Written by Clementine |
If you are tired of the hustles and bustles of the big cities, then why not drive to these ancient towns and relax yourself, have a taste of rustic folk custom and enjoy the beautiful sceneries? Today I will recommend the top five ancient towns in Shaanxi Province to you.
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- 1. Dangjia Village
- 2. Yungaisi Ancient Town
- 3. Chenlu Ancient Town
- 4. Huayang Ancient Town
- 5. Qingmuchuan Ancient Town
- FAQs about Ancient Towns
- Embark on a Xian Side Trip with Chian Xian Tour
1. Dangjia Village
- Location: Xiaguo Road, Hancheng City, Weinan City
- Distance from Xian: about 230 kilometers northeast to Xian
- Tickets: CNY 60
- Time needed: half day – one day
Dangjia-village-01Situated 9km northeast of Hancheng City, Shaanxi Province, Dangjia Village is the most completed and well-preserved village of Ming(1368-1644) and Qing(1644-1911)Dynasty architectural style, which is regarded as āāthe living fossil of the ancient and traditional folk community of the oriental humankindā. The five thousand years of Chinese civilization bred numerous villages in the history, while Dangjia Village is one of the survivors among those twinking stars. Dangjia Village owns beautiful environment as well as splendid culture. There are still over 100 courtyard houses and ancestral halls, offering precious research and appreciation value.
2. Yungaisi Ancient Town
- Location: Yunzhen Village, Yungaisi Town, Zhenāan County, Shangluo City
- Distance from Xian: about 230 kilometers south to Xian
- Tickets: free
- Time needed: 2 – 3 hours
Located 19km west of Zhenāan County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province, Yungaisi Ancient town is a populated place with an average elevation of 1,067 meter above sea level. The area is not very densely populated with 76 people per km2 . According to historical record, the Emperor Liuxiu of Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperor Li Shimin of Tang Dynasty, Poet Bai Juyi and Jia Dao all had left their footprints and some famous words here.
3. Chenlu Ancient Town
- Location: Chenlu Town, Yintai District, Tongchuan City
- Distance from Xian: about 100 kilometers north to Xian
- Tickets: free
- Time needed: half a day
Chenlu-town-01On the top of a mountain in Yintai District, Tongchuan City, Shaanxi Province, Chenlu has been the most important porcelain production base of northwest China since the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).
Covering a total area of 99.7kmĀ², with an average elevation of 1,200m, Chenlu ancient town is one and the only base which still produces the Yaozhou porcelain after Song and Yuan Dynasties, which was hailed as āthe living fossil of eastern town of porcelain ā.
Actually its porcelain kilns can be traced back to more than 1,400 years ago before the Tang Dynasty. The special architecture styles and local customs add more interest to the town.
4. Huayang Ancient Town
- Location: Huayang Town, Yang County, Hanzhong City
- Distance from Xian: about 250 kilometers southwest to Xian
- Tickets: CNY 60
- Time needed: 1 – 2 days
Huayang ancient town is situated 76 kilometers northern of Yangxian County, south of Taibai Mountain. It is one of the oldest town in Shaanxi Province. With a history of over 2,000 years, the Huayang town has been a post of the famous path ā Tang Luo Ancient Path, being as an important military point and economic and political center. Many architectures of Ming and Qing Dynasties are still well-preserved in the town. Besides, represented by the so called Four Treasures of Qinling Mountains:Giant Panda,takin,golden monkey,Crested ibis are inhabiting there.
5. Qingmuchuan Ancient Town
- Location: Daqing Road, Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City
- Distance from Xian: about 500 kilometers southwest to Xian
- Tickets: CNY 60
- Time needed: 1 – 2 days
Qingmuchuan Ancient Town is located at the northwest Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province, lies in the adjacent of Shanxi, Gansu and Sichuan Provinces. The town was established in the middle of Ming Dynasty and shaped in late Qing Dynasty and then got its peak at the Republic of China (1912-1949), and has 20 ancient buildings dating back to Ming and Qing Dynasties along the 800-meter long Huilongchang Street. Now it is a place mixed with Han people and Qiang people. The town once was one of the most important paths leading to Sichuan Province.
Related reading: 10 Most Famous Ancient Towns in China
FAQs about Ancient Towns
What are the best transportation options for getting around Xiāan?
In downtown Xian, metro is the best transportation means, which covers almost all major tourist attractions. Buses, sightseeing buses, taxis and online car-hailing service are also convenient. But for the tours to above ancient villages, self-driving is the most flexible and recommended way. Ā You can also take the long-distance bus or train to the county or city and then transfer to the local transportation means to the scenic areas.
Can I stay overnight in any of these ancient towns?
Yes, all these ancient towns have hotels for tourists to live, so staying overnight is allowed. And you can appreciate the night scenery and enjoy a tranquil tour.
Are there cultural performances or festivals in these towns?
In traditional festivals and peak seasons, the ancient towns may hold characteristic activities according to their own culture. For example, Dangjiacun Village has fire performance in Spring Festival and sacrificial ceremony in Dragon Boat Festival. There are also various folk activities on a daily basis. And in Yungaisi Ancient Town, you may hear the Qinqiang Opera. But it is necessary to check the latest activities in advance.
Are the ancient towns open at night for evening strolls?
Yes, the main streets and public landscapes are opened at night, so you can stroll at night to feel the different charm of the towns. But the museum, some indoor scenic spots and stores may be closed.
Is it better to visit an ancient town as a day trip or to stay overnight?
If you have a tight schedule, or the ancient town is close to Xian, or the scenic area is relative small and can be toured in a few hours, then a day trip is better. But for towns far from Xian, with more nearby scenic spots or having special night performances or activities, such as Qingmuchuan and Huayang Ancient Towns, then two days allow you enjoy a leisure and in-depth tour to experience the local life.
Embark on a Xian Side Trip with Chian Xian Tour
Since the transportation to the ancient villages are not convenient, it is recommended to travel with China Xian Tour. We can arrange a Xian side trip according to your demands and assign a guide and a driver to take you to the scenic areas directly. So just tell our travel consultant about your needs, then you can enjoy the tour. Do not hesitate to contact us right now.
