Ankang Travel Guide

Yinghu Lake is the largest artificial lake in Northwest China, created by the Ankang Hydroelectric Dam on the Hanjiang River. The lake covers 77 square kilometers with over 100 islands and peninsulas, earning it the nickname "Thousand-Island Lake of the Northwest." The crystal-clear water reflects surrounding green mountains, creating breathtaking scenery. Visitors can take boat tours, visit temples on the islands, and enjoy fresh seafood. The area is particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom along the shores.

Nangong Mountain is a sacred Taoist site and national forest park known for its dramatic granite peaks, ancient temples, and diverse ecosystems. The mountain rises to 2,273 meters and features bizarre rock formations shaped by centuries of weathering. The Nangong Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty, sits precariously on a cliff edge. The area is home to rare plants and animals, including giant pandas and golden snub-nosed monkeys in the surrounding reserves. Autumn brings spectacular foliage colors.

The old quarter of Ankang preserves traditional architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Stone-paved streets wind past wooden shop fronts, tea houses, and family-run eateries. The city was an important post on the ancient Silk Road's southern route and retains echoes of its commercial past. The Hanjiang River flows past the old walls, and riverside promenades offer pleasant evening strolls. Local markets sell fresh produce, tea, and handicrafts.

The Hanjiang River Gallery is a 50-kilometer scenic corridor along the Hanjiang River, featuring dramatic gorges, clear waters, and terraced fields. Boat tours take visitors through deep valleys flanked by steep cliffs. Traditional villages cling to the hillsides, and local fishermen use traditional methods passed down generations. The water quality is exceptionally pure — this is the source area for China's South-to-North Water Diversion Project.

Yanxiang Cave is a spectacular karst cave system extending over 16 kilometers, though only about 2 kilometers are open to tourists. The cave features stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams. Dramatic lighting highlights the fantastical rock formations. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 18°C year-round, making it a cool retreat in summer. The surrounding area offers hiking trails through forested hills.

Xiangxi Cave is a scenic area combining natural caves with Taoist temples. The cave is named after the fragrant herbs that grow in the surrounding valleys. Ancient temples and pavilions are built into the cliff faces, connected by narrow stone paths. The site has been a place of worship for over 1,000 years. Natural springs provide crystal-clear water, and the forested hills are alive with birdsong. It's a peaceful retreat from the city.