Ankang Travel

Ankang, Shaanxi – Pearl of the Han River, hinterland of Qinba. Explore the largest man-made lake in Northwest China – Ying Lake, climb the majestic Nangongshan peak, and experience the ecological responsibility of "one river of clear water sent to Beijing".

2000+
Years of History
3
4A Scenic Spots
100+
Intangible Heritage Items
50+
Specialty Foods

Ankang City Districts & Counties

Ankang 3-Day Essence Tour

Enjoy Han River scenery, explore Bashan wonders, taste southern Shaanxi cuisine, experience eco-Ankang

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
City Center, Ying Lake, Nangongshan
Suitable For
Nature lovers, culture explorers
Budget per person
¥900-¥1300
01
Pearl of Han River
Ying Lake · Xiangxi Cave · Han River Night View
Highlights

Arrive in Ankang, check into hotel then head to Ying Lake scenic area, take a boat tour of the largest man-made lake in Northwest China. In the afternoon explore Xiangxi Cave Taoist sacred site, and in the evening enjoy the Han River night view.

Attractions
Ying Lake
The largest man-made lake in Northwest China, with a water area of 77 square kilometers and numerous islands scattered across the lake, known as the "Thousand Island Lake of Shaanxi".
Xiangxi Cave
One of the birthplaces of the Southern Taoist school, with stalactites of various shapes inside the cave and ancient towering trees outside, quiet and elegant.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Ankang Mingjiang International Hotel
  • Ying Lake Resort
  • Han River Side Guesthouse
Food Recommendations
  • Hanjiang Fish Feast
  • Ziyang Steamed Pot
  • Ankang Steamed Noodles
Travel Tips
  • Ying Lake boat schedules are fixed, pay attention to timing
  • Xiangxi Cave requires hiking uphill
  • Han River night light show starts at 20:00
02
Bashan Peaks
Nangongshan National Forest Park
Highlights

Full-day tour of Nangongshan scenic area, admire glacial relics and volcanic rock formations, ascend to the Golden Summit overlooking the sea of clouds over Bashan.

Attractions
Nangongshan
National 4A scenic area, main peak elevation 2267 meters, famous for ancient glacial relics and volcanic rock landscapes, known as the "Pure Land in the Clouds, Paradise on Earth".
Nangongshan Golden Summit
The highest point of Nangongshan, elevation 2267 meters, offers panoramic views of the Bashan sea of clouds, and on clear days the Han River looks like a ribbon.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Direct bus from Ankang Bus Station
  • About 2 hours drive
  • Recommended departure at 7am
Ticket Info
  • Nangongshan: ¥100
  • Cable car: ¥80 (one way)
Travel Tips
  • Large temperature difference on the mountain, bring warm clothing
  • Some sections are steep, wear non-slip shoes
  • Bring rain gear and sun protection
03
Culture Discovery
Ankang Museum · Dragon Boat Cultural Park · Souvenir Shopping
Highlights

Visit Ankang Museum in the morning to learn about Han River culture, tour Dragon Boat Cultural Park in the afternoon, buy selenium-rich tea, gynostemma and other local products in the evening before departure.

Attractions
Ankang Museum
National second-class museum, showcasing Ankang's history, culture and natural resources, with a collection of over ten thousand artifacts, a window into Han River culture.
Dragon Boat Cultural Park
A riverside park themed around dragon boat culture, showcasing Ankang's long tradition of dragon boat racing, offering dragon boat craft experiences.
Practical Info
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Ziyang Selenium-Rich Tea
  • Pingli Gynostemma
  • Langao Cured Meat
  • Hanyin Tofu Skin
Return Advice
  • Allow 2 hours to reach Ankang Station
  • Selenium tea can be checked in
  • Souvenirs can be mailed
Travel Tips
  • Museum closed on Mondays
  • Dragon Boat Cultural Park is more beautiful at night
  • Taxi starting fare in city center is ¥5

Must-Try Foods in Ankang

Ziyang Steamed Pot

A traditional Ankang famous dish, made with free-range chicken, pork trotters, lotus root and other ingredients layered and steamed, retaining original flavor and rich nutrition.

Hanjiang Fish Feast

Using wild fish from the Han River as main ingredient, it can be made into sour cabbage fish, dry-braised fish, fish ball soup and other whole fish feasts, highlighting fresh and spicy flavors.

Ankang Steamed Noodles

Ankang specialty snack, noodles steamed and served with bean sprouts, cucumber shreds, topped with special dressing, refreshing and delicious.

Langao Cured Meat

Traditional smoked meat, firm texture, rich aroma, perfect with liquor or rice.

Ankang Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Rapeseed flower sea, pleasant climate
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Colorful forests, crisp autumn weather
  • Summer: Ying Lake summer resort
Must-Try Experiences
  • Ying Lake boat tour
  • Nangongshan summit hike
  • Taste Steamed Pot
  • Han River night view
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥200
  • Accommodation: ¥150-300/night
  • Meals: ¥50-100/day
  • Transport: approx ¥150
  • Total: ¥900-1300
FAQ
  • How often do Ying Lake boats run? → Every hour
  • Do I need to hike Nangongshan? → Cable car available halfway
  • Must-see in downtown Ankang? → Ying Lake, Xiangxi Cave
  • Best season for Nangongshan? → May-October