A Stunning 'Jiangnan Secret Realm' Near Xi'an, Just 4h by Car, Encounter a Millennium-Old Town!

🌆When it comes to the ancient city of Xi'an, everyone thinks of the Bell Tower, the City Wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Terracotta Army, and other popular spots, as well as the endless local delicacies. But Xi'an is not just about historical sites; on its outskirts lies a 'Jiangnan Secret Realm' with the charm of water towns—Shuhe Ancient Town. Here in Shaanxi, you can experience the gentleness and ancient charm of Jiangnan.🍃 🚗Driving through the Qinling Mountains, it takes only 4 hours to reach this thousand-year-old town at the confluence of the Shuhe River and the Han River in Xunyang, Ankang, Shaanxi.🏞 The town has not yet been swept by commercialization and still maintains its simplicity and tranquility. With its green tiles and grey bricks, small bridges over flowing water, it feels like traveling back in time to an ancient era.🍵 📜Shuhe Ancient Town has been a bustling port since ancient times. During the Ming Dynasty, the influx of immigrants from Huguang made it even more prosperous. Merchants gathered, and shops were everywhere, with the 'Eight Big Shops' and 'Sixty-Nine Stores' at their peak. Walking on the old streets, it's as if you can hear the echoes of history.🏚 🏯In the ancient town, there are three major architectural complexes that are breathtaking. Among them, Yangsi Temple stands on the cliff by the river, with a couplet on the temple gate that has a profound meaning: 'The temple's grandeur blesses the region with fortune and virtue as clouds soar and rain swirls; its divine power illuminates the Han River, celebrating smooth sailing and free roaming.' Standing at the top of the temple, overlooking the rolling river, one can feel the magnificence of nature.🌊 🚶Strolling through the alleys of the ancient town, layers of stone steps lead into the distance. The green moss-covered grey bricks and black tiles of the large mansions, and the polished stone steps of the alleys, all tell stories of the vicissitudes of time.🏘 🍜In the evening, the town's life becomes more vibrant. The 'Eight Great Delicacies of Shuhe' are the local specialty, with eight cold and eight hot dishes, eight meat and eight vegetarian options, all rich in home-style flavors. Tasting them is like savoring the simplicity and warmth of the ancient town.🍲 🌄Shuhe Ancient Town, a place where you can calm down and appreciate the beauty of life. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find inner peace. Each visit allows you to rediscover the beauty and possibilities of life.🌅 📝Tips: 🎫Admission: Free! 🕰Opening Hours: 24 hours a day 📍Address: Shuhe Town, Xunyang County, Ankang City 🚗Driving Route: Xikang Expressway → Xiaohe Toll Station → Provincial Road 102 → Xunyang County → National Highway 316 → Shuhe Town