There are two ways to explore Hanzhong: its Han history and cultural sites, and the paths and natural scenery along the Han River. The East Pagoda, Hanzhong City Museum and Tianhan Wetland Park illustrate these themes. To plan your visit, you can first decide whether museums and historic sites or walks and riverside scenery will take up more of your time.
Hanzhong’s Culture and History
Hanzhong’s East Pagoda, also known as the Jingmingsi Pagoda, is one of the city’s oldest surviving ancient structures. In 2013, it was included in the seventh group of China’s nationally important cultural heritage sites. The pagoda was reflected in Yinma Pond; this scene was one of Hanzhong’s eight most beautiful views.
Hanzhong City Museum is a national first-class museum and a national AAA-rated tourist attraction. Guhan Tai was once Liu Bang’s palace in Hanzhong and is now part of the museum. For the Guhan Tai museum area, visitor information from 2025 listed free admission year-round, except on Mondays for maintenance, and required online reservations. Check the current schedule before your trip.
Baijiangtan is the historic altar site where Liu Bang appointed Han Xin as a general. The Baijiangtan museum area displays historical relics from Hanzhong and items relating to Han Xin’s life. The museum also displays the “Thirteen Inscriptions of Shimen” from the Han and Wei periods. In November 2024, Hanzhong City Museum included an experience center for youth education and study programs, six digital learning offerings, an immersive AR classroom and a virtual tour using digital 3D glasses. The museum also developed two animated teaching resources based on the Plank Road and the “Thirteen Inscriptions of Shimen.”
Paths and Nature along the Han River
Tianhan Wetland Park is located along the Han River in Hanzhong’s urban area. It has 16 kilometers of recreational paths and 6.2 kilometers of scenic boardwalks. A beach corridor, a riverside boardwalk and a road along the top of the embankment connect the park areas. People walk or cycle along the connected corridors, boardwalk and embankment road. The sports areas are used for recreation and exercise.
The park’s biodiversity is another part of its character: it is home to 314 plant species, more than 30 fish species and more than 90 bird species. The details about paths, boardwalks and biodiversity offer different ways to enjoy a stay by the river—from outdoor activity to an interest in the landscape.
More Han Culture and a Culinary Highlight
Xinghan Shengjing comprises five themed districts focused on Han culture. At Hanjing Square in Xinghan Shengjing, performances include Sichuan opera face-changing, fire-breathing, Han opera and Hanfu dance. The program may change, so check the schedule if you plan to attend a performance. Yinma Pond also has a night market known for its “snack city.”
Find Hotels in Hanzhong by Travel Focus
This lets you choose the focus of your stay and compare options for your travel dates. The night market at Yinma Pond adds a culinary highlight to the cultural and nature themes.
Discover more destinations: Yan'an, Jincheng, Datong, Xianyang, Linfen, Xinzhou, Shangluo, Xi'an
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