Taihang Mountains

Mountains Chinese mountain range famous for steep cliffs

The Taihang Mountains run along northern China, offering steep gorges, cliffside trails and rural temples; hikers and photographers visit for day treks and to see traditional mountain villages.

Main image

The Taihang Mountains are a major mountain range in northern China that run roughly north-south and form the eastern edge of the Loess Plateau. The range separates the North China Plain to the east from higher interior plateaus and uplands to the west.

Terrain in the range is characterised by steep cliffs, deep valleys and rugged ridgelines; it has been an important geographic barrier influencing historical transport routes and settlement patterns. The mountains contain scenic gorges, forested slopes and sites of historical and cultural interest.

Several provinces are crossed by the Taihang range, and it plays a significant role in regional climate, water catchment and biodiversity. Mountain passes and roads provide the main routes through the range linking inland and coastal regions.

  • Extent: Extends across several provinces including Shanxi, Hebei and Henan and forms the eastern edge of the Loess Plateau in northern China.
Taihang Mountains
37.0333, 113.7833

How to Get to Taihang Mountains #

Access points include Taiyuan, Shijiazhuang and other regional cities. From Taiyuan or Shijiazhuang, regional buses and drivers can take visitors to trailheads and small mountain towns. Road travel is the typical way to experience the range.

Tips for Visiting Taihang Mountains #

  • For hiking, use marked trails and start early to avoid afternoon thunder in summer.
  • Visit the scenic terraces near Wutai Shan and Pingding for classic views of the range's granite escarpments.
  • Check local transport options-many mountain villages are accessible by long-distance bus from Taiyuan, Datong, or Shijiazhuang.

Best Time to Visit Taihang Mountains #

Spring to autumn is the most practical time for exploring the Taihang Mountains. Winter can be dramatic but brings access challenges and snow in higher areas.

Spring-Autumn
Apr-Oct · 5-25°C (41-77°F)
Good months for hiking and exploring mountain temples. Summers can be warm at lower elevations.
Winter
Nov-Mar · -10-5°C (14-41°F)
Cold and snowy in places; higher passes may be closed.

Weather & Climate near Taihang Mountains #

Climate

Taihang Mountains's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) - Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (598 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
JuneMayOctober
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
-23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-11°
60%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -11°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-11°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.7h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.

71 Very Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
49%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
17°
46%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
13.0h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 23°
46%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°
54%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
14.5h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (176 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 27°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

176 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
14.3h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 25°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

138 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 21°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

77 Very Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
16°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.

69 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -9°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.

61 Good

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-9°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

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