Huxian County Tour – An off the Beaten Path Experience
Written by Clementine |
In the hustle and bustle of urban life, finding a peaceful place with rich cultural experiences has become the aspiration of many. Huxian County (now known as Huyi District), located in the southwest of Xi’an City, is right where you are looking for. With the magnificent Qinling Mountains, abundant rural scenery, unique folk arts and authentic local cuisine, it is absolutely an ideal destination for tourists who wish to experience the charm of Chinese culture and natural beauty.
Content Preview
- Scenic Beauty and Natural Escapes
- Cultural Experience & Local Life
- Tasting the Flavors of Huxian
- How to Plan Your Visit
Scenic Beauty and Natural Escapes
The Majestic Qinling Mountains
The Qinling Mountains are an important geographical dividing line between the north and south of China, with well-preserved ecological environment. The northern foot of the Qinling Mountains is within Huxian County, possessing beautiful scenery. There are also various recommended scenic spots such as the secluded valleys and clear streams of Taiping Valley, the dense forests and rich flora and fauna of Ganhe Forest Park, as well as Cao Tang Temple. These are all representatives of the natural beauty of Huxian.
Rural Landscape and Countryside Charm
The rural scenery of Huxian County is pretty charming, and it is always commended as one of the top Xian side trips. Vast farmlands, small villages and irrigation canals are ideal for a slow travel.
Cultural Experience & Local Life
Huxian Farmers’ Paintings – A Cultural Treasure
Huxian peasant paintings originated in the 1950s and are renowned for their bright colors and simple style, depicting rural life and folk scenes. Tourists can visit peasant painting exhibition halls and workshops, and experience painting themselves to feel the unique charm of this local art form.
Traditional Festivals and Folklore
The Lunar New Year, Lantern Festival and temple fairs are filled with a festive atmosphere. During these festivals, you can enjoy traditional folk activities such as folk performances, songs and drums, and Yangko dance.
Tasting the Flavors of Huxian
Must Try Local Dishes
When visiting Huxian, you must not miss its local specialties. Huxian soft noodles, cold noodles with soup, meat and vegetable noodles and mutton pita are signature dishes. Each bite brims with the authentic flavors of Shaanxi.
Local Markets and Farm to Table
The rural fair is an excellent place to experience local life. Farmers sell fresh fruits, vegetables and handicrafts there. Participating in farmhouses or family kitchens to taste authentic rural dishes and appreciating the “farm-to-table” dining style can help you gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and lifestyle.
How to Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Huxian County has distinct four seasons, perfect for rural China travels all year round. But for the best scenery, come during spring and autumn. The rape flowers are in full bloom in spring (March to May), and the rice fields turn golden in autumn (September to November).
Transportation and Accommodation
It’s very convenient to travel from Xi’an city to Huxian. You can choose either public transportation or driving.
- Self-drive: It takes about 40 minutes to drive along the Xi’an-Hanzhong Expressway.
- Subway:If you prefer public transportation, you can take Metro Line 3 to Yuhuazhai Station and then transfer to a bus or taxi to Huxian.
In terms of accommodation, there are many options in Huxian. You can choose to stay in a rural homestay to experience local rural life or in a family inn to feel the warmth of home. Also, a small boutique hotel to enjoy a comfortable accommodation environment is perfect.
