Hop on the Lishan Cable Car for a time-traveling adventure! This 1,500-meter aerial pathway whisks you from Huaqing Pool to Lishan's summit, offering panoramic views of Xi'an in just 15 minutes. Spring and autumn are magical when mist drapes the mountains like a fairyland, with the Terracotta Army site visible in the distance. Don't miss photographing the cable car gliding through maple forests and ancient rooftops - cap off your trip with persimmon cakes from foothill vendors!

This hotel boasts a prime location, just 2 minutes’ walk to Huaqing Pool and Lishan Mountain, with panoramic views of Lishan right from your room! The subway is only 5 minutes away, and the Terracotta Warriors are just a 5-minute drive. With 24-hour front desk, free parking, and luggage storage, the service is warm and attentive. Rooms are clean and cozy, featuring independent WiFi and double heating. Surrounded by local snacks, it offers great value for money, making it the perfect choice for both business and leisure travelers!
Everything you need to know about Mountain Li Cable Car
Recommended stays include Huaqing Palace Resort Hotel, located just a 5-minute walk from the Lishan Cable Car entrance. This hotel blends Tang Dynasty architecture with modern comfort, offering rooms with panoramic views of the mountain and access to natural hot springs. Its shuttle service connects directly to Xi'an city center, making it ideal for exploring nearby sites like the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang.
Another excellent option is Linyi Hot Spring Homestays, which provides private villas nestled in lush forested areas. Many rooms feature outdoor balconies perfect for watching sunrise over the Qinling Mountains. These accommodations are especially suited for travelers seeking tranquility and authentic local experiences while remaining within easy reach of major attractions.
The most convenient route is taking Line 9 Metro to LinTong East Station, then transferring to a tourist bus or taxi—about 40 minutes total. For a more direct option, book a private car transfer from your hotel; journey time is approximately 30 minutes, passing scenic views of the Wei River Plain.
Alternatively, dedicated tour buses depart from around Bell Tower every hour, costing about 25 RMB per person. They include multilingual commentary and stop at key sites. During peak season, guided tours often bundle transportation, cable car tickets, lunch, and entry to the Terracotta Warriors Museum—ideal for first-time visitors wanting a seamless experience.
Riding the Lishan Cable Car offers breathtaking aerial views of Huaqing Pool and the Qinling Mountain Range, with three observation platforms along the 1.2-kilometer route. The second platform features an interactive cultural wall detailing the legend of Yang Guifei and Tang Dynasty imperial life.
After disembarking, visitors can explore the Old Taoist Temple and the Simulated Terra Cotta Warrior Pit, where hands-on workshops let you try ancient pottery techniques. In summer, themed performances like the "Feishang Yiyu Dance" bring Tang-era elegance to life with lighting and music. Some seasonal packages even offer night cable car rides combined with stargazing camping, allowing guests to spend the night under the stars and witness the dawn breaking over the mountains—a truly unforgettable immersive adventure.
Top destinations include Huaqing Pool, once a summer retreat for Tang emperors, featuring historic hot spring baths and the iconic "Flying Frost Pavilion." The naturally heated waters maintain a constant 42°C, perfect for relaxing in centuries-old tradition.
Next is the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang Museum, just 1.5 km away, housing over 1,000 terracotta warriors and bronze weapons. Highlights include the "Armored Warrior Figure," a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship. Interactive 3D holograms help visitors understand the tomb’s complex layout and excavation history.
Don’t miss the Underground Terracotta Exhibition Hall and ancient trails at the foot of Lishan, marked with stone inscriptions explaining Han dynasty military systems and regional geography—essential stops for anyone interested in China’s imperial past.
Guests staying near Lishan Cable Car can enjoy immersive cultural experiences unavailable elsewhere. At Huaqing Palace Resort, participate in a "Tang Dynasty Tea Ceremony Workshop", learning traditional tea preparation techniques and sampling historical-style brews.
Many hotels also offer costume rentals—try on Tang Dynasty robes and stroll through the palace gardens for photos rich in historical ambiance. At night, join the "Lishan Night Talk Lecture," hosted by local historians who recount the romance of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, enhanced by ambient lighting displays.
Some homestays feature hands-on pottery studios, where you can craft your own miniature terracotta warrior. These experiences emphasize authentic cultural immersion, transforming tourism into a meaningful journey through time.
The Lishan Cable Car operates daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with departures every 15 minutes. The last departure is at 5:15 PM, earlier during winter (December–February) when operations end at 4:30 PM. Arrive early during peak seasons to avoid long lines.
Ticket prices are 60 RMB one-way or 100 RMB round-trip. Students receive half-price discounts (30 RMB one-way). Combined tickets include access to Huaqing Pool and the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, priced at around 150 RMB—excellent value.
Tickets can be purchased via WeChat Pay or scanned at the gate. Pre-HopeGoo is available through the official app "Shaanxi Culture & Tourism Cloud" to save time. Safety note: The ride has speed limits, and large luggage or pets are not permitted onboard.
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Staying at Angsana Xi'an Lintong was an absolute delight from start to finish. The resort’s ambiance is serene and beautifully maintained, with a spacious lobby that immediately puts you at ease. My room was spotless, featuring a private balcony overlooking lush greenery and a deep soaking tub—perfect for unwinding after a long day. What truly stood out was our host, Warm, whose genuine warmth and attentive service made all the difference. He went above and beyond with kindness and patience, making us feel like valued guests. The location is fantastic—just minutes away from the Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Hot Springs, with easy access by car or public transport. Everything about this stay was exceptional, and I’d absolutely return in a heartbeat—especially if Warm is on duty again.
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