I'm here at Shenmu Erlang Mountain!

## Shenmu Erlang Mountain Travel Guide Shenmu Erlang Mountain is located 1 kilometer west of Shenmu City, Yulin, Shaanxi Province, with an elevation of 1,082 meters. Known as the "Little Huashan of Northern Shaanxi" due to its steep terrain and rich religious cultural landscapes, here's a detailed travel guide: ### Scenic Features - **Natural Landscape**: The mountain winds dramatically with steep rock faces on the east side and dense pine forests on the west. The Kuye and Tuwei Rivers converge at the foot of the mountain. - **Religious Culture**: The mountain houses over 100 halls, temples, pavilions, and towers, blending Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist cultures. The Erlang Temple, Three Religions Hall, and Dizang Cave are the most representative. - **Historical Legends**: Famous for being named "Pen Rack Mountain" by Emperor Zhengde of the Ming Dynasty, it's also known as "Camel Hump Mountain" and "West Mountain." ### Main Attractions 1. **Erlang Temple**: Built in 1444 during the Ming Dynasty, it features a courtyard-style structure with exquisite murals and Ming Dynasty brick carvings. 2. **Three Religions Hall**: The largest temple complex on the mountain, with Ming Dynasty colored paintings of "East Mountain Panorama" and "West Mountain Panorama" on its east and west walls. 3. **Dizang Cave Grotto**: Built during the Ming Dynasty, dedicated to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, with ceiling stone carvings combining Taoist Eight Trigrams and Buddhist lotus patterns. 4. **Haoran Pavilion Grotto**: Built during the Anti-Japanese War, with walls embedded with stone tablets inscribed with patriotic poems. 5. **Jade Emperor Pavilion**: Located at the highest peak, offering panoramic views of Shenmu City. ### Touring Routes Recommended route: Visitor Center → Main Entrance → Renyou Square → Blessing Corridor → Haoran Pavilion → Erlang Temple → Erlang God Spring → Dragon Mother Temple → Hall of Gods → Immortal Temple → Three Religions Hall → Reversed-Sitting Guanyin Hall → Cultural Exhibition Hall → Visitor Center. Two mountain climbing routes: - **West Mountain Path**: Separate paths for vehicles and pedestrians, safe and convenient. - **East Mountain Path**: Better for experiencing the steep mountain terrain. ### Best Time to Visit - **Suitable year-round**, with spring and autumn offering the best climate. - **Temple Fair periods** (8th day of the 1st lunar month, 8th day of the 4th lunar month, 22nd day of the 6th lunar month) are the most lively. ### Tickets and Opening Hours - **Admission**: 20 yuan. - **Opening Hours**: 08:00-18:00. ### Transportation - **Public Transit**: Take a bus from Yulin North Bus Station to Shenmu County, then walk 1 kilometer west. - **Driving**: Navigate to "Erlang Mountain," the scenic area is adjacent to the county town with convenient parking. ### Accommodation and Dining - **Accommodation**: No hotels within the scenic area; hotels in Shenmu City are recommended. - **Cuisine**: Try local specialties like potato "chacha," Shenmu big red dates, and Yulin tofu. ### Tips 1. Wear comfortable hiking shoes as some sections are steep. 2. During temple fairs, crowds are dense; consider visiting during off-peak hours. 3. Be mindful of safety when using drones for aerial photography; some areas may have restrictions. Erlang Mountain combines natural wonders with cultural heritage, making it an excellent place to experience Northern Shaanxi's religious culture and mountain scenery.