Xian Travel Guide
Lying in the northeast corner of Guangzhong Plain, by the west bank of the Yellow River in eastern Shaanxi, Hancheng is a city governed by Weinan city government, Shaanxi Province. It has a total area of about 1621 square kilometers, and population around 360 thousand.
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| Old Town of Hancheng Xi'an |
In ancient history Hancheng was a significant place. The states of Qin, Jin and Wei had vied for the control of it. It was also economically strategic. Merchants from all over the country came to trade. Wars and trade boosted the local economy and culture tremendously.
Moreover, Hancheng is the hometown of the great cultural and historical celebrity - Sima Qian, a Western-Han historian and man of letters. In the early years of War States, Confucius's favorite student, Xia, came to give lessons, so at that time it was very popular to run schools and Hancheng people took study to be as important as cultivation. From then on, the city produced many scholars and court officers in succession.
Based on the three points above, Hangcheng is endowed with its trait in ancient folk residence, special but reasonable city layout, and many valuable historical and cultural relics. It could becalled a natural ancient architecture museum for it features many ancient buildings. There are more than 140 ancient architectural buildings from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, and 27 historical sites among which 20 of Yuan Dynasty (1271 --- 1368). The Siheyuan Courtyards of Ming and Qing dynasties can be easily found everywhere in the city. Among so many Siheyuan with their peculiar layouts and dense cultural meaning, Dang Village is a very highlight, which is noted for its good location, peaceful and beautiful environment, compact arrangements and strong defense system. The Jincheng street area is also an interesting aspect of the Ancient Hancheng City with its simple but elegant design, well-preserved original appearance, orderly streets and lanes.
Moreover, with the national emphases of cultural relics protection units, Sima Qian Temple, Confucius Temple, and other natural scenery such as the Dragon Gate (Longmen) Scene Area, are must-sees!
