Zhashui County Travel
Zhashui County, Shangluo, Shaanxi — An ecological pearl in the heart of the Qinling Mountains, home to the north-south dividing line of China at Niubeiliang, wondrous cave clusters, and the thousand-year-old Phoenix Ancient Town. 2-day 1-night deep dive tour includes alpine scenery, geological wonders, and ancient town exploration.
Zhashui County Two-Day One-Night Qinling Eco-Tour
Climb the north-south dividing ridge of China at Niubeiliang, explore the billion-year wonder of Zhashui Cave, stroll along the bluestone streets of Phoenix Ancient Town, and experience the landscape and human charm of 'First Capital of Zhongnan'
Arrive in Zhashui, check into hotel then head to Niubeiliang National Forest Park, take the cable car uphill, hike through the alpine rhododendron forest, reach the main peak of Niubeiliang at 2802 meters elevation, and overlook the magnificent scenery of the north-south dividing line of China. In the afternoon, visit Lingniu Valley to search for traces of the takin, one of the four treasures of the Qinling Mountains.
- Niubeiliang Holiday Hotel
- Zhashui Hotel
- Zhongnanshan Village B&B
- Zhashui Wood Ear Mushroom Stir-Fry
- Potato Ciba Cake
- Pickled Vegetable Fish
- Large temperature difference at summit, bring a jacket
- Last cable car at 17:00
- Do not disturb wildlife
Morning explore the Zhashui cave cluster, admiring the stalactite wonders of Tianfo Cave, Baishen Cave and others. In the afternoon, visit Phoenix Ancient Town, explore the Ming and Qing ancient building complex, and experience the ancient commercial culture of 'First Capital of Zhongnan'. Purchase Zhashui wood ear mushrooms and other specialties before concluding the trip.
- About 1 hour drive from Niubeiliang to Cave
- Phoenix Ancient Town is 40 minutes from county town
- Chartered car recommended for touring
- Niubeiliang: ¥110
- Zhashui Cave: ¥90
- Phoenix Ancient Town: Free
- Slippery inside the cave, wear non-slip shoes
- Night scenery of the ancient town is uniquely charming
- Must-try specialty wood ear mushroom feast
Must-Try Foods in Zhashui County
Zhashui Wood Ear Mushroom Stir-Fry
Made with high-quality Qinling black wood ear mushrooms and farm-raised pork, stir-fried to perfection. Crispy wood ear with rich meat flavor, a signature Zhashui dish.
Potato Ciba Cake
A specialty snack hand-pounded from high-mountain potatoes, served with honey or chili, soft and chewy texture.
Zhashui Cured Meat
Traditional pinewood-smoked meat product, firm texture, rich smoky flavor, can be steamed, stir-fried, or boiled.
Pickled Vegetable Fish
Corn flour shaped into small fish pieces, cooked with southern Shaanxi pickled vegetables, sour and appetizing, one of the locals' most beloved staple foods.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Summer resort
- Autumn (Sep-Oct): Colorful forests
- Apr-May: Alpine rhododendrons in bloom
- Zhashui Wood Ear Mushroom Stir-Fry
- Potato Ciba Cake
- Zhashui Cured Meat
- Pickled Vegetable Fish
- Qinling Wild Vegetables
- Tickets: approx. ¥200
- Accommodation: ¥200-350/night
- Meals: ¥60-100/day
- Transport: approx. ¥120
- Total: ¥700-1000
- How long does it take to climb Niubeiliang? → Cable car + hiking about 3 hours
- What's special about Zhashui Cave? → Rare cave cluster in northern China
- What to see at Phoenix Ancient Town? → Well-preserved Ming-Qing commercial architecture
- What specialties to buy in Zhashui? → Wood ear mushrooms, cured meat, shiitake mushrooms