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In Liushui Ancient Town, visitors can stroll through the ancient streets, explore traditional architecture, visit historic temples, and sample local snacks. The town is also ideal for photography, offering picturesque views of the river and surrounding hills.
Liushui Ancient Town is located southwest of Ankang City, approximately 25 kilometers from the urban area. Its administrative area covers a total area of 86 square kilometers. It borders Nanxi and Yulan Townships to the east, Dazhuyuan Town to the west, Xinba Township to the south, and Xiangshan Township, Hengkou Town, and Hongshan Town to the north. The town government is situated on the banks of the Han River, surrounded by water on three sides and mountains on one side. The vast mountainous terrain stretches across 86 square kilometers and juts directly into the lake.
Liushui Ancient Town boasts a pleasant climate with distinct seasons, neither extreme summer heat nor severe winter cold. Dozens of square kilometers of lakes and islands are scattered throughout the town. The town governs 15 villages, one neighborhood committee, 143 villager groups, and a population of 16,100. It has 16,500 mu of arable land.
Liushui Ancient Town, rich in resources, boasts beautiful scenery and numerous cultural attractions, and is a key component of the Yinghu Scenic Area. Its unique tourism resources include nearly 100,000 mu of the 370,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) of the Ankang Hydropower Station's reservoir area. Surrounded by rolling hills, Liushui Town offers a blend of rural charm and tranquil lakeside scenery, creating a breathtaking and picturesque scene. Ten thousand mu (approximately 10,000 acres) of chestnut orchards, vegetable gardens, and tangerine orchards nestle alongside the mountains and water. The winding waterways and bays offer a blend of the grandeur of northern China and the elegance of southern China.
It has a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with distinct seasons: cold, warm, dry, and wet. Winters are cold, windy, foggy, and with little rain or snow; springs are warm, dry, windy, and changeable; summers are hot and rainy, with a prominent summer drought and frequent thunderstorms and strong winds; and autumns are cool, with a rapid drop in temperature and significant autumn rain.
It is recommended to visit for half a day
Liushui Ancient Town has a history dating back several centuries. It is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the rural life of ancient China. The town is also significant for its role in local trade and commerce in past centuries.
Liushui Ancient Town is located in Ankang, Shaanxi, around 2 hours by car from Xi'an. Visitors can take a taxi or private car from Xi'an to reach the town, as public transport options are limited.
The town is open year-round, with the best time to visit being in spring or autumn when the weather is mild. It's open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, though visitors may enjoy a quieter experience during weekdays.
The entrance fee is approximately 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the town, but there is no official online ticketing system.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is advisable during peak seasons such as national holidays. Booking a few days ahead during busy periods is recommended.
Visitors typically spend 2-3 hours exploring the ancient town, with time for wandering the streets, visiting local shops, and enjoying a meal at one of the local restaurants. If you plan to visit nearby scenic spots, consider dedicating half a day.
The must-see highlights include the ancient streets with traditional architecture, the riverside areas, and local temples. The bridge over the river offers a great view of the town, and the surrounding mountains provide a picturesque backdrop.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, but there are limited options for English-speaking guides. Audio guides in Chinese may also be available for rent at the entrance.
The best viewpoints include the old bridge, the riverside paths, and elevated areas along the streets where visitors can capture the town's traditional architecture with the river and mountains in the background.
Start by exploring the main streets of the town, then visit the local temples. Take a stroll along the river, cross the old bridge, and finish with a visit to the nearby hills for scenic views of the town.
Night visits are possible, though the town is quieter in the evening. There are no regular light shows, but the ancient streets look picturesque when lit up at night, offering a peaceful experience.
Liushui Ancient Town can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. The least crowded times to visit are early mornings on weekdays, particularly outside of public holidays.
There are public toilets and rest areas available. Small local shops sell souvenirs and snacks, and there are a few local restaurants offering traditional Shaanxi food.
The town is mostly accessible, though some of the streets may be uneven. Elderly visitors or those with mobility issues may find the cobblestone streets challenging, but there are resting areas and some level paths.
Cash is widely accepted, though mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. Credit cards are not accepted in most places.
There are several small local restaurants serving Shaanxi specialties such as noodles, dumplings, and grilled meats. There are no major cafes, but some restaurants offer a relaxing place to enjoy a meal.
Vegetarian options are available in the form of vegetable stir-fries and tofu dishes. Halal food is also available in some of the local eateries that cater to Muslim visitors.
There are basic guesthouses and small hotels in the town and surrounding areas. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors may need to stay in the nearby city of Ankang, which is about 30 minutes away by car.
Nearby attractions include the nearby Qincheng Mountain and the Hanzhong Ancient City. Both can be easily visited on a day trip along with Liushui Ancient Town.
Small souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, such as wooden carvings, embroidered items, and locally made pottery. Local snacks like dried fruits and nuts are also popular souvenirs.
Taxis are the most convenient way to continue the trip, either back to Ankang or to nearby attractions. Public transportation is limited, so private transport is often recommended for onward travel.
