Name: Hancheng

Chinese name: 韩城

Province: Shaanxi

Status: City district

Population: 373,755 inhabitants

Hancheng is a city in Shaanxi province, located approximately 230 km from the provincial capital Xi'an. Hancheng is known as the hometown of the great historian Sima Qian and makes for a pleasant stopover from Xi'an.

History

During the Spring and Autumn period, the region fell under the administration of the State of Jin and was known as Hanyuan, or "Land of the Han." During the Warring States period, the region was governed by the State of Wei and bore the name Shaoliang.

Toward the end of this same period, the State of Qin conquered the city and designated the region as Xiayang County.

Not until the Sui dynasty did the county receive its current name, Hancheng.

In 1983, the county became the city of Hancheng. In 1986, the city was designated a national historical and cultural city, and in 2007, it was added to the list of China's first tourist cities.

Today

Hancheng is a pleasant and relatively undiscovered city that nonetheless offers lovely cultural and historical sites worth exploring.

The city, situated on a hill, is divided into two parts: the modern city rises atop the hill while the old town extends at its base.

As the hometown of many notable figures such as historian Sima Qian, Zhao Wu, and writer Du Pengcheng, Hancheng inherits numerous cultural and historical vestiges. You will discover the Confucian Temple, the most striking structure in the ancient city, and the Temple of Sima Qian, which dominates the crops and Yellow River from the hilltop.

Architecture in Hancheng stands out among other cities and has earned it the nickname "natural museum of ancient architecture." More than any other city in Shaanxi, Hancheng showcases unique architectural structures from the Ming, Qing, Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties.

Natural resources are also abundant in the Hancheng region due to its rolling terrain. To the northwest, the mountainous region dotted with trees and crops adds color to the landscape.

About ten kilometers from the city stands the Dangjiacun village, with its small houses featuring unique architecture distinguished by their intricate carvings.

Climate

Hancheng enjoys a temperate climate with very little precipitation. The average annual temperature is 13.6°C.

The average temperature in July rises to 27.1°C, while the coldest average in January drops to −2°C.

The best time to visit Hancheng is from May to June or from September to October.

Hancheng is accessible by train or bus from Xi'an.

Hancheng can also be reached by train from Beijing.

Hancheng is a relatively small city. The main sites are accessible on foot or by taxi.

What to Do in Hancheng?

• Discover the city's unique historical and cultural architectural style.
• Visit the Confucian Temple and the Temple of Sima Qian.
• Enjoy the panoramic views from the hilltop.
• Venture slightly beyond to the Dangjiacun village.