Located about 230kms away from Xian, Hancheng was once home to the world famous Sima Qian as well as many other historical and cultural greats. It is therefore known as the ‘Land of Literature and History’.
The city is brimming with historical and cultural relics and sights and boasts some of the most ornate temples in the province. The ancient architecture of this city is very distinctive and the details on the buildings are extremely intricate.
There are over 150 ancient buildings to see; more than in any other city in Shaanxi. The city is similar to an open-air museum and simply walking through the streets will allow you to see some impressive sights.
The surrounding terrain is stunning, with mountains towering over the paddy fields below and the fruit orchards a colorful contrast to the nearby cotton plantations. There are good options for those who like outdoor pursuits, with hiking and climbing among the two most popular activities.
Getting There & Away
Xian is the nearest city with an airport. Daily flights arrive here from Beijing in 1 hour, 40 minutes. From the airport in Xian, there are a number of buses traveling to Hancheng, taking between 4 and 5 hours.
Things to Do
Hancheng Attractions
- Memorial Temple for Sima Qian
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Is a stunning ancient temple and a must-visit for anyone interested in history. it was built in memorial of sima qian, a famous historian and literary genius, and dates back to the 7th century ad.
- Yumen Cave
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A stunning cave just outside the city center and a perfect spot to explore the beautiful countryside and ancient sacred area.
Side trips from Hancheng
- Qinling Mountains
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This stunning mountain range is just a couple of hours drive south of hancheng. the mountains are set in beautiful countryside and there are a number of nature trails to follow, for every level of hiker.