First time visiting Tongchuan, a local recommended route
by Magnusssss
Aug 20, 2025
🌄 August’s blazing sun is here, want to find a cool and fun place to escape the heat and vacation? Tongchuan is the perfect choice! This hidden gem city in Shaanxi not only boasts stunning natural scenery but also has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The best part is fewer crowds, beautiful sights, and great value for money! Today, I’m sharing my Tongchuan travel guide with you all, so be sure to save it~
🚗 Transportation Guide:
• High-speed train: Depart from Xi’an and take the high-speed train to Tongchuan East Station. The trip is short, comfortable, and convenient, with beautiful views along the way.
• Bus: There are frequent buses from Xi’an North Bus Station to Tongchuan, with affordable prices. For more freedom, you can also take a business shuttle directly from the South Square of Xi’an North Station to Tongchuan.
• Self-driving: Highly recommend driving yourself! Cruise along the highway, enjoy the scenery, and stop anytime to take photos or check in at spots you like. From Xi’an, take the Baoji-Maoming Expressway, and you can reach Tongchuan in about 1.5 hours, easily accessing all the scenic areas.
🎈 Itinerary:
• Day 1: Shaanxi-Gansu Border Revolutionary Base Zhaojin Memorial Hall → Xuejiazai → Xishan Scenic Area → Zhaojin Red Culture Creative Street (try local food)
• Day 2: Chenlu Ancient Town → Yaozhou Kiln Museum → Yaowang Mountain → Huayuehui (enjoy food and shows)
🌟 Must-visit Attractions:
1. Shaanxi-Gansu Border Revolutionary Base Zhaojin Memorial Hall: A solemn and dignified building housing rich cultural relics and detailed materials that vividly recreate the magnificent revolutionary history. It deeply conveys the great spirit of the revolutionary predecessors, making it a soul-stirring red tourism experience.
2. Xuejiazai: The Danxia landform here is absolutely stunning! Layered mountains and dense forests stretch like a sea. Climb to the top to take in the endless mountain ranges and magnificent views. While admiring nature’s wonders, learn about the heroic deeds of the Red Army, as if traveling back to those passionate revolutionary years.
3. Xishan Scenic Area: Mountains and waters complement each other, with a new view at every step, each like a beautiful landscape painting. Stroll along mountain paths, breathe fresh air, listen to birdsong and flowing water, and fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature—it’s truly delightful.
4. Chenlu Ancient Town: A ceramic town with a thousand years of continuous kiln fire, featuring unique “pot wall stacking and ceramic tile paving,” full of rustic and artistic charm. Walking into the town feels like entering a ceramic world, where you can see exquisite ceramics and even try your hand at pottery making, experiencing the charm of traditional culture.
5. Yaozhou Kiln Museum: The museum houses many fine Yaozhou kiln ceramics and relics from the Tang and Song dynasties. Viewing these ceramics up close, you can almost see the prosperity of the Yaozhou kiln in its heyday and feel the unique charm of a thousand years of ceramic civilization.
6. Yaowang Mountain: The place where Medicine King Sun Simiao lived in seclusion and practiced medicine. The lush forest, solemn ancient buildings, and exquisite stone carvings are full of historical charm. Here, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and learn about traditional Chinese medicine culture, giving your body and mind a cultural cleanse.
7. Huayuehui: At night, Huayuehui is lively and dazzling with lights and delicious aromas. There are exciting performances like iron flower shows and bonfire parties, creating a vibrant atmosphere where you can fully experience Tongchuan’s lively nightlife and unique local vibe.
🏠 Accommodation Recommendations:
• Zhaojin Academy Hotel: Located within the Zhaojin scenic area, the environment is quiet and convenient for travel. You can fully immerse yourself in the rich red culture atmosphere and enjoy a pleasant evening stroll in the scenic area.
• Guesthouses near Huayuehui: These guesthouses each have unique styles and excellent locations. At night, you can easily visit Huayuehui and experience the local distinctive lodging style, feeling the warmth of home.
📌 Tips:
1. August weather is still quite hot, so remember to take sun protection measures. Bring sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, and a sun hat to avoid sunburn.
2. Some scenic areas have many mountain paths, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes. This will make hiking less tiring and allow you to fully enjoy your trip.
3. When visiting Chenlu Ancient Town, the ground is mostly paved with ceramic tiles, which can be slippery. Be careful with your steps to avoid slipping—safety first.
4. You can book scenic area tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line and save time, plus enjoy some discounts.
Friends, this August come to Tongchuan for a cool and fun summer trip. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this small city!
Post by Magnusssss | Aug 20, 2025












