Xianyang offers several ways to enjoy a cultural and exploratory stay: calligraphy, the history of the ancient Silk Road, riverside scenery and regional cuisine. The ancient ferry of Xianyang has existed since the end of the Shang period and has a history of more than 3,000 years; it is regarded as the first ferry on the ancient Silk Road and one of the Eight Famous Views of Guanzhong. Specific themes include a historic ferry site, an official Shaanxi Province calligraphy culture route, recreation along the Wei River and offerings in the old town.
Calligraphy and historical context
The Xianyang Museum is part of an official Shaanxi Province cultural route focused on calligraphy and centered on the city of Xianyang. This makes it possible to make calligraphy a distinct focus of a cultural stay in Xianyang. The historic site of the ancient ferry of Xianyang has existed since the end of the Shang period and has a history of more than 3,000 years. The ancient ferry is regarded as the first ferry on the ancient Silk Road and one of the Eight Famous Views of Guanzhong. The museum and ferry site thus offer two distinct cultural points of interest.
Riverside scenery and structures
Xianyang Lake Scenic Area is located along the urban section of the Wei River and stretches for 16.82 kilometers. Separate from this is the 2.36-kilometer Wei River waterfront path, which people use in the mornings and evenings to cool off, exercise and relax. The two measurements refer to different scales: the extent of the scenic area and the length of a specific path.
Gudulang Bridge is 748 meters long and 14 meters wide. It has two levels: the first is for pedestrians, while the second serves as a viewing level for relaxation. Three pavilions complement the bridge. In addition to its length, its separate levels and pavilions are characteristic features of the structure.
Old town, handicrafts and cuisine
On Zhongshan Street in Xianyang Ming-Qing Old Street, visitors can browse street shops selling calligraphy and paintings and commission personalized works such as fans or scrolls. Individual shops’ offerings may change; if you are planning a commission, check availability in advance.
Xianyang Old Street offers 24 local specialties among more than 100 different regional dishes. This adds regional cuisine as a distinct focus when planning your stay.
Cultural program and accommodation
A 2024 tourism report describes Xianyang Old Street as a historic urban district with shopping, entertainment, dining and accommodation. The 2024 report also mentions regular performances on public holidays and Saturdays and Sundays, as well as cultural events such as “This Spring Festival in Weicheng,” “全民健身约渭城” and “Through Time, Meeting in Old Street.” Since this program information relates to the 2024 report, check event dates before visiting.
If you are looking for a hotel in Xianyang, first decide what you want to focus on: history and calligraphy, riverside scenery and structures, or the old town, regional cuisine and cultural program. This will help you tailor your search to the travel interests that matter most to you.
Discover more destinations: Linfen, Datong, Jinzhong, Taiyuan, Lvliang, Xinzhou, Yulin, Jincheng.
For the regional travel overview: Shaanxi.
