
Lingquan Village is located 15 kilometers east of Heyang, Shaanxi Province, on the western bank of the Yellow River. Legend has it that it owes its name to a spring in a deep ravine southeast of the village, known for its miraculous healing powers. Lingquan Village is surrounded on three sides by mountains: Fushan, Lushan, and Shoushan. The village is blessed with the auspicious stars of Fu, Lu, and Shou, and its people are known for their auspicious qualities. During the Qing Dynasty, the area was extremely prosperous, boasting a walled city and residences reminiscent of the opulence of wealthy families. It is one of the rare and well-preserved ancient villages in northern China. Its magnificent architecture and exquisite wood, brick, and stone carvings are a hallmark of the village.
The most striking feature of Lingquan Village is its relatively intact city wall, which is impressive at first glance. The wall is seven or eight meters high and five or six meters thick, and there is a four or five meter deep moat outside the city left behind during the wall's construction.
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.
Recommended one-day tour
Lingquan Ancient Village in Huayin, Shaanxi, has a long history reflecting traditional rural life, architecture, and culture of the region. It preserves centuries-old houses, ancestral halls, and streets that showcase historical heritage and local customs.
The village is located near Huayin city in Shaanxi Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi or local bus from Huayin city center. Once there, walking is the best way to explore the village.
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable weather and scenic beauty.
Entrance fees are typically modest and can be purchased on-site. Online booking is generally not required.
Advance booking is usually unnecessary unless visiting during national holidays or major local festivals.
2–3 hours is sufficient to explore the main streets, historic buildings, and surrounding scenery at a leisurely pace.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese; English or other languages may require prior arrangement.
Start from the main entrance, walk through the central streets, visit temples and ancestral halls, explore craft shops, and finish at local eateries or scenic spots.
Night visits are limited. Special tours or cultural events may be available during festivals or holiday seasons.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and public holidays. Early mornings are the best for avoiding crowds.
Mostly accessible for elderly and children, though some areas have uneven streets or steps that may limit wheelchair access.
Cash is useful for small vendors. Major shops may accept mobile payments such as WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Local eateries offer regional Shaanxi cuisine and snacks, while small cafes provide tea and refreshments.
Vegetarian options are generally available; halal options may be limited, so check locally.
Hotels and guesthouses in Huayin city are the nearest options, 10–20 minutes by car from the village.
Souvenirs include handmade crafts, local pottery, and regional specialty products.
Taxis, ride-hailing apps, or local buses are convenient for traveling to Huayin city center or nearby attractions.