Escape to Shichuan River Yanliang Scenic Area, where nature's serenity meets adventure! This hidden gem boasts crystal-clear rivers and lush greenery, perfect for families or solo explorers. Stroll along the waterways to spot playful wildlife, or capture Instagram-worthy sunset views that'll leave you breathless. Pack a picnic and unwind on the grassy banks, or rent a bike to discover hidden trails. Whether you crave peaceful reflection or outdoor fun, this riverside paradise delivers both – don't forget your camera for those picture-perfect moments!

Everything you need to know about Ishikawa River
Near the Shichuan River Yanliang Scenic Area in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, Yanliang Ecological Resort Hotel is a top choice for families. This eco-friendly hotel features spacious family rooms, outdoor play areas, and direct access to riverside walking trails. Guests can enjoy peaceful views of the Shichuan River and rent bicycles to explore the scenic route along the water.
The hotel offers complimentary shuttle services to major attractions, ensuring easy access. Breakfast includes locally sourced ingredients, highlighting authentic Shaanxi flavors. With its blend of nature, comfort, and convenience, it’s perfect for a relaxing getaway with loved ones.
The most convenient option from downtown Xi'an is taking the Metro Line 9 to "Yanliang Station," which takes about 50 minutes with no transfers. From there, guests can take the hotel’s free shuttle or rent a shared e-bike—just a 10-minute ride—to reach the entrance of Shichuan River Yanliang Scenic Area.
For self-drive travelers, use G30 Lianhuo Expressway with GPS navigation to "Yanliang Ecological Zone" exit. Clear signage guides visitors throughout the journey, taking approximately 45 minutes. The area also features a smart tour system: scan QR codes at key spots to access interactive maps and detailed attraction information, enhancing your visit experience.
At the Shichuan River Yanliang Scenic Area, visitors can enjoy several unique outdoor experiences. The highlight is eco-cycling along the riverside trail, a 12-kilometer dedicated path winding through lush forests and wetlands, where you can spot egrets soaring and water plants swaying in the breeze.
Another popular activity is family-friendly farming experience, where guests can participate in traditional tasks like rice planting and harvesting, learning about Shaanxi’s agricultural heritage. Each spring, the area hosts the Flower Viewing & Spring Walk Festival, featuring thousands of blooming cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers, complete with Hanfu photo spots.
At night, the Stargazing Camping Night offers tent rentals and guided astronomy tours, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature under a breathtaking sky full of stars.
Yes, several hotels near the Shichuan River Yanliang Scenic Area provide immersive local Shaanxi cuisine experiences. For instance, Yanliang Ancient Town Food Inn features a "Intangible Cultural Heritage Kitchen" offering weekly handmade Sauté Noodles workshops, where guests can knead dough and prepare broth, tasting authentic Guanzhong flavors firsthand.
The hotel also hosts the Qin Style Banquet, a themed dinner showcasing regional delicacies such as dry pot beef brisket and cold-mixed yellow mustard sprouts, made using traditional cooking methods. All ingredients come from on-site organic farms, ensuring freshness and sustainability.
Some room packages include a culinary guidebook with maps of local snack spots and recipe tips, enabling travelers to explore Shaanxi’s rich food culture beyond the table.
The Shichuan River Yanliang Scenic Area boasts a rare wetland ecosystem within close proximity to Xi'an, serving as a vital natural habitat. The area features a wild bird observation station that documents over 60 bird species, including national second-class protected birds like the egret and little grebe.
During summer, lotus and reeds blanket the water surface, forming a natural filtration system that keeps the river clean. The park enforces a "Zero Plastic Initiative," banning single-use plastics and installing educational signs about native plant communities and insects.
Visitors can join guided ecological tours led by certified naturalists, exploring indigenous trees like Chinese scholar tree and weeping willow, while discovering hidden insects such as ants and dragonflies. These experiences foster a deep appreciation for harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Xi'an Yanliang Haiou Resort is ideal for families, offering water-view rooms and dedicated children’s play zones. Located just a 5-minute walk from the riverside viewing platform, it provides easy access to ecological trails. The resort features camping areas, barbecue pits, and on-site shuttle services. With free parking and 24/7 front desk support, it ensures comfort. Easily reachable by metro Line 14 plus bus transfer, it’s perfect for relaxed, nature-immersed family getaways.
Start at 9 AM with a visit to the Shichuan River Wetland Ecological Zone, walking along wooden boardwalks to observe egrets, green-headed ducks, and other wildlife. Have lunch at Yanliang Xiangwei Restaurant, sampling local Shaanxi specialties like dumplings, cold noodles, and mutton stew. In the afternoon, enjoy the floating bridge challenge or rent bikes for a scenic ride along the river through rural villages and farmland. Head to the Yanliang Starry Sky Observation Point in the evening for stargazing away from city lights. Use e-bikes or shared cars for eco-friendly, efficient travel throughout the day.
The monthly Qin Culture Folk Festival features live performances of intangible heritage such as paper cutting, shadow puppetry, and Qin Opera. Visitors can join handmade pottery workshops under expert guidance to create ancient-style Qin ceramics. Additionally, the agricultural experience camp offers hands-on farming activities like plowing and rice transplanting, giving insight into traditional Guanzhong agriculture. These events take place at the Yanliang Cultural Creative Park, with guided tours and multilingual interpretation available for international visitors.
Take regional buses from Yanliang Central Bus Station to key sites like the wetland park, floating bridge entrance, and star observation point—every 30 minutes. For self-driving, use GPS navigation to reach the dedicated ecological parking lot, equipped with smart guidance and barrier-free access. On-site electric shuttle buses run every 15 minutes, covering all main points. This integrated transport system ensures hassle-free exploration, making sightseeing convenient and efficient.
The area shines with its light-and-shadow ecological corridor, where energy-efficient LED lights outline the river’s winding shape, creating dreamlike reflections on the water. The floating bridge night light show is especially magical, with hundreds of warm lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. Some spots feature interactive projection walls displaying Qin Dynasty murals and modern urban evolution. Cool evenings make it perfect for evening walks or picnic gatherings. Rent a flashlight guide from the park for enhanced exploration and deeper immersion in the tranquil riverside atmosphere.
Absolutely! The Shichuan River Wetland Morning Mist Viewing Platform offers stunning shots of misty landscapes with birds in flight and mountain silhouettes. The center of the floating bridge is ideal for long-exposure shots of flowing water and light trails. For human interest photography, visit Yanliang Old Street Market on weekends, brimming with vibrant local life. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens, and use the park’s GPS-enabled camera zone app to find optimal angles. Designated photo zones with shaded shelters and free photographer passes enhance creative freedom.
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