Two Hours from Xi'an: A Thousand-Year-Old City with Free Entry, History at Every Turn, and Incredible Food — Head There This May Day!

Shaanxi has abundant tourism resources, but its "marketing promotions" have always been lackluster. Besides Xi’an, the surrounding areas are full of places worth visiting. Just a three-hour drive from Xi’an lies an underrated thousand-year-old city. Though it is one of China’s six best-preserved Ming-Qing ancient cities, it is often overlooked by travelers. If you get the chance, I recommend you come and take a stroll. It’s packed with historical sites and delicious food, and best of all, most attractions here are free.

It’s—Hancheng Ancient City.

Hancheng is located in the Guanzhong area of Shaanxi, facing Hejin and Wanrong counties in Shanxi across the Yellow River. Travel to Hancheng is very convenient. By car or bus, it’s around a three-hour trip. Last year, a new 'Green Bullet Train' service was launched, and you can reach Hancheng from Xi’an Railway Station in just two hours.

Hancheng has a long history, dating back over 1,400 years to its establishment as a county in the 18th year of the Kaihuang era of Emperor Wen of Sui (598 AD). After a millennium, today’s Hancheng Ancient City is one of China’s six best-preserved Ming-Qing ancient cities. The old town stretches about one kilometer north to south and over 800 meters east to west, with a tangle of ancient streets and alleys and cultural relics at every turn. The acclaim 'Hometown of Culture and History' still lives on here, tangible and traceable.

There’s plenty to see and do inside the ancient city. A visit here focuses on three things: first, marvel at the exquisite Yuan Dynasty architecture; second, soak up the authentic old-town atmosphere; and third, sample the unique cuisine of Hancheng.

Hancheng has the largest number of preserved Yuan Dynasty buildings in Shaanxi—there’s no other. The Yuan Dynasty was an extremely brief period, so very few of its structures have survived. Hancheng boasts many Yuan-era buildings, such as the Dacheng Hall of the Confucian Temple, the Jiulang Temple, and the Puzhao Temple outside the old town, all of which are typical examples of Yuan Dynasty architecture.

In addition to the Yuan Dynasty complex, you can visit the Confucian Temple, the Dongying Temple and City God Temple, the Jiulang Temple, the setting of "The Orphan of Zhao", the Zhuangyuan Mansion (Top Scholar’s Residence), and other cultural sites. All of these are worth exploring. With the exception of the Confucian Temple, which charges an admission fee, all attractions in the ancient city are free to enter.

Strolling through the ancient city is not just about sightseeing and history; it’s also about experiencing daily life. Compared to many commercialized ancient towns in China, Hancheng Ancient City is remarkably authentic. As you wander its streets and lanes, you’ll see old buildings scarred by time, and elderly locals sitting in front of their homes, basking in the sun or smoking a pipe... This most genuine old town has the lived-in charm that commercialized attractions lack.

The old town has a food street where every stall clearly displays prices, offering authentic Hancheng specialties. Yangrou Hubo (a lamb soup with bread), Yangrou Hele (buckwheat noodles with lamb), and Sichuan pepper yogurt are local favorites—if you come to Hancheng, be sure to give them a try.

Hancheng is about 200 kilometers from Xi’an. If you go by car, it’s expressway all the way—just use your GPS. Independent travel is also easy: you can take a bus from Xi’an Bus Station or Xi’an Textile City Bus Station, which takes about three hours. Alternatively, hop on the ‘Green Bullet Train’ at Xi’an Railway Station and arrive in just two hours. Hancheng Ancient City has no entrance fee, and apart from the Confucian Temple (which requires a separate ticket), all its attractions are free to visit.

Beyond Hancheng Ancient City, there are many nearby attractions. Famous sites like Sima Qian’s Ancestral Temple and Tomb, and Dangjia Village are well worth a special trip. You can choose based on your travel schedule.

The May Day holiday is just around the corner. If you’re a fan of cultural travel, why not head to Hancheng Ancient City for a leisurely food-and-history walk and soak up the charm of this underrated millennial city.

Source: Internet. Deleted if infringement.