Li Shan Mountain

Address: Lishan (Mount Li), Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Li Shan, commonly called Mount Li, is a prominent hill in Shaanxi province east of Xi’an, China, known for its historical hot springs and imperial associations. The mountain and its foothill complexes have been visited and referenced since imperial times.

A principal site at the foot of the mountain is the Huaqing Hot Springs, an imperial bathing complex with historic baths and landscaped grounds that date to Han through Tang dynasty usage and later restorations. The area is also notable for cultural references linking it to Tang court history.

Over many centuries the mountain and springs were developed for imperial use, with baths, pavilions and gardens constructed and rebuilt in different dynasties; the site is now managed as a cultural and tourist complex with preserved and reconstructed elements. Archaeological remains and historic architecture on the slopes and at the foot reflect this long history.

Mount Li sits to the east of Xi’an, within Lintong District of Shaanxi province, forming part of the loess hills and foothills that lead into the Guanzhong plain.

• Historical association: The mountain and its hot springs are linked to Tang dynasty history and the story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, making the site important in Chinese cultural memory.

What to See#

• Huaqing Hot Springs: Huaqing Hot Springs complex at the mountain’s foot, historically associated with imperial bathing and Tang dynasty court culture.

Li Shan (Mount Li) lies to the east of Xi’an in Lintong District, near the Huaqing Hot Springs/Tang dynasty sites. From Xi’an city centre you can drive east to the Lintong/Huaqing area (about a 30 km journey) or take scheduled tourist buses that serve the Huaqing Pool/lintong attractions; from the Huaqing area it is a short taxi or walk to trailheads and scenic spots on the mountain.

• Best time to visit: aim for spring or autumn for cooler temperatures and clearer air-these shoulder seasons give the best visibility over the Guanzhong Plain.
• How to approach the site: use the Huaqing Hot Springs area or the Lishan cable car services (operating from the Huaqing/nearby access points) to reduce the steep uphill walk and save time for sightseeing.
• What most visitors miss: include the Huaqing Palace/Huaqing Springs complex on the same trip-its historic pools and landscaped terraces sit on Li Shan's slopes and provide historical context for the mountain visit.
• How to avoid crowds: visit early in the morning right at opening or later in the afternoon; tour buses and large groups concentrate in the middle of the day, especially on weekends and Chinese public holidays.