Xi’an Ancient Towns
Looking for a quieter side of Xi’an?
This guide to Xi’an ancient towns takes you beyond the city walls and into the hills, valleys, and centuries-old villages that surround the capital of Shaanxi.
From Chenlu’s thousand-year ceramic kilns to the mountain trails of Zhongnanshan Village, each town offers a different slice of history and local life. You’ll find old post stations, lotus ponds, stone carvings, and even battlefield relics.
These towns are easy day trips and great for travelers who want nature, culture, and a slower pace. Explore the landscapes, try local food, and step into the stories that shaped this region.
Chenlu Ancient Town：A Thousand-Year Center of Ceramics（陈炉古镇，Chénlú Gǔzhèn）
“Yaozhou Kiln（耀州窑，Yàozhōu Yáo）” is one of the finest ceramic traditions in ancient China. About 100 km north of Xi’an lies Chenlu Town（陈炉镇，Chénlú Zhèn） , which became the heart of Yaozhou Kiln production during the Jin and Yuan dynasties. Known for its “kilns burning for a thousand years” , Chenlu is now the only remaining firing base of this historic craft. Roads and walls built from irregular ceramic shards can be seen throughout the town, and many local families still run workshops that continue the age-old ceramic-making tradition.
Built along the hillside, Chenlu also offers striking mountain scenery. Follow the winding shard-paved paths through the town, then climb to its highest point for a full view of the old village and the Loess Plateau. The atmosphere here feels untouched by modern development, giving visitors a rare glimpse into living history.
Travel Tip: Chenlu is not a fully developed tourist destination. Dining and lodging options are limited, so plan accordingly.
Driving Time: About 1 hour 43 minutes
Recommended Visit: Half-day trip
Zhongnanshan Village：A Mountain Getaway Beside the “Immortals’ Sanctuary”（终南山寨，Zhōngnánshān Zhài）
In the middle section of the Qinling Mountains, Zhongnan Mountain（终南山，Zhōngnán Shān） is famous as a sacred Taoist site, often giving people an almost mystical impression. But at the foot of the mountain sits Zhongnanshan Village（终南山寨，Zhōngnánshān Zhài） , which feels much more down-to-earth. Located about 100 km from downtown Xi’an, the village sits by the mountains and water, with clean air and a refreshing climate. In summer, it becomes a well-known natural retreat. Well-maintained trails let visitors enjoy easy hiking, and local specialty dishes are beloved by travelers.
There’s more to explore here. You can even try stream-tracing and other water activities. With restaurants, bars, and cozy guesthouses, it’s also a great place to slow down and enjoy a relaxed, nature-focused lifestyle.
Driving Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Recommended Visit: Half-day to full day
Dihua Ancient Town：Follow the World of Qinqiang and See the Blossoms（棣花古镇，Dìhuā Gǔzhèn）
The long novel Qinqiang（《秦腔》，Qínqiāng） uses simple, earthy language to portray everyday rural life in southern Shaanxi. Its story takes place in Dihua Ancient Town（棣花古镇，Dìhuā Gǔzhèn） , about 160 km from Xi’an — also the hometown of the author, Jia Pingwa. In ancient times, the town was known for its abundant ditang flowers（棣棠花，Dìtáng Huā） , and the Tang poet Bai Juyi once wrote poems praising its sea of blossoms.
Once an important post station that “connected Qin and Jin to the north and Wu and Chu to the south,” Dihua still preserves architecture from different dynasties. Walk along Songjin Street（宋金街，Sòngjīn Jiē） and Qingfeng Street（清风街，Qīngfēng Jiē） to see old tile-roofed houses and archways weathered by centuries. Then head to the thousand-mu lotus pond, where endless lotus leaves stretch across the water. Here, you can almost feel the poetic charm described by writers of the past.
Driving Time: About 2 hours 10 minutes
Recommended Visit: Half-day
Manchuanguan Ancient Town：A Battlefield-Shaped Sense of History（漫川关古镇，Mànchuānguān Gǔzhèn）
Reaching Manchuanguan Ancient Town（漫川关古镇，Mànchuānguān Gǔzhèn） from Xi’an takes nearly three hours, but the depth of history here is no less than that of Xi’an itself. In ancient times, Manchuanguan’s wide terrain and abundant waterways made it a key strategic pass. From the repeated battles between the Jin and Yuan during the Southern Song era to the clashes among local armed forces in the Republic of China period, each chapter left lasting marks on this old town.
Beyond the wars, the local traditions have also settled here over centuries. Old courtyards with strict layouts and beautifully carved stonework remain untouched in the town’s narrow streets. Step into Qianfodong（千佛洞，Qiānfó Dòng） , where stone statues reveal a thousand years of history in fine detail. When mealtime arrives, sit down for the town's signature feast, the “Manchuan Eight Dishes（漫川八大件，Mànchuān Bā Dà Jiàn）” , and you’ll taste another form of richness rooted in this ancient place.
Recommended Dish:
The Manchuan Eight Dishes include four steamed bowls and four stir-fried plates , served in this order:
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Guadao Meatballs（刮刀丸子，Guādāo Wánzi） – bowl
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Shredded Pork Stir-fry（肉丝大炒，Ròusī Dà Chǎo） – plate
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Bean-Oil Rolls（豆油卷子，Dòuyóu Juǎnzi） – bowl
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Deep-Fried Chicken Pieces（干炸鸡块，Gānzhá Jīkuài） – plate
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Sweet Rice Wine Pork（甜醪糟肉，Tián Láozāo Ròu） – bowl
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Sweet Potato Balls（红薯丸子，Hóngshǔ Wánzi） – plate
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Honglian Pork Knuckle（红莲蹄子，Hónglián Tízi） – bowl
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Sliced Pork Stir-fry（肉片小炒，Ròupiàn Xiǎochǎo） – plate
Driving Time: About 2 hours 50 minutes
Recommended Visit: Half-day to full day