Hancheng Travel Guide

Located about 230kms away from Xian, Hancheng was once home to the world famous Sima Qian as well as many other historical and cultural greats. It is therefore known as the 'Land of Literature and History'.

Worth It?: Yes, if you have time to spare.
What to Do: tour the city's streets, visit the historic temples, get close to nature in the surrounding countryside.
Best Time to Go: during spring or autumn (April to May or September to October).
How Long?: One or two days.
Trivia: Hancheng is home to over 150 ancient buildings, making it the most temple-rich city in the province.

The city is brimming with historical and cultural relics and sights and boasts some of the most ornate temples in the province. The ancient architecture of this city is very distinctive and the details on the buildings are extremely intricate.

There are over 150 ancient buildings to see; more than in any other city in Shaanxi. The city is similar to an open-air museum and simply walking through the streets will allow you to see some impressive sights.

The surrounding terrain is stunning, with mountains towering over the paddy fields below and the fruit orchards a colorful contrast to the nearby cotton plantations. There are good options for those who like outdoor pursuits, with hiking and climbing among the two most popular activities.

Travel to Hancheng - Getting There

Xian is the nearest city with an airport. Daily flights arrive here from Beijing in 1 hour, 40 minutes. From the airport in Xian, there are a number of buses traveling to Hancheng, taking between 4 and 5 hours.

Hancheng Things to Do

Hancheng Attractions

Memorial Temple for Sima Qian

is a stunning ancient temple and a must-visit for anyone interested in history. It was built in memorial of Sima Qian, a famous historian and literary genius, and dates back to the 7th century AD.

Yumen Cave

a stunning cave just outside the city center and a perfect spot to explore the beautiful countryside and ancient sacred area.

Side trips from Hancheng

Qinling Mountains: this stunning mountain range is just a couple of hours drive south of Hancheng. The mountains are set in beautiful countryside and there are a number of nature trails to follow, for every level of hiker.