Zhou Family Courtyard 7-Day Travel Guide

Based on your question, the place you need to visit is the "Zhou Family Courtyard" in Sanyuan County, Shaanxi Province. This is the maternal home of Zhou Ying, the richest woman in late Qing Dynasty China. A 7-day in-depth travel plan with a total budget of 7,000 RMB (about 1,000 RMB per day) will not only let you explore the Zhou Family Courtyard thoroughly but also fully experience the surrounding Guanzhong culture. Below, I have designed a guide covering itinerary arrangements, budget estimates, and travel suggestions to help you. 📌 Key Attraction: Overview of Sanyuan Zhou Family Courtyard The Zhou Family Courtyard in Sanyuan County, Shaanxi Province, is the maternal home of Zhou Ying, the richest person in Shaanxi during the Qing Dynasty. It is famous for its exquisite "Three Carving Wonders" (brick carving, wood carving, stone carving) and its architectural style blending northern and southern elements. · Historical Background: Built at the end of the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, it is an important window to understand Qin merchant culture. · Ticket Reference: According to visitor reviews, the ticket price is about 20 RMB per person (free for those over 65). · Suggested Visit Duration: About 2-3 hours. Hiring a guide is recommended to better understand the architectural details and Zhou Ying’s legendary story. 🗺️ Seven-Day In-Depth Itinerary This itinerary uses Xi’an as a hub, connecting cultural sites in Sanyuan, Xianyang, Qian County, and other places, with a well-paced schedule. Day 1: Arrive in Xi’an, Explore Muslim Quarter · Itinerary: Arrive in Xi’an and check into your hotel. In the evening, visit Huimin Street to taste local snacks and get accustomed to the environment. · Accommodation: Recommended to stay near Bell Tower, Drum Tower, or Beidajie for convenient transportation. · Food Recommendations: Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Yangrou Paomo (mutton stew with bread), Liangpi (cold noodles), Zenggao (steamed rice cake). Day 2: Xi’an Highlights (City Center) · Morning: Visit Shaanxi History Museum (advance reservation required). · Afternoon: Tour Xi’an City Wall (recommended to bike a section), then visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Paradise. · Food Recommendations: Try the “Sanqin Set Meal” at lunch (Liangpi, Roujiamo, Bingfeng soda). Day 3: Xi’an to Sanyuan, Visit Zhou Family Courtyard · Morning: Take a bus from Xi’an North Bus Station to Sanyuan County (about 1.5 hours), then check into your accommodation. · Afternoon: Visit Zhou Family Courtyard (located in Mengdian Village, Luqiao Town). Focus on admiring the “Three Carving Wonders,” find Zhou Ying’s boudoir, the meaningful “Mounting Stone,” and the drainage design of “Four Waters Returning to the Hall.” · Transportation: Taxi or local shuttle bus from Sanyuan County town. · Accommodation: Stay overnight in Sanyuan County town. Day 4: Sanyuan Cultural Day Tour · Morning: Visit Chenghuang Temple (Sanyuan Chenghuang Temple is one of the best-preserved Ming Dynasty ancient architectural complexes in Shaanxi). · Afternoon: Visit the Former Residence of Yu Youren (modern calligraphy master), then taste Sanyuan snacks such as Paopao Yougao (bubble oil cake), Jin Xian Youta (golden thread oil tower), and Qian Ceng Youbing (thousand-layer oil cake). · Evening: Return to Xi’an. Day 5: East Route Ancient Sites (Lintong) · All day: Visit the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses (the eighth wonder of the world) and Huaqing Palace. · Evening: Optional to watch the “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” performance (if budget allows). · Transportation: Take the tourist shuttle bus from the East Square of Xi’an Railway Station. Day 6: West Route Exploration (Xianyang, Qian County) · Morning: Depart from Xi’an to visit Qianling Mausoleum (joint tomb of Tang Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi and Empress Wu Zetian). · Afternoon: Visit Hanyang Mausoleum or Famen Temple (choose one based on interest and time). · Evening: Return to Xi’an. Day 7: Free Activities and Departure · Morning: Fill in any missed spots according to your preference, such as Beilin Museum or Yongxingfang to taste more local delicacies. · Afternoon: Pack and head to the airport or train station to end your trip. 💰 7-Day Budget Allocation (Total about 7,000 RMB) Your daily budget is 1,000 RMB. You can refer to the following allocation plan. For your convenience on mobile, I have organized the cost details as follows: Main Expenses · Accommodation (Xi’an/Sanyuan) · Budget/Comfortable: 250-400 RMB per night · Total for 7 nights: about 1,750-2,800 RMB · Meals · Daily meal budget: 150 RMB · Total for 7 days: about 1,050 RMB · Attraction Tickets · Main attractions: Terracotta Warriors 120 RMB + Huaqing Palace 120 RMB + Qianling Mausoleum about 100 RMB + City Wall 54 RMB + Zhou Family Courtyard 20 RMB · Estimated total: about 550-800 RMB · Local Transportation · Within Xi’an and to/from attractions: taxis, subway, tourist shuttle buses · Xi’an-Sanyuan round trip: long-distance bus · Estimated total: about 500-700 RMB · Major Transportation (to/from Xi’an) · This is the biggest variable · Budget reserved: about 1,500-2,500 RMB (please reserve according to your actual departure location) Estimated Total Budget Range · Total range: 6,350 - 7,850 RMB · Budget Notes: The 7,000 RMB total budget is sufficient for a standard itinerary. Airfare/train tickets are the biggest variable. It is recommended to book major transportation first, then flexibly allocate the remaining budget to accommodation and meals. If airfare is cheaper, consider upgrading accommodation or adding a special performance. 💡 Practical Travel Tips · Best Season: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) for the most comfortable climate. · Transportation Advice: Xi’an has a well-developed subway network. For nearby attractions (like Sanyuan, Lintong), take buses from the bus station. If traveling with a group, renting a car for some routes can be more cost-effective. · Clothing Preparation: Zhou Family Courtyard is an ancient building, so wear comfortable flat shoes. Xi’an weather is changeable, bring a jacket. · Food Tips: When tasting snacks, buy a small amount of each to try more varieties. Sanyuan’s Paopao Yougao and Jin Xian Youta are uniquely special. If you can tell me your specific departure location, number of travelers (solo or group), and whether you are more interested in history, food, or natural scenery, I can further optimize this guide for you.