The beautifully picturesque Mount Li located in proximity to Xi’an has consolidated a reputation as one of the most attractive tourist attractions in the vicinity. The mountain’s characteristic shape has given it the name ‘Black Horse Mountain’ and it has been a location related to the Imperial rulers of ancient China. It was during the renowned Tang Dynasty that the locale became a royal resort; it retained its status as a pleasure garden over the following centuries.
Many of the Chinese Emperors considered it a pleasure to ascend the mountain, usually in their luxurious sedan chairs. Even today the environs of the mountain are a delight to spend time at, with a tranquil environment and sweet-smelling pine and cypress trees covering the slopes of the peak.
Today visitors have the choice of taking the cable car to the upper reaches of the mountain or ascending the peak on foot. If you choose the latter option there are numerous locations where you can rest along the way, including such points of interest as the Forced Demonstration Pavilion, Banhu Stone and the Sunset Pavilion. However the main attraction at the locale is the famed Laojun Temple, where the Emperor Xuanzong undertook vows of eternal faithfulness to one of his concubines, Yang Guifei.
There are additional historical attractions at the site, such as the remnants of the Huaqing Palace Court. This is a location where devotees worshipped the founder of the Taoist faith, Laozi. Another historical highlight is the Bingjian Pavilion, where General Zhang Xueliang and his colleagues organized the arrest of the country’s president so as to convince the leader to unify the entire nation to resist the invasion of the Japanese.
Additionally the shrine provides a splendid panoramic vista of the surrounding countryside. After this rewarding walk, visitors can enjoy a leisurely respite at the Huangqing Hot Springs, situated at the base of the peak. With all of these attractions, a visit to Mount Li will never disappoint the visitor.
When considering accommodation in Xian an excellent choice would be the Citadines Gaoxin Xi’an. This fine Xian apartment provides convenient accommodations and gracious service.
