Yaowang Mountain

Photo of Yaowang Mountain: Yaowang Mountain hiking

Photo of Yaowang Mountain: Yaowang Mountain Shaanxi

Photo of Yaowang Mountain: Yaowang Mountain temple

Address Yaozhou District, Tongchuan, Shaanxi

Hours 08:30–17:30

Phone +86 919 6581563

Announcement: Popular / Cultural / Pilgrimage

Entrance ¥70

Hours 08:30–17:30

Best Season Spring for festivals, autumn for clear weather.

Time needed 2-3h

Last visit: May 22, 2026

Author: Peng Gao

Reviewer: Lijuan Zhao

Yaowang Mountain Travel Guide

Yaowang Mountain Shaanxi: A Visitor's Guide to the Medicine King's Sanctuary

Peng Gao 2026-05-25 Verified

Looking for a unique blend of nature and history in Shaanxi? Discover Yaowang Mountain, the sacred retreat of China's Medicine King. This guide covers hiking trails, temple visits, practical tips, and how to avoid common tourist pitfalls.

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Yaowang Mountain Overview

The place where Sun Simiao, a Tang Dynasty physician, spent his later years. The mountain has many steles and cliffside carvings, making it a sacred site for medicine.

Yaowang Mountain Opening Hours & Tickets

08:30–17:30
Best season: Spring for festivals, autumn for clear weather.
Ticket note: ~CNY 70. Discounts for seniors. Online booking accepted.

Essential Yaowang Mountain Visitor Information

Enquiries: +86 919 6581563
Parking
Restrooms
Visitor center
Medicine culture museum
Tea shopsSmall restaurants outside gate

How to Get to Yaowang Mountain

From Tongchuan city bus/taxi ~20 min. Drive from Xi’an ~1 h.

Yaowang Mountain Travel Safety & Advice

120, local police.

Practical Info

Yaozhou District, Tongchuan, Shaanxi
08:30–17:30
+86 919 6581563

Peng Gao

Certified Senior Tour Guide

Peng Gao, an Urumqi-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Northwest China itineraries covering the Gurbantünggüt Desert expedition, Urumqi bazaar and lamb feast crawl, and Heavenly Lake of Tianshan.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

☆☆☆☆☆ — (0 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

~CNY 70. Discounts for seniors. Online booking accepted.

Online booking may be required

Tips

Respect rituals when entering halls. Photography may be restricted inside some temples.

Reality Check

Extremely crowded during temple fairs (esp. Lunar February 2). Stone steps worn smooth; can be slippery.

Where to Stay Near Yaowang Mountain View all

Yaowang Mountain Hotels: Safe Stays with Easy Access and Culture

Jian Zhao 2026-05-25

Struggling to book a hotel near Yaowang Mountain with reliable WiFi, English-speaking staff, and safe dining options? This guide lists top accommodations for all budgets, with insider tips on location, prices, and how to avoid common pitfalls for foreign travelers.

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Yaowang Mountain Travel FAQ

What if I can't handle spicy food at all?

You'll be fine. Shaanxi cuisine here is more about savory and herbal notes than sheer heat. Chili oil is almost always served on the side in a small dish. Simply don't add it. The key phrase is "bú yào là" (no spice) when ordering. The mutton soup and most herbal dishes are not spicy by default.

Are there clean Western-style bathrooms near these local eateries?

Manage your expectations. The small local joints will have very basic, often squat-style toilets. They are functional but not luxurious. Your best bet for a cleaner, sit-down toilet is to use the facilities at the Yaowang Mountain scenic area visitor center or a modern hotel lobby before you start your food crawl. Carry a small pack of tissues and hand sanitizer, as toilet paper and soap are rarely provided.

How much should I bargain when buying herbs?

Start by offering 50-60% of the initial price. For herbs priced at 200 RMB, try 100-120 RMB. Watch the vendor's reaction—if they scoff but don't walk away, you're in the right range. I once got a bag of goji berries down from 150 RMB to 90 RMB by being persistent but friendly. Remember, for high-quality items like aged ginseng, the margin is smaller, so don't push too hard.

What are the best souvenirs to buy for gifts?

Packaged TCM teas are a safe bet—they're lightweight and have cultural significance. I often buy the "Yaowang Mountain Herb Mix" for friends. Hand-painted ceramics are also great, but ensure they're well-wrapped to avoid breakage. Avoid bulky wood carvings unless you have extra luggage space; on my last trip, I regretted buying a large statue that barely fit in my bag.

Are there any scams to watch out for?

Yes, beware of "free" samples that lead to pressured sales. I encountered a vendor who offered me a taste of honey, then insisted I buy a large jar. Also, some sellers might switch items during packaging—always check what you're given. One trick I learned: take a photo of the item before paying to avoid disputes.

Is Yaowang Mountain suitable for elderly visitors or young children?

It depends on mobility. The mountain requires climbing many stairs. For elderly visitors or families with very young kids, focus on the lower temple areas around the Yaowang Hall, which are relatively flat. The full hiking circuits are demanding. I saw several families with strollers at the entrance who quickly realized they couldn't proceed far. Consider it a moderate-grade hike.

What's the best time of year to visit Yaowang Mountain?

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are ideal. Summers can be hot and humid, though the forest provides shade. Winters are cold and dry, and while the stone carvings look dramatic against snow, some paths may be icy and closed for safety. I visited in May, and the weather was perfect—warm but not oppressive.

Are there places to eat near Yaowang Mountain?

Yes, but manage your expectations. At the main entrance, there's a cluster of small, local restaurants serving Shaanxi noodle dishes like Biang Biang Mian and Rougamo (Chinese hamburger). They're simple, hearty, and cheap. Don't expect fine dining or English menus. I had a bowl of savory noodles for about 15 RMB. There are no restaurants on the mountain itself, so eat before you start climbing or plan to eat after your descent.

How much time should I budget for a visit?

A full day from Xi'an. This includes 3 hours of round-trip transport, 4-5 hours on the mountain for a comprehensive visit (covering both cultural sites and a decent hike), and some buffer time. Trying to do it in half a day means you'll be rushed and likely miss the deeper cultural elements.

What should I wear and bring?

Comfortable, sturdy shoes with grip are non-negotiable. Dress in layers—it's cooler on the mountain than in the city. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and at least one liter of water per person. A small backpack is useful. Also, bring some cash (RMB). While major ticketing may accept digital payments, the small eateries and vendors might not.