Xi’an to Hanzhong Qingmuchuan Ancient Town self-driving route + food and accommodation + travel notes

Qingmuchuan is an ancient historical town full of legendary stories in the southwest corner of Shaanxi, at the junction of the three provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu and Sichuan. It started in the middle of Ming Dynasty, took shape in the middle and late Qing Dynasty, and flourished in the Republic of China. It is an area where Qiang and Han people live together. The prototype of the TV series "A Generation of Heroes" originated from here.

The Qingmuchuan was first built and inhabited after the meandering Jinxi River broke out of a flat valley.

An ancient street called "Huilongchang" stretches the town from south to north, like a bow. Because there is an ancient green wood tree at the south end of the street, it is called Qingmuchuan. This ancient street is more than 800 meters long from north to south. There were originally more than 120 courtyard houses in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Over time, more than 80 of them were demolished due to changes in owners, natural damage and other reasons. Today, more than 40 intact buildings remain. The street presents a pattern of "flat stools, carved windows and doors, concentrated courtyards, and water flowing in all directions".

Driving route from Xi'an to Qingmuchuan

From Xi'an: Xi'an--Jiangmei Highway--Hanzhong---Yangpingguan--Qingmuchuan

When driving by car, it is recommended to take the Xibao Expressway and go south after arriving in Baoji, passing through Fengxian, Liuba, Hanzhong, Mianxian, Ningqiang, Yangpingguan and Qingmuchuan, a driving distance of 630 kilometers. The road from Ningqiang to Qingmuchuan is all asphalt and in good condition. Along the way there are Zhangliang Temple, Shimen Reservoir, Dingjun Mountain and other scenic spots.

When returning to Xi'an from Qingmuchuan, it is recommended to take the Hanzhong, Chenggu, Xixiang, Shiquan, Ningshan and Guanghuo Street lines, passing by the ancient Ningshan City God Temple. The natural scenery along this route is excellent and suitable for sketching and photography.

Time taken: about 7 hours.

The drive from Xi'an to Qingmuchuan is quite difficult. It departs from Xi'an at 8 o'clock in the morning and arrives at Qingmuchuan at about 17:00. You can find a place to stay and browse the whole picture the next day.

Recommended accommodation in Qingmuchuan

There are also some family-style inns in Qingmuchuan. The conditions of the inns are roughly the same, they can still provide food and accommodation, and they also provide wireless Internet access.

It’s just that the price of accommodation is not as cheap as what is written online. Basically, it ranges from 80 to 120 yuan for a standard room. Of course, if it is during peak seasons and holidays, it will definitely be higher than this price.

Generally, there will be a phone number on the shop sign. It is better to make a reservation by phone before going. This is safer!

Qingmuchuan Attractions

The main attractions in Qingmuchuan Ancient Town Tourist attractions: Jinxi River, Huilongchang, Wei Family House, Tang Shisheng. Fuyoushe (foreign house, Rongshengkui (land boat house), Fengyu Bridge (Feifeng Bridge), Furen Middle School, the former site of Xujia Teahouse. Listen to the story of Xu Zhongde The rise and fall of Wei Futang and the Qingmuchuan Kingdom, Shaanxi Qingmuchuan Nature Reserve, Xigou Plank Road ruins, Qiang tombs - Gushan, Jiangjun Stone, stone stairs and stone gates of Yuquanba

Early in the morning. The scenery is very refreshing~~

Slight rain, streets of Qingmuchuan Ancient Town

There is a Xu Zhongde Bookstore in Huilongchang, run by Xu Zhongde's son, which sells the book "Qingmuchuan". It is also signed by teacher Ye Guangling.

Furen Middle School: It is a relatively large and relatively independent building complex in Qingmuchuan. It was founded by Wei Futang in 1942. The name of the archway school was written by Xu Zhongde.

Looking at this kind of decoration, you can imagine the lively scene when officials from the three provinces gathered here.

Wei Family Residence: It is a relatively large and relatively independent building complex in Qingmuchuan. The ticket is 30 yuan. Not far from the house is the tomb of Wei Futang, with a tombstone

Qingmuchuan Food Recommendations

The Thirteen Flowers of Futang

Speaking of the main dishes of Qingmuchuan. Shufu Tang Shisanhua, Futang Shisanhua is very particular about the steps of serving the dishes, from the selection of ingredients to the cooking and serving.

The spicy food is served from the very beginning. It means "holding", indicating that the host is very hospitable. When serving food, he will bring six small plates at a time and fasten them with small bowls. Only when he starts eating, he opens the fastened small bowls and finds that they are six meat dishes. It is paired with neatly arranged cold dishes.

It is said that the gangster Wei Futang did not smoke or drink much, but only loved mountain delicacies, so the basis for the creation of Hufutang Thirteen Flowers

Although these dishes are not comparable to the dishes in big hotels, they have strong local characteristics.

The meat is fat but not greasy, soft and flavourful.

Local specialty---Bailong Lake grilled fish.

The local hot dough and the delicious walnut cake make a very good breakfast.

It is worth mentioning that the method of making dough is very interesting. Let’s take a look and see if you think so too.

This snack is called Baorou. It has potato glutinous rice cake on the outside and bacon on the inside. It has a unique taste.

The stewed pork ribs soup is also delicious.

This is Hanzhong delicacy: vegetable tofu. Very nutritious.

The fish hot pot looks a bit close to Sichuan style.

The one we caught was Jiang Tuan, a very distinctive fish species.

Potato stewed pork leg is really satisfying.

Qingmuchuan Restaurant Recommendation

Qingmuchuan "Jinxin Hotel" has better sanitary conditions and the food tastes good. The owner is Li Jinfang, phone number: 0916-4341085.

The food at "Farm Restaurant" is also good, and the service is very warm. Their hotpot has been in business for a long time and is famous in the town. You can stay in this hotel with relatively good conditions for 10 yuan per person per day. The shop owner is Zhang Suyan, phone number: 0916-4341009.

Local specialties include fungus, mushrooms, honey, and gastrodia elata; snacks include soy milk porridge, vegetable tofu, bacon, dried tofu, konjac, sauerkraut, cabbage, hot dough, walnut cake, and the farmer's "seven bowls" "wait.