Located in the heart of the Guanzhong Plain in Yuanjia Village, Liquan County, Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province, at the foot of Lingshan Mountain, about 78 kilometers from downtown Xi'an. The ancient city is surrounded by rich historical and cultural resources. On Lingshan Mountain, 1 kilometer away from the ancient city, lies the Zhaoling Mausoleum of Emperor Taizong of Tang. The ancient city is also home to the largest and best-preserved group of stone carvings among the imperial tombs of Guanzhong, known as the Jianling Stone Carvings of Emperor Suzong of Tang. The Guanzhong Ancient Town, known as the 'Guanzhong Impression Experience Place,' features quaint and elegant alleys lined with shops and workshops. There are various imitation ancient workshops such as oil mills, tofu mills, flour mills, tea mills, and vinegar mills. Walking on the bluestone slabs, you can admire the Ming and Qing style buildings with a strong Guanzhong flavor, watch elderly people carefully weaving cloth in the cloth workshop, and see workers diligently pushing stone mills in the flour workshop, offering a unique experience. For dining in Guanzhong Ancient Town, larger groups can visit various farmhouses, or you can taste snacks on the folk street. There are two particularly distinctive snacks that you must try. One is Zhutou Noodles, also known as Xianggun Noodles, which are made by adding seasonings to cooked noodles and then pouring hot rapeseed oil over them. They are smooth, chewy, and have a spicy and refreshing taste. The other is Fuzi, commonly known as Tulaozhao, which is made from fermented barley kernels. It has a sweet and mellow taste and can be enjoyed hot or cold, and is no longer available in cities.
Located in Chenlu Town, Yintai District, Tongchuan, 102 kilometers away from Xi'an city center. According to historical records, Chenlu Ancient Town was named after the 'kiln exhibition' and has a history of over 1,400 years of porcelain making. It is the only kiln site that continued production after the Song and Yuan dynasties, and the only remaining 'perfectly refined' Yaozhou kiln porcelain-making base in history. It is considered a miracle in the history of ceramics and is known as the 'Ancient Town of Oriental Ceramics'.
Phoenix Ancient Town
Located in the southeast of Zhashui County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province, 102 kilometers away from Xi'an city center. The ancient town is situated on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains, surrounded by mountains and rivers. The quaint and winding streets are lined with Ming and Qing dynasty residences, which is the most distinctive feature of the ancient town. Heading north along the road, the old street, which is more than 2000 meters long, is well preserved to this day. There are more than 60 Ming and Qing dynasty residences along the street, with a stream paved with stone slabs running along it. Another stream runs vertically through the town, forming a cross-shaped water system.
Manchuanguan Town
Manchuanguan Ancient City is located 70 kilometers southeast of Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province, and 202 kilometers from Xi'an City. It is situated at the confluence of the Qianjiang and Jinjia Rivers, named for its broad terrain and extensive water areas. During the Warring States period, it was the border area between Qin and Chu, and the idiom 'morning in Qin, evening in Chu' originated here. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, water transportation was developed, and Manchuanguan dry dock was an important distribution center for material exchanges among Shaanxi, Hubei, Henan, and Sichuan. The ancient town's streets are long and narrow, paved with stone slabs, blocks, and pebbles. Buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as the Ship Guild Hall, Hubei Guild Hall, Wuchang Guild Hall, Mule Guild Hall, and Wusheng Palace, are well preserved. Most residential houses have wooden walls, are small and exquisite, with an upper floor loft, painted gable walls, dragon and phoenix corners, mirrors hanging from the ceiling, exuding an ancient charm.
Dihua Ancient Town
Located 15 kilometers west of Danfeng County in Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province, about 164 kilometers from Xi'an city center. It was named after the abundant production of Kerria japonica in early years. Here, you will find an important post station on the 600-mile ancient commercial route, where various cultural forms such as those from the Spring and Autumn period, the flourishing Tang Dynasty, and the Song and Jin Dynasties blend together. The contemporary famous writer Jia Pingwa's 'Qinqiang' vividly describes the ancient town, attracting a large number of young literary enthusiasts.
Houzhenzi Town
Located in Zhouzhi County, Xi'an City, 172 kilometers from Xi'an urban area. 'Hou' means wide, as it spans the north and south of the Qinling Mountains and connects with the Yangtze and Yellow River water systems. Another explanation refers to the small paths through fields a thousand years ago. This winding ancient path in the Qinling Mountains has witnessed countless legendary stories. The ancient town is surrounded by beautiful natural environments and mysterious human history, offering a tranquil and leisurely atmosphere, making it a paradise on earth. The most famous attractions include the Lianghe Waterfall, Da Weng Tan Waterfall, the old county town, Heilongtan, and the Tangluo Ancient Path.
