Ankang

Surrounded by the Qinling and Daba mountains, with the Han River flowing through its center, Ankang is known as the “Little Jiangnan of Southern Shaanxi.” Its relaxed pace, low costs and wide choice of local food make it a good destination for a weekend or short holiday.

• Yinghu Lake Scenic Area: The largest artificial freshwater lake in northwestern China, Yinghu is also known as “Shaanxi’s Thousand Island Lake.” Boats take visitors to islands such as Jinluo Island and Yuxing Island. The sweeping lake views are best enjoyed on a clear day, with morning light generally better for sightseeing.

• Xiangxi Cave: This Taoist cultural scenic area within the city has dense woodland and peaceful trails along a stream. Plan an easy hike and climb to a higher viewpoint for a panorama of Ankang. Admission is free.

• Shiquan Ancient Town: The streets retain Ming- and Qing-style architecture, with stone paving and red lanterns lining the lanes. Entry is free. Take an evening walk by the river, then enjoy the night views once the lights come on and get a feel for everyday local life.

• Ankang Museum: Admission is free, but advance reservations are required, and you must scan your ID card to enter. Treasures include the Western Zhou Shi Mi gui ritual vessel and a gilt bronze silkworm, making this a good place to learn about Ankang’s history. A viewing platform on the fourth floor overlooks the Han River.

• Shuiximen and Hanjiang Park: After the lights come on at night, this area is a good place to see the illuminated banks of the Han River and the reflections of the city across the water. Riverside paths and children’s slides make it suitable for both walks and outings with children.

• Houliu Water Town: This riverside town has a history stretching back a thousand years, with waterside scenery reminiscent of Jiangnan. Take a sightseeing boat to enjoy the Han River landscape as part of a leisurely visit.

Suggested 2–3-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Ankang, explore the old town and try local flavors
  • Morning: After arriving, check in and drop off your luggage. Consider staying near Gulou Street or the Han River.
  • Midday: Head to the Gulou Street morning market to sample local breakfast specialties, such as Ankang steamed noodles or a sesame flatbread stuffed with malatang.

• Afternoon: Visit Ankang Museum to learn about the landscapes of the Qinling–Daba region and the civilization of the Han River, or choose an easy woodland hike at Xiangxi Cave.
  • Evening: Walk along Shuiximen and Hanjiang Park to enjoy the lights on both banks, then try a riverside hot pot made with fresh Han River fish.

• Day 2: Take a boat trip on Yinghu Lake and watch the sunset by the river
  • Morning: Set off from the city center for Yinghu Lake Scenic Area, about half an hour away by car. Enjoy the lake scenery by boat, then visit Jinluo Island for views across the open water from higher ground.
  • Midday: Have a meal of fresh lake fish near Yinghu, or return to the city for southern Shaanxi dishes.
  • Afternoon: Walk or cycle along Hanjiang Binjiang Avenue, then stay by the river to watch the sunset.
  • Evening: Visit the Peixin Street night market for affordable snacks and a glimpse of local nightlife.
• Day 3 (optional): Visit Shiquan Ancient Town or Houliu Water Town before heading home
  • If time allows, drive or hire a car to Shiquan County, explore Shiquan Ancient Town and take a boat trip in Houliu Water Town. Before leaving in the afternoon, you can also sample the local selenium-rich tea.

A Guide to Ankang’s Local Food

Local food mainly follows southern Shaanxi traditions, with prominent sour and spicy flavors and a wide range of noodles and other staple foods.

• Ankang Steamed Noodles: A common local breakfast. Rather than separating out the gluten, the wheat batter is spread out and steamed directly, then cut into wide strips and dressed with a vinegar-based sauce, sesame paste and chili oil. The noodles are supple and smooth, with a sour, spicy flavor.

• Ziyang Steamed Basin: Recognized as part of southern Shaanxi’s intangible cultural heritage, this dish combines free-range chicken, pig’s trotters, lotus root, Chinese yam, egg dumplings and other ingredients in a ceramic basin, which is steamed over water for a long time. The resulting broth is rich and savory, making it a good dish to share with a group.

• Malatang-Stuffed Flatbread: A sesame flatbread filled with chili-oil-dressed accompaniments and ingredients cooked in spicy malatang broth. The bread is crisp, with a savory, spicy filling. This snack is popular on Gulou Street, where queues are common.

• Kangkang Flatbread: A local snack listed as municipal-level intangible cultural heritage. The dough is spread with pepper salt, generously sprinkled with white sesame seeds and baked on a griddle. The finished bread is thin, crisp and layered, with a pronounced sesame aroma, and makes a good food souvenir.

• Han River Stone-Pot Fish: Freshly caught Han River fish, such as yellow catfish or paddlefish, is slowly cooked in a stone pot. The fish is tender and smooth, with seasoning typically focused on numbing, spicy flavors.

• Ma Family Zongzi: This long-established shop on Gulou Street serves traditional sticky-rice dumplings and versions filled with sweet bean paste. They are served with honey, whose sweetness complements the aroma of the sticky rice.

Where to Stay and How to Get Around

• Where to stay: Start by considering the old town south of the Han River, including the areas around Gulou Street, Dongda Street and Peixin Street. These offer convenient access to food, morning markets and evening views, as well as good-value accommodation. For a river-view room, look at riverside hotels near Daqiao Road or Dragon Boat Culture Park. The High-Tech Zone is farther from the main sights and food streets, so factor in travel time if staying there.
• Transport:
  • Getting there and back: From Xi’an, the Xi’an–Ankang high-speed railway offers direct services to Ankang Station in as little as about one hour. Driving takes around 3–4 hours.
  • Getting around the city: Taxis and buses are both convenient. To reach Yinghu Lake, take bus 30 or 31, or a taxi.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Weather and clothing: Ankang’s mountain climate brings noticeable temperature differences between mornings and evenings. Pack a light jacket even for an autumn trip. Mountain weather can change quickly, so carry an umbrella.
• Mosquito protection: Mosquitoes are common in leafy areas along the Han River and around Xiangxi Cave. Bring repellent and try to wear long trousers when spending time by the river at night.
• Yinghu Lake boat trips: Set off early for a lake trip. The last boat may leave around 3:30 p.m. and may only cruise the lake without stopping at any islands. Clear days offer better lake views than overcast ones.
• Breakfast queues: On holiday mornings, stalls selling steamed noodles and malatang-stuffed flatbread on Gulou Street often have long queues. Go before 7 a.m. or avoid the busiest breakfast hours.