This paper deals with an investigation of Cui Hua rock avalanche, in the Qin Ling Mountains, in the Dong Cha valley, an eastern branch of Taiyi River, some 30 km south of Xi’an, Province of Shaanxi, P. R. of China. The landslide originated on lithotectonic structures along seismic active fault systems. Its occurrence could be correlated with an earthquake in 780 BC that must have triggered the landslide. Due to a stabilizing human input the landslide area in front of the dammed Tianchi Lake became an area of settlement for native people of this area, which used this rapidly geomorphologic changing system for their needs over the past 2780 years. Nowadays the lake is considered to be a reservoir for drinking water, agriculture and a hydropower plant. Even more the deposit of the Cui Hua rock avalanche has become a touristic place for sightseeing and vacation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]