Xunyang Travel

Southern Shaanxi Xunyang — Pearl of the Han River, Hometown of Taiji. Explore the world's rare natural Taiji city, wander through the thousand-year-old Shuhe trading town, and experience the unique urban pattern of "one river, two streams, three banks". A 3-day in-depth tour featuring geological wonders, ancient towns, and red culture.

2200+
Years of history
1
World Geological Wonder
100+
Ming & Qing buildings
50+
Intangible cultural heritage items
Aerial panoramic view of Xunyang Taiji City
Panorama of Taiji City – Natural Taiji Map
The most complete natural Taiji Bagua landform in the world, formed by the confluence of the Han and Xun Rivers.

3-Day Han River Cultural Journey in Xunyang

Decipher geological wonders, traverse a thousand-year-old town, pursue red memories, savor Han River cuisine, and experience the unique charm of Xunyang's mountains and rivers.

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Taiji City, Shuhe Ancient Town, Red Army Memorial Hall
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, photography lovers
Budget per person
¥800-¥1200
01
Taiji Mystery
Taiji City · Viewing Platform · Geological Museum
Highlights

Arrive in Xunyang, check into a river-view hotel, then visit the Taiji City scenic area. Climb the viewing platform to overlook the natural Taiji map, visit the geological museum to learn about its formation, and enjoy sunset photos along the Han River promenade in the evening.

Attractions
Taiji City Scenic Area
A rare natural Taiji Bagua landform formed by the confluence of the Han and Xun Rivers, with a diameter of 3 km and precise positions of the yin-yang fish eyes.
Taiji City Viewing Platform
Best viewpoint at 420 m altitude for panoramic photos of the Taiji landform, featuring a Bagua stone carving and 24 solar terms landscape pillars.
Xunyang Geological Museum
Exhibits the formation process of Taiji City and the geological changes of the Han River basin, featuring a 4D cinema and interactive experience area.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Xunyang International Hotel
  • Taiji City B&B Cluster
  • Hanjiang River View Room
Photography Tips
  • Best light 2 hours after sunrise
  • Bring a wide-angle lens
  • Drone requires prior registration
Tips
  • Steep steps to the viewing platform
  • Free guided tours at 10:00/15:00
  • Night landscape lights until 22:00
02
Ancient Town Quest
Shuhe Ancient Town · Huangzhou Guild Hall · Yangsi Temple
Highlights

Full day exploring Shuhe Ancient Town. Visit Huangzhou Guild Hall and Yangsi Temple in the morning, experience the intangible cultural heritage performance of Hanjiang Haozi (boatmen's chant) in the afternoon, and enjoy local night market food in the evening.

Attractions
Shuhe Ancient Town
National AAAA-level scenic spot, a Han River port town founded in the Western Jin dynasty, with over 120 preserved Ming and Qing buildings, known as "Little Hankou".
Huangzhou Guild Hall
Built by merchants from Huangzhou, Hubei during the Qing dynasty, the best-preserved commercial guild hall in southern Shaanxi, renowned for its exquisite brick and wood carvings, now a folk museum.
Hanjiang Haozi Performance
Provincial intangible cultural heritage, recreating the labor songs of traditional wooden boat shipping. Performances daily at 11:00 and 15:00 at the pier.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Direct bus from Xunyang Bus Station
  • About 1 hour drive
  • Depart before 8:00 recommended
Town Experience
  • Wear Hanfu for photos
  • Learn to sing Hanjiang Haozi
  • Traditional oil pressing workshop
Food Recommendations
  • Shuhe Eight Delicacies
  • Sour cabbage mixed noodle
  • Huoshao flatbread
  • Hovenia dulcis wine
03
Red Memories
Red Army Memorial Hall · Taiji Lake · Local Souvenirs
Highlights

Visit the Red Army Memorial Hall park in the morning, take a boat trip on Taiji Lake; buy local specialties like Xunyang hovenia dulcis and lion-head citrus in the afternoon before departure.

Attractions
Xunyang Red Army Memorial Hall
National AAA-level scenic spot commemorating the Red 25th Army's campaign in Xunyang, including a memorial hall, monument, and Red Army Old Street complex.
Taiji Lake Cruise
A lake formed by the Xunyang Hydropower Station on the Han River. The boat ride offers close-up views of the Taiji City landform, lasting about 1 hour.
Xunyang Specialty Center
Government-certified specialty product center offering one-stop shopping for hovenia dulcis products, lion-head citrus, sweet potato noodles, and more.
Practical Info
Cruise Info
  • Regular ticket: ¥60
  • VIP cabin: ¥200/4 people
  • Audio guide rental: ¥20
Souvenir Picks
  • Xunyang hovenia dulcis wine
  • Lion-head citrus
  • Konjac tofu
  • Handmade bamboo weaving
Departure Advice
  • Allow 2 hours to reach Xunyang North Station
  • Hovenia dulcis wine must be checked in
  • Souvenirs can be mailed

Must-Try Foods in Xunyang

Xunyang Hovenia Dulcis Wine

National geographical indication product. Fermented and distilled from wild hovenia dulcis, amber-colored with a unique caramel aroma and lingering sweetness.

Shuhe Eight Delicacies

A traditional banquet from the ancient town, featuring eight cold dishes, eight hot dishes, and eight steamed bowls, embodying the "eight cold, eight hot, eight steam" culinary culture of southern Shaanxi.

Sour Cabbage Mixed Noodle

Xunyang special noodle made from a mix of corn and wheat flour, served with homemade sour cabbage — sour, spicy, chewy and refreshing.

Hanjiang Fish Feast

Using wild catfish and yellow catfish from the Han River, prepared as sour cabbage fish, dry-braised fish, fish ball soup, and more — a whole fish feast highlighting fresh and spicy flavors.

Xunyang Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Best water level for viewing Taiji map
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Many folk festivals in ancient town
  • Lunar Dragon Boat Festival: Shuhe dragon boat race
Must-Do Activities
  • Aerial photo of Taiji City panorama
  • Wear Hanfu and stroll the ancient town
  • Learn to sing Hanjiang Haozi
  • Taste hovenia dulcis wine
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥150
  • Accommodation: ¥180-400/night
  • Meals: ¥60-100/day
  • Transport: approx. ¥120
  • Total: ¥800-1200
FAQ
  • Need to climb Taiji City? → 30 min hike to platform
  • Worth staying overnight in Shuhe? → Try an ancient house B&B
  • Can I take hovenia wine on a plane? → Must be checked in
  • Need reservation for Red Army Hall? → No reservation needed for individuals

Explore All Districts of Ankang