For those who love spending time outdoors, Xi'an, the capital city of Shaanxi Province, provides several ideal summer vacation destinations.

Guanshan Pasture

Located in Long county in Baoji city, about 300 kilometers west of Xi'an, Guanshan Pasture is the only natural grassland featuring an alpine meadow view in northwestern China. The landscape is similar to the Alps in central Europe. Stretching over a vast natural area with breathtaking scenery, it enjoys the fame of the "second Tianshan Mountain".

The elevation of the Guanshan Pasture is about 2,200 meters. The grassland is very beautiful, interlaced with flowers. Upon the arrival of summer, the grassland is dotted with herds of cows and horses. Clear brooks wind along the lofty mountain range, forming lovely rural scenery which attracts visitors from all over the country.

Admission fee: 50 yuan ($7.9) (March - November); 20 yuan ($3.16) (December - February)

By car:

Xi'an – Xibao (Xi'an - Baoji) Hwy. – Baoji – Baoping (Baoji - Pingliang) Road – Longxian county – Guanshan Pasture

Taibai Mountain

Located in Mei county, in Baoji city, Taibai Mountain is the main peak of Qinling Mountain. Rising 3,767 meters above sea level, it is also the highest in the east part of the Chinese mainland. Endowed with rich forest tourism resources, various animal species and profound historical scenery, the Taibai Mountain is a satisfactory destination for eco-tourism.

Summer guests at Taibai Mountain will enjoy "snow on Taibai Mountain", which is one of the famous Eight Views on the Guanzhong Plain. Besides, oceans of trees bringing a cool breeze can make visitors feel relaxed, cool and refreshed.

Admission fee: 100 yuan ($15.8) (March 1 – November 30); 60 yuan ($9.50) (December 1 – February 28/29)

Transportation: Take Tourist Bus No. 2 from Xi'an Railway Station to Taibai Mountain. The bus leaves at 8:00 am from the eastern square of Xi'an Railway Station and returns from Taibai Mountain to Xi'an Railway Station at 4:00 pm. One bus ticket costs 22 yuan.

Nanhu Lake

At the southern foot of Qinling Mountain, in Nanzheng county, about 17 kilometers from Hanzhong city, Nanhu Lake boasts  green hills and rivers, abundant biological resources and bamboo forests. It is no surprise that it is a good summer Mecca.

Historic sites at this scenic area include Lanyue Tower, Memorial Hall of Lu You and Dashi Garden. Entertainment options include the kart, loop and pirate ship.

Admission fee: 60 yuan

Transportation: Drive along Xi Han (Xi'an – Hanzhong) Express Way and get off at Nanzheng county, go towards Zhoujiaping and Han Nan (Hanzhong - Nanjiang) Road and you will arrive at Nanhu Lake.

Yinghu Lake

Yinghu Lake is located 15 kilometers southwest of Ankang city. It is the largest artificial lake in Northwest China formed by the construction from the Ankang Hydropower Station. Covering an area of 77.5 square kilometers, the lake is endowed with a broad expanse of water, rolling green hills, thick forests and tall bamboo.

Admission fee: 20 yuan ($3.17)

Transportation: Take a train or minibus from Xi'an to Ankang. In Ankang city, take the regular minibus from Yinghu Road to Yinghu Lake.

Jinsi Grand Valley

Located in Shangnan county, about 216 kilometers from Xi'an, Jinsi Grand Valley boasts rich water resources, thick forests, picturesque cragged peaks, spectacular waterfalls and a primordial ecosystem. Stretching a total length of 20.5 kilometers, Jinsi Grand Valley consists of the White Dragon Valley, Blue Dragon Valley, Black Dragon Valley and Stone Swallow Village. Due to its thousand fabulous sights, it is praised as a perfectly-reserved "biological kingdom" in  Northwest China.

Admission fee: 90 yuan ($14.26)

Transportation: Xi Lan (Xi'an - Lantian) Express Way – Shaan Hu (Shaanxi - Shanghai) Express Way – Shangluo Direction and get off at the exit of Jinsi Grand Valley