Shiquan County Travel

Shiquan in southern Shaanxi — a pearl on the Han River, the hometown of Guiguzi. Explore the Qinba landscape gallery, experience thousand-year-old water town charm, and discover the birthplace of the School of Diplomacy. The 3-day deep tour includes canyon adventure, Han River cruise, cultural exploration, and food experience.

1500+
Years of county history
3
4A-level scenic spots
72
Ancient terraced fields
100+
Han River fishing restaurants
Zhongba Grand Canyon plank road and waterfall
Zhongba Grand Canyon – Qinba Landscape Gallery
National 4A-level scenic area, canyon stretches 10 km, integrating danger, wonder, tranquility and beauty.

Shiquan County 3-Day Han River Cultural Journey

Through geological wonders, stroll ink-wash water town, visit the mountain of wisdom, savor fisherman's feast, experience the unique charm of Shiquan's landscapes and culture.

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Zhongba Grand Canyon, Houlu Water Town, Guigu Mountain
Suitable For
Nature lovers, culture seekers
Budget per person
¥800–¥1200
01
Canyon Exploration
Zhongba Grand Canyon · Welcome Waterfall · Glass Plank Road
Highlights

Arrive in Shiquan, check into a B&B near the scenic area, then visit Zhongba Grand Canyon. Admire the 100-meter-high Welcome Waterfall, challenge the 200-meter glass plank road, and enjoy the canyon night light show in the evening.

Attractions
Zhongba Grand Canyon
National 4A scenic area, 10 km long canyon featuring geological wonders like "One Line Sky" and "Moon Bay". Forest coverage over 90%.
Glass Plank Road
Suspended 150 meters above the canyon floor, 200 meters long, offering panoramic views of the creek and virgin forest. Thrilling!
Canyon Night View
Illuminated canyon at night with dreamy light effects on waterfalls and rock walls. Open for night tours every Friday and Saturday.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Canyon Homestay
  • Shiquan County Hotel
  • Houlu Water Town Inn
Gear Tips
  • Non-slip hiking shoes
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Trekking poles
Safety Notes
  • Shoe covers required on glass plank road
  • Some sections closed during rainy season
  • Do not leave designated trail
02
Slow Life in Water Town
Houlu Ancient Town · Han River Cruise · Paotang Festival
Highlights

Morning: Stroll through the thousand-year-old Houlu Water Town and visit Ming-Qing ancient buildings. Afternoon: Take a boat tour of the Han River Three Gorges. Evening: Join the Paotang folk festival and taste the Shiquan fish feast.

Attractions
Houlu Water Town
National 4A scenic area, a Han River dock town built in the Ming Dynasty, preserving typical southern Shaanxi residential architecture with sloping roofs and horse-head walls.
Han River Cruise
Explore the most scenic "Little Three Gorges" section of the Han River in Shiquan, passing Xihe Dam and Lianhua Ancient Ferry. Duration approx. 2 hours.
Paotang Festival
Provincial intangible cultural heritage, a thousand-year-old folk banquet custom. Visitors can participate in the "table-turning" ceremony and taste the eight-cold-eight-hot Paotang feast.
Practical Info
Cruise Info
  • Regular ticket: ¥60
  • VIP cabin: ¥300/4 persons
  • Guided commentary included
Folk Experience
  • Paotang banquet must be booked 1 day in advance
  • Hanfu costume rental available
  • Participate in making glutinous rice cakes
Photography Tips
  • Morning mist over the water town
  • Sunset fishing boats at dusk
  • Best night lights in the ancient town
03
Cultural Quest
Guigu Mountain · Cloud Mist Mountain · Souvenir Shopping
Highlights

Morning: Ascend Guigu Mountain National Forest Park to visit the legendary lecturing site of Guiguzi. Afternoon: Explore the ancient terraced fields of Yunwu Mountain. Before departure, buy local products such as silk goods and Guiguzi tea.

Attractions
Guigu Mountain National Forest Park
National 4A scenic area, traditionally regarded as the hermitage and teaching site of Guiguzi, founder of the School of Diplomacy. Known as "South Zhongnan, North Guigu".
Guiguzi Cultural Park
Exhibits the life of Guiguzi and his disciples (Sun Bin, Pang Juan, etc.). Features sites like the Sutra Lecturing Cave and Chessboard Rock.
Yunwu Mountain Terraces
One of the largest ancient terrace clusters in the Qinba Mountains. Rape flowers in spring and golden rice waves in autumn create spectacular farming landscapes.
Practical Info
Hiking Routes
  • South Gate → Lecture Platform (2 hrs)
  • North Gate → Cloud View Terrace (1.5 hrs)
  • Cable car to main peak
Souvenirs
  • Guiguzi selenium-rich tea
  • Shiquan silk quilt
  • Han River dried small fish
  • Handmade konjac tofu
Return Advice
  • Allow 1 hour to reach highway entrance
  • Souvenirs can be mailed
  • Visit Shiquan Old Street on the way

Must-Try Foods in Shiquan County

Shiquan Paotang Banquet

Provincial intangible cultural heritage. Sixteen dishes (eight cold, eight hot) centered around the "table-turning" ritual and traditional "Eight Bowls" cooking method, embodying the essence of southern Shaanxi dining culture.

Han River Fish Feast

Made with wild Han River silver carp and grass carp. Can be prepared as sour cabbage fish, bean paste fish, fish ball soup, etc. Fresh and non-fishy.

Guiguzi Tea

High-mountain selenium-rich tea from Guigu Mountain. Clear liquor, sweet aftertaste. Legend says it was a health tea formula taught by Guiguzi himself.

Guqi Bun (Puffed Bread)

Traditional Shiquan flour bun. Naturally puffs into a hollow shape during baking. Can be stuffed with cured meat or pickled vegetables. Crispy outside, soft inside.

Shiquan Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Rapeseed flowers and cloud wonders
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Colorful forests, plump fish
  • Lunar July: Guiguzi Cultural Festival
Must-Do Experiences
  • Challenge the canyon glass plank road
  • Han River Three Gorges cruise
  • Paotang folk banquet
  • Watch sea of clouds at Guigu Mountain
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: ~¥200
  • Accommodation: ¥150-300/night
  • Meals: ¥60-100/day
  • Transport: ~¥120
  • Total: ¥800-1200
FAQ
  • Is Zhongba Canyon suitable for seniors? → There are gentle walking routes.
  • How to join Paotang? → Book in advance through your homestay.
  • How long to hike Guigu Mountain? → Round trip about 4 hours.
  • Where to buy souvenirs? → Official scenic area shops guarantee authenticity.

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