Chinese Name: 安康市 (ān kāng shì)Population: 2,949,700
Area: 23,529 square kilometers (9,085 square miles)
Nationalities: Han
Administrative Division: 1 district (Hanbin); 9 counties (Hanyin, Shiquan, Ningshan, Ziyang, Langao, Pingli, Zhenping, Xunyang, Baihe)
Useful Telephone Numbers: Tourist Complaints: 0915-3202169
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Bank of China: 0915-3202302
Location: Located in the southeast of Shaanxi Province, Ankang neighbors Xian in the north, and shares boundaries with Hubei Province in the east and Sichuan Province in the south. The city has an advantageous geographic position at the convergence of Shaanxi, Hubei, Sichuan and Chongqing.
History: Ancient tribes living in this area were conquered by the Chu Kingdom in the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC). It was a vital place contested by Qin and Chu kingdoms during the wars in Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC), and then it belonged to the Hanzhong Shire, established by the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC).
Physical Features: Ankang lies at the north foot of Daba Mountain, south of the Qinling Mountains. The Han River flows through the city from west to east. The highest point of Ankang is in the eastern part of the Qinling Mountains with an altitude of 2,965 meters (9,728 feet), while the lowest is in the outlet of the Han River from the city’s territory, only 170 meters (558 feet) above the sea level.
Climate: Having a subtropical continental monsoon climate, the weather is warm but dry in spring, and overcast and rainy in autumn. Summer is rainy but may be attacked by drought, while the winter is chilly, seldom rainy or snowy.
When to Go: Warm springs and cool autumns are the best seasons to visit Ankang.
Special Local Products: green tea, winter peaches
Attractions:
Xiangxi Cave: It is located in the southern suburb of Ankang City with Hanshui River to the north and Bashan Mountain to the south. Covering an area of over 3.9 square miles, the scenic area can further be divided into Xiangxi Cave, Wenwu Mountain, Niuti Mountain, Wugong Mountain and Santian Gate. It is a beautiful landscape with places of cultural interest.
Legend says that Xiangxi Cave was once the place where Lu Dongbin (one of the eight immortals) educated himself, therefore adding a more ethereal flavor to the Cave. Peaks over peaks embrace the sight with clear creek bubbles. It is a fairyland of sweet flowers, fresh grass and rare trees. Elegant towers and pavilions add to the beauty of the area, many of which are historic relics whose first construction started as early as Tang Dynasty (618-907). A huge ladder was built along the mountain. People imagine it is the route for celestial beings to get to heaven.
Every year, Xiangxi Cave attracts many visitors by its charming scenic beauty and classical buildings. It is a paradise for you to return to nature and refresh your minds!
| Entrance Fee: | CNY 20 |
| Opening Hours: | 08:00-20:00 |
Nangong Mountain National Forest Park: It is situated in the east of Langao County, about 92 kilometers (57 miles) from the downtown of Ankang City. It is the first national forest park in Shaanxi Province. Covering an area of about 7,648 hectares (18,899 acres), this beautiful park gathers together hills, waters, rocks, numerous plants and animals. It is famous for its remnants of ancient volcano eruptions and glaciers, virgin secondary forest and a great Buddhist’s relics.
This forest park is a natural botanical and zoological garden. There are about 1,800 species of seed plants and ferns, and 300 kinds of wild animals. It is a paradise of endangered plants and rare wild animals, such as Chinese dove trees, trembling poplars, cuckoopints, katsura trees, giant salamanders, golden pheasants, golden eagles and civet cats. One ‘must-see’ is a thousand-year old oak which rises again, and fourteen saplings of seven tree species grow in its trunk.
As this mountain is at an elevation of about 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), trees are divided into four clear forest belts there, forming a totally different glorious forest landscape in four seasons.
Since ancient times, this mountain had been a sanctum of Taoism and Buddhism. In 1126, a Taoism temple was built here and gradually evolved into the sacred place of Buddhism. In 1820, a great Buddhist monk died here and his remains were kept for hundred of years, adding mystery to the grand mountain.
The Nangong Mountain also abounds in fantastic caves and craggy rocks, which present an infinite variety of shapes. The waterscape in this national forest park is another ‘must-see’. Streams wander through the magnificent mountains and deep valleys; Waterfalls dash down thousand feet as if the Silver River fell from azure sky. About 20 ponds in different sizes and colors are added into this natural world. In addition, this mountain with peaks peeps through clouds and mist. Seen from the summit of the Nangong Mountain, the beauty of the sunrise is beyond description. Nowadays, the Nangong Mountain National Forest Park has become an excellent scenic area for sightseeing, leisure and spending summer.
| Entrance Fee: | CNY 30 |
| Opening Hours: | 08:30-17:00 |
Yinghu Lake: The lake is 18 kilometers (11 miles) southwest of the city's downtown, formed by the construction of Ankang Hydropower Station on the Han River. As the largest artificial lake in Northwest China, it also has pavilions and towers, with corridors and halls to vantage points with emerald mountains surrounding.
Tips:
1. At the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the park holds an open-air activity for admiring the bright full moon.
2. From April to May, the mountain flames with azaleas. Camping and mountain climbing activities are held here.
3. On June 24th (lunar calendar), it is a Ho Hsien-ku’s Birthday. Rich and varied folk activities are held in this national forest park.
| Entrance Fee: | CNY 30 |
| Opening Hours: | 08:30-17:00 |
Travel Tips:
1. Ankang Airport is 8.1 kilometer (5 miles) from the downtown area. At present, it only operates flights shuttling from Xian with 40-minute flight.
2. Ankang is a four-hour ride from Xian by train, and ten hours by bus.
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Travelers' Voices on Ankang City
1.
Jun. 26,2009 05:05 Reply
Mr.shankar(India) said:
I have completed 2 years diploma in chinese language {ELEMENTARY CHINESE READERS - 4 BOOKS} with 92%marks at New Delhi.Now, i want to study chinese lanuage in chinese universities/institues in China for 1year. please give me details about universities,institutes,acedemies who teaching chinese language. tell about expenditure and time table. I want to come to China for one year. Can you advice me about time table and expenditure {in Yuan/USD}?
thanking you ,
waiting for your reply........................................................................................................
A student,
Shankar
Jun. 27,2009 01:58
Mr.Frankie replied:
Hi, firstly, please make which city of China you want to study in, such as Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai~ These three cities have the most universities in China. And, most of universities do set departments for international students. Different places requry different cost. As for the course, it is suggested that you visit every university's official website for details~ Anyway, welcome to China.
2.
May. 18,2009 13:01 Reply
Ms.Nancy Krivanka(USA) said:
Greetings,
I have an opportunity to teach English at AnKang University. Would you be willing to share with me information about the University and living conditions in Ankang?
Thank you.
Nancy
May. 18,2009 22:25
Mr.Tom replied:
Well, the university has been well developed from 1958. The campus is beautiful. Well, I think you could search some pictures online. The Ankang City has four clear seasons and plenty of rainfall. It may humid and hot in winter. Anyway, not a bad place. The natural environment is okay!
3.
Feb. 10,2009 03:46 Reply
Ms.Yuan(China) said:
May 28th, 2009, the expressway from Xian to Ankang will be accomplished and open to traffic. After that, it will take about 2 hours from Xian to Ankang. The expressway connects with the expressway from Ankang to Ziyang and the National Highway No.316.
Mar. 23,2009 10:00
Mr.George Anthony(USA) replied:
Ms Chun:
I have an opportunity to teach English at Ankang University. Can you tell me something about the University. I would be arriving for the fall semester in September.
Thank you
4.
Nov. 28,2008 01:20 Reply
Ms.Chun Yuan(China) said:
Hi! I am a local of Ankang.Ankang is located in the south of Shaanxi Province, not far from Hubei and Chongqing. So, the food there tastes more like Suchuan cuisine, a little peppery. The Hanjiang River crosses its large area. Due to a lot of mountains, Ankang is called Mountainous Area and the transportation is not so convinient. However, just because of that, few tourits go there and many beautiful places have not been polluted and destroyed. You can see a more natural environment there. In my opinion, it's quite suitable for hikers to explore this area and it's believed many splendid scenic spots can be found. If you have planned to go to Ankang, you may go to visit Nangao, Zhengping and Ziyang counties, all located to the south of the downtown of Ankang. Nagao's Mt. Nangongshan Forest Park, Zhengping's salted preserved meat and Ziyang's green tea are highly recommended to you.