Live Your Best Lives
Visit Jia Pingwa's former residence to explore the life and works of this renowned Chinese author. The residence showcases memorabilia, personal items, and manuscripts. Take a walk around the peaceful environment and enjoy the cultural experience, immersing yourself in the author's legacy.
Dihua is the hometown of Jia Pingwa, a renowned Danfeng-born writer. In the past, there was a Kuixing Tower in front of the Erlang Temple. The tip of Kuixing's pen pointed directly at the roof of Jia Pingwa's home. Locals there say Pingwa was the "Shangshan Wenquxing" (literary star) chosen by Kuixing. Jia Pingwa (originally named Jia Pingwa), a native of Danfeng, Shaanxi, was born on February 21, 1952. He graduated from Northwest University with a degree in Chinese and is now a professional writer. Jia Pingwa has no particular hobbies, but he loves to write daily, constantly stirring the currents of the literary world and finding no peace. Foreigners hailed him as the "lone ranger" of mainland Chinese literature.
Jia Pingwa has achieved a significant breakthrough in traditional prose writing—his unique perspectives on society and life, his innermost emotions (love and hate), and occasional philosophical insights are all revealed in his writing. His candor, lack of pretense, and lack of pretension are also one of the ways he wins over readers. Throughout his writing, one can easily detect Jia Pingwa's childlike innocence, a rare find in today's complex society. Furthermore, Jia Pingwa's pursuit of beauty is clearly evident in his writing. He not only cares about his own appreciation but also wishes to share and practice this aesthetic path with his readers.
The warm temperate semi-humid monsoon climate features four distinct seasons, with rain and heat occurring in the same season, and distinct dry and wet seasons in the summer and winter. Avoid the cold winter and travel in spring, summer, and autumn.
It is recommended to play for about 30 minutes.
free
08:00-17:00
Jia Pingwa's former residence is significant as it offers a glimpse into the life of one of China’s most celebrated contemporary writers. The house reflects Jia’s personal history, and the museum helps preserve his literary contributions to Chinese culture, particularly his exploration of rural life in modern China.
The residence is located in Ankang, Shaanxi Province, which is around a 3-hour drive from Xi'an. You can reach the site by taxi or local buses from Ankang city center. For visitors traveling from outside the region, taxis and buses from Xi'an’s main stations provide direct routes.
The residence is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning during weekdays to avoid crowds. Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier, especially during literary events or exhibitions.
Entrance is generally free, though special exhibitions or events may require a ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through local tourism websites. It's recommended to check online platforms for details on special events.
Booking tickets in advance is not required unless you are attending a special event. For special exhibitions, it's advisable to book tickets 1-2 days in advance, especially during peak times or national holidays.
A visit typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on how deeply you want to explore the displays and the surrounding area. If you’re interested in a detailed tour of the residence and related exhibits, plan for 2-3 hours.
Must-see highlights include Jia Pingwa’s study, personal artifacts, and handwritten manuscripts. The rooms are preserved to reflect the author’s daily life and work environment, offering insights into his creative process.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides in both Mandarin and English are offered to visitors. It’s recommended to book a guide in advance, especially for non-Chinese speakers.
Best photography spots include the exterior of the residence, which is surrounded by lush greenery, and the study where Jia Pingwa worked. The tranquil setting is ideal for capturing the ambiance of rural life reflected in the author’s writings.
Start with the main house, then proceed to the surrounding garden area. After exploring the residence, visit the exhibition hall for a deeper dive into Jia Pingwa’s literary works and personal history. If time allows, take a leisurely walk through the nearby countryside.
There are no night visits or light shows at Jia Pingwa’s former residence. Special tours may be available during literary festivals or exhibitions, but these are typically scheduled during the day.
The residence is generally less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning. It can get busy during weekends, public holidays, and special events, so visiting during off-peak times is recommended for a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities, including clean restrooms, are available. There is no dedicated restaurant or café on-site, but there are snack areas. Nearby restaurants in Ankang offer local cuisine. A small gift shop inside the residence sells souvenirs related to Jia Pingwa’s work.
The attraction is generally accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, though some areas may require assistance due to the historical nature of the buildings. Strollers are recommended for children, as there are outdoor areas to explore.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted. Cash payments are also possible, but credit cards are rarely accepted. It's best to use mobile payments for ease.
Inside the residence, there is no café, but several local restaurants in Ankang offer traditional Shaanxi food, including noodles, dumplings, and roasted lamb. Some small tea houses near the residence serve snacks and refreshments.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants. However, halal food options are limited in the area, and visitors looking for halal meals should check in advance at specific restaurants in Ankang.
Several hotels in Ankang city offer comfortable accommodations for visitors. Choices range from budget hotels to mid-range options. For a more luxurious stay, there are a few upscale hotels located in the city center.
Nearby attractions include the Ankang Museum, famous for its local history and artifacts, and the stunning Taibai Mountain, which offers beautiful hiking trails and scenic views. Both can be combined into a day trip.
Souvenir shops inside the residence offer Jia Pingwa-themed items, including books, prints, and small cultural artifacts. Additionally, local handicrafts from Shaanxi are available, including pottery and textiles.
The best options are taxis or buses, which are available from the residence to Ankang’s main transport hubs. For further travel, you can take a bus or train from Ankang Railway Station to other parts of Shaanxi Province.
