Things to do in Heyang

With its vast reed marshes and rich cultural heritage from the Book of Songs, the Virgin Spring sand bath, the Yellow River sunset, and the ancient architecture of Fushan, this place offers stunning views. In autumn and winter, visitors can observe migratory birds and soak in warm springs. The fusion of nature and culture is incredibly therapeutic.

Very cool to see, and a really important part of China culture. However, many guides will try to sell you guided tours while outside. If you’re solo traveling like me, dont do it. I feel like it didnt add much to my experience, on the contrary. They give you details that you can find online, and you’re on a timer to move around the place, instead of just going and enjoying the time for yourself.

This is a great place to learn about historical figures and acquire historical knowledge, inspiring a sense of solemnity and reverence. Although the path is not long, it is not easy to walk, so those with mobility issues should proceed with caution.

I hadn't originally planned to visit the Stork Tower, as it's a reconstruction completed in 2002. However, I came across a travelogue about climbing it, and perhaps the focus for modern people isn't so much on whether it's an ancient building, but rather on Wang Zhihuan's famous line, "To see a thousand miles further, climb one more story." When you reach the top and gaze into the distance—the Yellow River, the Zhongtiao Mountains, the blue sky and white clouds overhead, the wind blowing from Fengling Ferry—don't we feel the same sentiment as Wang Zhihuan back then? Sometimes, even a simple visit can lead to unexpected experiences. The scenic area has set up signature boards for each province, autonomous region, municipality, and region. Surprisingly, this tourist experience made the friendship between Qin and Jin (Shaanxi and Shaanxi) more tangible. The board for Shaanxi Province has already been replaced twice, as it's become too densely packed with signatures from friends from neighboring Shaanxi. The scenic area simply put up a sign at the very front of the signature corridor that reads "Qin People Gather!" It looks like it'll be full soon too.

This guided tour of the Shaanxi History Museum was truly excellent. Our guide, Mr. Du, was professional yet approachable. He didn't just recite from a script; instead, he vividly told the stories behind the artifacts, tracing their history through the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. He explained key exhibits like bronzes, terracotta figurines, Tang dynasty gold and silver artifacts, and the Hejiacun hoard very clearly, clarifying their dates, techniques, and the reasons for their value. The tour lasted about two to three hours, with a well-paced rhythm, highlighting key points and preventing any sense of boredom. The service was also very attentive. The guides were friendly and patiently answered all questions, adjusting the route according to the flow of visitors. They used simple language to explain things, keeping the experience engaging. Overall, this guided tour made what would have been a rushed visit much more rewarding and is highly recommended.

Stepping into the Houtu Temple in Jiexiu, the entire Taoist temple complex is a treasure trove of glazed tile roofs, shimmering with iridescent light. The interconnected courtyards are ingeniously laid out, featuring a unique three-section ancient stage and the majestic Sanqing Tower, exuding ancient charm. The Houtu Hall is solemn and dignified, with delicate and vivid brick and tile carvings. Strolling through the courtyards, the craftsmanship of the Ming and Qing dynasty artisans is truly admirable. Every brick and tile embodies the belief in the Earth Mother and the aesthetics of ancient Jinzhong architecture; a quiet contemplation leaves one deeply moved.

The spring water is clear, and children are playing. It is fun to look straight ahead.

It's very convenient: entrance ticket + 2 cable car rides + bus to and from the mountain. However, the morning shuttle bus wasn't very smooth; you had to wait and transfer, so even though it picked me up at 7:00 AM, I didn't arrive at the mountain until 12:30 PM. There were also a lot of tourists that day, and everyone was rushing to complete the five peaks of Huashan in one day.

We entered from the west gate first, visiting the West Hill Grottoes and getting close to the Vairocana Buddha. We skipped the evening lighting ceremony and arrived at 9 am to avoid the crowds and take better photos. Next, we visited the East Hill Grottoes. We rested and admired the sights at a leisurely pace, taking about 3-4 hours.

A beautiful journey through history!The Xi’an City Wall is absolutely impressive! It’s amazing to see how well preserved this ancient structure is and to imagine how it once protected the city centuries ago. Walking along the top gives you a wonderful perspective of Xi’an, with beautiful views of both the historic and modern parts of the city.It’s a great experience to explore the wall, appreciate its history, and see how ancient China and modern life come together in one place. Definitely worth visiting when in Xi’an!