Ziyang County Travel

Southern Shaanxi Ziyang — China's Selenium Valley, Land of Folk Songs. Stroll through endless tea mountains, drift along the Hanjiang Gallery, visit the thousand-year-old Taoist sacred site, and experience the selenium-rich life at latitude 32°N. A 3-day in-depth tour featuring tea culture, landscape sightseeing, and folk customs.

2000+
Years of Tea History
237,000 mu
Selenium-Rich Tea Plantations
4
AAAA-Level Scenic Areas
300+
Ziyang Folk Songs
Vast tea plantations and sea of clouds in Xiangyang Town, Ziyang County
Ziyang Tea Mountain Sea of Clouds – China's Most Beautiful Tea Garden
The selenium-rich tea belt at latitude 32°N, terraced tea gardens and sea of clouds create an ink-wash painting.

Ziyang County 3-Day Tea Fragrance Journey

Seek Taoism on immortal mountains, trace the ancient tea-horse road, raft on Han River tributaries, savor selenium valley delicacies, and experience Ziyang's unique landscape and humanistic charm.

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Wenbi Mountain, Leigutai, Renhe River Rafting
Suitable For
Tea culture enthusiasts, landscape photographers
Budget Per Person
¥800-¥1200
01
Tea Mountain Quest
Wenbi Mountain · Zhenren Palace · Ancient Tea-Horse Road
Highlights

Arrive in Ziyang, check into a tea mountain homestay, then summit Wenbi Mountain, visit the largest Taoist temple in southern Shaanxi — Zhenren Palace, stroll along the ancient tea-horse road ruins in the evening, and experience tea picking and processing.

Attractions
Wenbi Mountain Park
National AAAA-level scenic area, main peak elevation 864m, offering a 360° panoramic view of the First Bend of the Han River and Ziyang County town, known as "Ziyang's Premier Viewing Platform".
Zhenren Palace
A Taoist temple originally built in the Ming dynasty, dedicated to Zhang Sanfeng and other Taoist masters. It houses over 30 Ming and Qing steles and serves as a center for Taoist culture research in southern Shaanxi.
Ancient Tea-Horse Road Ruins
Well-preserved Qing dynasty stone slab road, once an important passage for tea-horse trade between Shaanxi and Gansu. Remnants include mule hoof prints and ancient post stations.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Tea Mountain Starry Sky Homestay
  • Wenbi Mountain Resort Hotel
  • Ziyang County Hotel
Experiences
  • Qingming tea-picking experience
  • Handmade tea workshop
  • Tea ceremony performance
Photography Tips
  • Summit before sunrise for sea of clouds
  • Evening shots of Han River sunset
  • Portrait photography on ancient road
02
Secret Realm Discovery
Leigutai · Five-Province Guild Hall · Folk Song Performance
Highlights

Full day exploring Leigutai Forest Park. Hike through primeval forest in the morning, visit the Ming-Qing Five-Province Guild Hall in the afternoon, and enjoy a national intangible cultural heritage Ziyang folk song performance in the evening.

Attractions
Leigutai Forest Park
National AAAA-level scenic area. Legend says Zhang Fei once drilled troops here. It features the most intact primeval Bashan fir forest in the Qinling Mountains and Quaternary glacial relics.
Five-Province Guild Hall
A commercial guild hall jointly built by merchant groups from Shaanxi, Hubei, Sichuan and other provinces during the Qing dynasty. Preserves opera stages, stele forests and other architecture showcasing Ming-Qing trade culture.
Ziyang Folk Song Opera
National intangible cultural heritage. Performed nightly at the county folk song theater during peak season, featuring classic pieces such as "Lover Singing Mountain Songs Across the Way".
Practical Info
Hiking Routes
  • East Gate → Leigutai (2h)
  • West Gate → Glacial Stone Sea (1.5h)
  • Loop trail 8km
Culture Tips
  • Book folk song show tickets in advance
  • Hanfu rental available at guild hall
  • Experience traditional ramming song
Safety Tips
  • Some sections slippery
  • Protect historic buildings
  • No open flames in forest
03
Clear Water Joy
Renhe River Rafting · Wafangdian · Souvenir Shopping
Highlights

Experience thrilling Renhe River canyon rafting in the morning, visit Wafangdian ancient town tea market in the afternoon, buy selenium-rich tea, black pottery and other specialties to conclude the trip.

Attractions
Renhe River Rafting
Ecological rafting on a tributary of the Han River, 12km long with "Eighteen Dangerous Shoals". Offers both thrilling rapids and scenic tea mountain views along the banks.
Wafangdian Ancient Town
An important Han River dock during the Ming and Qing dynasties, preserving century-old stone streets and stilted building complexes. It is the traditional trading market for Ziyang selenium-rich tea.
Ziyang Tea Market
China's selenium-rich tea trading center. Observe the tea evaluation process, experience tea ceremony performances, and purchase authentic Ziyang Maojian tea.
Practical Info
Rafting Prep
  • Bring change of clothes
  • Waterproof bag
  • Wear water shoes
  • Apply sunscreen
Souvenir Picks
  • Ziyang Maojian tea
  • Selenium-rich black pottery
  • Konjac food products
  • Folk song CD
Return Advice
  • Hot shower available after rafting
  • Specialties can be mailed
  • Visit North Five-Province Guild Hall en route

Must-Try Foods in Ziyang

Ziyang Steamed Pot

National intangible cultural heritage dish. Layers of free-range chicken, pork trotters, lotus root and other ingredients are placed in an earthen pot and steamed for 8 hours. Tender meat and rich broth, the highest standard for entertaining guests.

Selenium-Rich Tea Aroma Shrimp

Han River small shrimp cooked in Ziyang Maojian tea broth, blending tea fragrance with shrimp freshness. A locally created specialty dish.

Jiangba Bun

Traditional Ziyang snack. Corn paste fermented and baked until crispy outside and soft inside. Can be eaten with fermented bean curd or chili sauce, carrying a subtle wine aroma.

Han River Fish Feast

Using Han River silver carp and yellow catfish as main ingredients, prepared as sour cabbage fish, bean paste fish, fish ball soup and other whole-fish dishes that highlight the natural flavor of the ingredients.

Ziyang Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Best tea-picking experience
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Peak rafting and summer resort season
  • Lunar March 3rd: Tea Mountain Opening Festival
Must-Do Experiences
  • View the First Bend of the Han River from Wenbi Mountain
  • Forest hiking at Leigutai
  • Exciting Renhe River rafting
  • Learn to sing Ziyang folk songs
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥180
  • Accommodation: ¥150-400/night
  • Meals: ¥60-120/day
  • Experiences: approx. ¥200
  • Total: ¥800-1200
FAQ
  • Can non-swimmers go rafting? → Professional gear and lifeguards provided
  • Where to book tea-picking experience? → Tea mountain homestays in Xiangyang Town
  • Folk song performance times? → Daily at 20:00 in peak season
  • How to identify genuine Ziyang tea? → Look for geographical indication certificate

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