Location & Transportation

Leyou Yuan (乐游原) sits on a loess plateau in southern Xi’an, just northeast of the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda and north of Qujiang Pool. It’s easy to reach by taxi or bus—arrange a ride to Yaxiang Road in Yan塔 District, and look for the signs pointing to the southeast side of No. 18. For a scenic approach, you can also walk from Mochou Temple or the Tang Paradise theme park nearby.

Natural Landscape

This 4-kilometer-long plateau stands 10–20 meters above the surrounding plains, with its highest point reaching 467 meters. Leyou Yuan isn’t just a random hill—it’s a leftover ridge formed by ancient river erosion. The views here are endless: sweeping skies, distant city skylines, and seasonal color shifts. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the Qinglong Temple ruins, while autumn paints the plateau in fiery reds and oranges.

Cultural Highlights

Leyou Yuan has been a star since Han Dynasty days—emperor Xuandi and his queen visited and loved it so much they “never wanted to leave” (hence the name “Leyou,” meaning “Happy Wandering”). Later, during the Tang Dynasty, it became the ultimate VIP spot: Princess Taiping built the largest private garden here, which poet Han Yu described as a luxury estate trying to “steal spring” from nature. Even after her fall, the place stayed lively, divided into royal gardens for four princes.

Today, you can still explore remnants like Qinglong Temple, where Japan’s monk Kukai (empty-sea) is honored with a monument and memorial hall. The temple grounds are also famous for their rare cherry trees, which bloom like pink clouds in April.

Views & Experiences

As the highest point in ancient Chang’an (modern Xi’an), Leyou Yuan offers panoramic vistas. On a clear day, you can see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to the south and Qujiang’s lotus-filled lakes. Poets loved this spot: Du Fu called it “a misty forest of green,” while Li Shangyin compared its springtime charm to “peaches and apricots stealing the sunset.”

Visit in March (for cherry blossoms) or September (chrysanthemum festivals), when locals flock here for picnics, kite-flying, and autumn hikes. The plateau’s open space makes it perfect for leisurely walks, photo ops, or just lying in the grass to watch cloud shadows drift by.

Tips & Facilities

  • Entry: Free and open daily until dusk.
  • Access: Paved paths, but wear comfy shoes—the plateau is gently sloped but sprawling.
  • Photo Spots: Sunset views toward the pagoda, cherry tunnels near Qinglong Temple, and the stone memorials.
  • Nearby Eats: Try Qujiang’s Tang-style restaurants or grab snacks at the stalls near the pagoda.

Leyou Yuan isn’t just a historic spot—it’s a living canvas. Whether you’re into hiking, history, or flowers, this plateau offers a quieter side of Xi’an, away from the tourist crowds. Come early or late in the day for the best light and mood!