car covers part of the lower route on the developed northern slope, but the upper approach toward the Baxiantai plateau below the summit remains on foot. The trail covers roughly 15 km within the developed scenic area, climbing from around 1,000 m at the entrance to over 3,400 m on the exposed upper slopes, crossing a mix of stone steps, dirt and scree paths, and boardwalk sections through the park's distinctive stone sea (a field of car-sized granite boulders left by ancient glaciation). Weather changes rapidly at altitude, and snowfall is possible even in July, so rain gear and warm layers are necessary regardless of season; the upper reaches offer essentially no shade or shelter beyond a mountain hut used by hikers doing the route over two days. Given the distance and altitude gain, many hikers split the ascent with an overnight stay at the hut near Baxiantai rather than attempting a single-day round trip, which is achievable only for very fit, early-starting parties. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the steep, loose upper sections, and hikers should turn back if visibility drops or lightning threatens, since the exposed alpine terrain above the tree line offers little protection.