Ankang

The "pearl of the Qinling and Daba Mountains" on the Han River, with Yinghu Lake's emerald waters and countless islands, the Taoist temples of Xiangxi Cave and the red leaves of Nangong Mountain; Han River night views and steamed noodles are its calling cards.

Ankang is in southeastern Shaanxi, with the Qinling Mountains to the north and the Daba Mountains to the south, and the Han River flowing east across the whole region. Long known as the place "where Qin begins and Chu ends," it has a mild, humid climate and landscapes that blend northern and southern China. This destination uses central Ankang in Hanbin District as a base and covers Yinghu Lake, about 20 km southwest of the city, plus popular sights in the surrounding counties of Ziyang, Langao, Pingli and Xunyang; Shiquan Ancient Town, Houliu Water Town and the Fengyan Ancient Terraces in Hanyin, 60–80 km to the west, are also included.

Key experiences: first, Yinghu Lake, where you can cruise among the islands and emerald water and visit Jinluo Island; second, the city, climbing Xiangxi Cave by day for views over the Han River and visiting the Ankang Museum, then heading to Han River Water Street at night for steamed noodles and kangkang flatbread and the lights on both banks; third, day trips to the surrounding counties: volcanic rock pinnacles and red leaves at Nangong Mountain (Langao, about 60 km), selenium-rich tea plantations at Huangu in Ziyang and Longtou Village in Pingli, and the Taiji City viewpoint in Xunyang and Shuhe Ancient Town's old Han River wharf.

Seasons: Mar–May brings tea picking and rapeseed blossoms, Jun–Aug is peak time for Yinghu Lake cruises and Lanhe River rafting, and Oct–Nov brings red leaves to Nangong Mountain and Xiangxi Cave; summers are hot, humid and rainy, so during the flood season watch the Han River's water level and for rockfalls in the mountains. Getting there: Ankang Station has high-speed trains to Xi'an (Xi'an–Ankang high-speed railway, about 1 hour), and Ankang Fuqiang Airport has domestic flights; buses go to Yinghu Lake and Xiangxi Cave, while a car or chartered vehicle is recommended for the county sights. Allow 2–3 days: 1 day for the city and Xiangxi Cave, 1 for Yinghu Lake, and 1 for Nangong Mountain or Xunyang and Shuhe; with more time, add a day for Shiquan Ancient Town and Houliu Water Town, and in spring stop at the Fengyan Terraces for the rapeseed blossoms. Must-eats: Ankang steamed noodles, kangkang flatbread, Ziyang steamed pot and Pingli cured pork; pick up selenium-rich tea and konjac products.

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