Escape Xi'an in 1 Hour by High-Speed Rail to Encounter the Jiangnan Charm and Three Kingdoms Style of Hanzhong

For a short weekend trip, I always want to find a place that can both relax the body and mind and avoid the crowds. Departing from Xi'an, after a little over an hour on the high-speed train, I arrived at Hanzhong, known as the "Little Jiangnan of Northwest China"—this city hidden south of the Qinling Mountains surprised me as soon as I got off the train. Taking a taxi from the train station, the 7 yuan starting fare was unexpectedly cheap. Also, many of the Didi rides were in gasoline cars, which made me curious about how they make a profit. Outside the window, the view was full of moist greenery, different from Xi'an’s dry and clear air. The air in Hanzhong carried the freshness of plants, and the rivers flowing alongside the streets murmured gently. No wonder the ancients called this place the "Land of Abundance." Such elegant scenery truly lives up to the reputation of "Little Jiangnan." We signed up for a local one-day tour and first visited the Shimen Plank Road. Green mountains stood opposite each other on both sides, and the river water rippled with emerald waves. From afar, you could see the winding remains of the plank road on the cliff face. This place is not only the historical site of the "Ming Xiu plank road, secretly crossing Chen Cang" strategy but also a perfect blend of ancient wisdom and natural barriers. Our next stop was the Wuhou Shrine in Mian County. As the earliest Wuhou Shrine built in the country, inside the main hall, a statue of Zhuge Liang sat upright in the center, his eyes bright as if still strategizing. The courtyard’s Han cypress and drought lotus trees are over a thousand years old, flourishing and witnessing the passage of time. Walking here, there is no city noise, only the rustling of leaves in the wind, making one quietly appreciate the lingering spirit of the Three Kingdoms and admire Zhuge Liang’s sincere and tragic fate of "dying before achieving victory." Besides its profound cultural heritage, Hanzhong’s local life is also captivating. Most street shops are simple and unpretentious. A bowl of hot rice noodles paired with freshly ground soy milk, with a sour, spicy, and fresh flavor that hits the taste buds; in the evening, the lights along both sides of the Han River turn on, citizens stroll by the river feeding seagulls, and children chase and play. This leisurely and carefree pace of life makes you want to slow down. In just two short days, Hanzhong gave me a perfect weekend escape with its elegant scenery, millennia-old culture, and affordable prices. From the bustling noise of Xi'an to the gentle tranquility of Hanzhong, the one-hour high-speed rail ride feels like crossing into two completely different worlds. There are no crowded internet-famous spots here, only stories and comfort hidden among the mountains and waters. If you want to find a place to relax and feel history on the weekend, Hanzhong will definitely not disappoint you.