4-Day 3-Night In-Depth Travel Guide to Yijun County, Shaanxi: Unlocking the Hidden Peach Blossom Land on the Loess Plateau with a 5000 RMB Budget

4-Day 3-Night Trip to Yijun, Shaanxi 4-Day 3-Night In-Depth Travel Guide to Yijun County, Shaanxi: Unlocking the Hidden Peach Blossom Land on the Loess Plateau Preface: Yijun, a small city nestled in the transition zone between the Loess Plateau and the Guanzhong Plain, is one of Shaanxi’s most low-key treasures. Here, there are no overwhelming crowds, only endless terraced fields, ancient grottoes, fresh mountain forests, and cultural stories flowing for thousands of years. Four days and three nights are enough for you to slow down and immerse yourself in the unique charm of this "China’s Summer Resort City." This guide has a budget of about 5000 RMB (per person, more cost-effective for two travelers), covering transportation, accommodation, dining, tickets, and activities, so you can enjoy your trip without overspending. Itinerary Overview Theme: Countryside Summer Escape · Ancient Ruins Exploration · Culinary Adventure Budget: About 5000 RMB (economical and comfortable) Best Season: May to October (cool summers, colorful autumn foliage) Transportation Suggestion: Self-driving or take high-speed rail to Tongchuan/Xi’an then rent a car (Yijun’s attractions are scattered, self-driving is most convenient) Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrival and Initial Exploration, Embracing the Slow Life of the Mountain Town Morning: Arrive in Yijun from your departure point. It is recommended to take the high-speed train to Xi’an North Station or Tongchuan Station, then rent a car and drive (about 1.5-2 hours) to Yijun County. Budget: Car rental + fuel about 400 RMB/day (can be shared), high-speed train ticket varies by location. Afternoon: Check into a hotel in the county town. It is recommended to choose a comfortable hotel in the central area for easy dining and strolling. Accommodation budget: 300 RMB/night. Evening: Stroll to the "Yijun Terraced Fields" viewing platform (near the county town). This is a paradise for photography lovers, with beautifully layered terraces and charming light and shadow at sunset. Admission: Free. Dinner: Taste local specialties "Yijun Old Tofu" and "Buckwheat Noodles." The old tofu is tender with a strong bean flavor, and the noodles are sour and spicy, appetizing. Recommended old local shops in the county town, about 40 RMB per person. Accommodation: Yijun County town. Day 2: Grotto Art and Warring States Heritage Morning: Visit the Yijun Warring States Wei Great Wall Ruins. This is one of China’s earliest Great Walls, with rammed earth walls stretching across the wilderness, full of historical gravitas. Walk quietly and feel the weight of history. Admission: Free. Noon: Have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant near the ruins, tasting "Potato Rice Cake" and "Cold Mixed Wild Vegetables," experiencing authentic rustic flavors. About 50 RMB per person. Afternoon: Explore the Yijun Grotto Group (represented by the Fudi Reservoir Grotto). The grottoes are not large, but some statues are exquisite, blending Buddhist and Taoist elements, and the serene environment adds a touch of Zen. Admission: Free or symbolic fee (about 10 RMB). Evening: Return to the county town and try "Yijun Stir-fry" (similar to Shaanxi spicy fried pork, with a unique flavor) paired with "Corn Flour Dough." About 50 RMB per person. Accommodation: Yijun County town. Day 3: Forest Oxygen Bar and Huaxi Valley Stroll All day: Deeply explore Tai’an Forest Park and Yijun Huaxi Valley. Tai’an Forest is a natural oxygen bar, perfect for hiking and sightseeing; Huaxi Valley is full of blooming flowers and flowing streams in summer, ideal for photography and family fun. The two are close and can be visited together. Admission: Tai’an Forest Park about 30 RMB, Huaxi Valley about 40 RMB. Lunch: Enjoy "Farmhouse Free-range Chicken" and "Guokui with Chili" in or near the scenic area. About 60 RMB per person. Afternoon: Continue enjoying the natural scenery or participate in seasonal fruit picking (such as apples, walnuts). Dinner: Return to the county town and treat yourself to "Lamb Pao Mo" (a Shaanxi specialty, Yijun’s version is more rustic) or "Hot Pot Lamb." About 70 RMB per person. Accommodation: Yijun County town. Day 4: Cultural Imprints and a Full Return Morning: Visit the Yijun County Museum. Systematically learn about Yijun’s historical context, folk culture, and intangible heritage projects (such as paper-cutting and farmer paintings), ending your trip with knowledge. Admission: Free (reservation required). Noon: Have your last Yijun meal, recommended "Salty Soup Noodles" or "Hand-rolled Noodles," warm and comforting. About 30 RMB per person. Afternoon: Depending on your return schedule, buy some Yijun apples, walnuts, cornmeal, and other specialties as souvenirs. Then drive to the high-speed rail station to return the car and conclude your pleasant journey. Budget reserved: 200 RMB for specialty shopping. Food Tips (Must-Try List) Yijun Old Tofu: With good water quality, the tofu is especially fragrant and tender, can be eaten cold or hot. Buckwheat Noodles: Whole grain and healthy, chewy texture, the sour and spicy sauce is the soul. Potato Rice Cake: Mashed potatoes fried until crispy outside and sticky inside, delicious with sugar or spicy sauce. Corn Flour Dough: Golden and soft, paired with sour soup or stewed dishes, simple and tasty. Yijun Stir-fry / Salty Soup Noodles: Local specialty noodles with rich flavor. Budget Breakdown (Per Person, Estimated) Transportation: Car rental and fuel for 4 days about 1600 RMB (if two people travel together, about 800 RMB each) + round-trip major transportation (please calculate based on departure location, reserved here as 1000 RMB) = 2600 RMB Accommodation: 300 RMB/night x 3 nights = 900 RMB Dining: About 120 RMB/day x 4 days = 480 RMB Tickets and Activities: About 120 RMB Shopping and Others: 300 RMB Total: About 4400 RMB (with 600 RMB flexible budget, adjustable as needed) Travel Tips Clothing: Yijun is cool in summer with large temperature differences between morning and evening, bring long-sleeve jackets. Winters are cold, bring down jackets. Comfortable sports shoes are recommended for hiking. Driving Tips: Some mountain roads have many curves, drive carefully. Parking in the county town is convenient and mostly free. Accommodation Booking: It is recommended to book in advance during peak seasons (summer holidays, National Day). Civilized Travel: Protect cultural relics and ancient sites, do not trample terraced fields or crops, carry your trash with you. We hope this guide helps you start an unforgettable journey in Yijun! In this peaceful plateau town, you will find that the most beautiful scenery is not only the mountains and rivers but also the rare leisure and simplicity. Have a pleasant trip!