Self-Driving Trip Guide: Xi'an to Hanzhong in Four Days
From Xi'an to Hanzhong is approximately 280 kilometers. For a novice driver, I suggest taking the National Highway, which allows you to appreciate the Qinling Mountains' scenic beauty and also practice your driving skills. Hanzhong is one of the few places globally where the climate is consistently suitable for human survival, with distinct seasons, lush vegetation, and a long history of culture. Every county city here has a history of over a thousand years, coupled with the legacies of the Two Han Kingdoms and Three Kingdoms, making Hanzhong a land where historical figures continue to whisper their stories. If you want to experience the Three Kingdoms culture, Hanzhong is a must-visit destination.
Hanzhong City Tourism Association Self-Driving Car Branch Hanzhong City Amateur Radio Association BG9EJE supplied
Day 1:Set off at 8:00 AM, take National Highway 108 to cross the Qinling Mountains, taking about 1.5 hours. Arrive at Foshan Panda Valley to visit the national treasure pandas. Plan to arrange a visit to the Three Officials Temple Nature Reserve next year. Perhaps your efforts won't be in vain, and you may have a lucky encounter with a wild giant panda! Take a break to refresh and explore the county town, sample local snacks, and purchase specialties.
Stay: Foshan
Hanzhong City Tourism Association Self-Driving Car Branch Hanzhong City Amateur Radio Association BG9EJE supplied
Day 2:After a good night's sleep, set out to visit Hua Yang Longyin Gorge, with its winding paths and misty views. Admire the sea of pine trees and waterfalls cascading into the pools – a refreshing and invigorating experience! Observe the graceful golden monkeys and enjoy the fun of feeding them, as well as the beautiful appearance of the red deer! Respect the Red Army Old Site and inherit the red genes. Plan the final itinerary, considering the season and your interests.
Stay: Hanzhong
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Day 3:Visit Wuhou Temple in Meixian, a must-visit attraction. You must pay your respects to Zhuge Liang. I remember seeing a Chinese unique dry lotus flower and several pine trees, some of which are said to have been planted by Zhuge Liang himself – they're quite large! Then, head to Shimen Reservoir. If you're hungry, try the famous Stone Gate Fish, known for its fresh flavor. Then, explore the Pengxi Trail, built by the Ming Dynasty to provide covert access to Guanzhong. Experience the difficulty faced by the ancients when trying to reach Guanzhong. The scenery is pleasant, and you can pick oranges nearby – oranges are not available in the north.
Stay: Hanzhong
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Day 4:Early morning, visit South Lake, a beautiful lake with a well-maintained animal park, and the monkey area is the most fun – you can feed the monkeys. As a northerner, I hadn't seen lakes this big before. Arrive at Jiangsha Lake, which I found very beautiful. At noon, begin the return journey, and if time permits, stop by Yelang Eight-Mile Pass to see the red deer – this deer species was almost extinct, so Yelang County has a very simple and pristine landscape. Try Yelang black rice, which is famous for its unique flavor, and take some home.
Stay: Safe return home
Hanzhong City Tourism Association Self-Driving Car Branch Hanzhong City Amateur Radio Association BG9EJE supplied
Warm Tips:Four days pass quickly, and the key is not to travel just to travel; you must go to truly experience the local culture and immerse yourself in it to appreciate its unique beauty and characteristics. When visiting Hanzhong, you absolutely must try Hanzhong Hot Noodles and the Stone Gate Fish, both of which are inexpensive and delicious. Also, try the Pengxi Trail Fish, which is usually prepared with a spicy flavor, accompanied by noodles, tofu, potatoes, and wood ear mushrooms. Try Lu'an Eight-Mile Pass canned meat – this canned meat has been passed down through generations, and it's made with high-quality pork that's deep-fried to a pale yellow, then marinated with scallions, ginger, and garlic for a more than one hour, then packed into a can, braised until 80% cooked, with red radish, mountain yam, and wood ear mushrooms. Serve with wheat cakes.
Hanzhong City Tourism Association Self-Driving Car Branch
Hanzhong City Amateur Radio Association BG9EJE supplied
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