Han River & Qinling-Bashan Ancient Towns
Drive east along the Han River through Shiquan, Fengyan Terraces, Ying Lake, and Mount Nangong to Shuhe, experiencing the water town scenery of the Qinling and Bashan mountains.
Take the Jingkun Highway from Xi'an to Ankang, follow the Han River from west to east through Shiquan, Ying Lake, downtown Ankang, and Xunyang, and return to Xi'an via the Fuyin Highway to form a loop. The pace focuses on ancient cities, towns, and water landscapes. See rapeseed flowers on the terraces in spring and red leaves on Mount Nangong in autumn. The Shuhe section has many sharp bends, making it best for experienced drivers. This route skips the Ziyang and Pingli areas.
The Fengyan Terraces are best in spring and autumn, while the red leaves of Mount Nangong peak around late October.
Day by day
Day 1 · Xi'an to Shiquan Ancient City
Take the Jingkun Highway and transfer to the Shitian Highway from Xi'an to Shiquan (about 3 hours). Explore the ancient city in the afternoon and evening.
Stay: Shiquan County Town
Day 2 · Houliu Water Town & Zhongba Canyon
Ankang（Houliu Water Town、Zhongba Grand Canyon）
Drive south from Shiquan to Houliu (about 30 minutes). The county road has many curves. Head to Zhongba Grand Canyon in the afternoon and return to the county town in the evening.
Stay: Shiquan County Town
Day 3 · Fengyan Terraces to Ying Lake
Ankang（Fengyan Ancient Terraces）
Drive east from Shiquan to Xuanwo Town in Hanyin (about 1.5 hours). After viewing the terraces, continue to Ying Lake (about 1.5 hours).
The terraces have the best light in the early morning and late afternoon. They are open all day.
Stay: Yinghu Lakeside
Day 4 · Ying Lake Boat Tour to Downtown Ankang
Ankang（Yinghu Lake、Xiangxi Cave Scenic Area、Ankang Han River Water Street）
Take a boat tour of Ying Lake in the morning (about 3 to 4 hours). Drive to downtown Ankang in the afternoon (about 30 minutes) and stroll along the Han River Water Street in the evening.
Stay: Hanbin District Downtown (Along the Han River)
Day 5 · Mount Nangong Sea of Clouds & Red Leaves
Drive south from Ankang through Langao to Mount Nangong (about 2 hours). Spend half a day on the mountain (cable car optional) and return to the city in the evening.
The temperature difference at the summit is large. Depart early in autumn to avoid queues for the mountain ascent.
Stay: Hanbin District Downtown (Along the Han River)
Day 6 · Xunyang & Shuhe to Xi'an
Ankang（Xunyang Taiji City、Shuhe Ancient Town）
Drive east to Xunyang (about 1 hour), continue to Shuhe (about 1 hour), and take the Fuyin Highway back to Xi'an (about 4 hours).
The Shuhe section has many sharp bends; avoid driving at night.