GET OUT OF TOWN:Another Xianease Guide to Traveling Outside Xi’an

Article by XIANEASE

We, your beautiful, amazing friends at Xianease, are bound by duty and by our magazine’s name to tell you that Xi’an is the most magnificent urban expanse ever built, the home of choice of any dynasty that mattered, a place so coveted that in ancient eras it was sacked and rebuilt multiple times, a “furnace city” that is one of those fancy furnaces that you can only buy if you’re super rich and if you ever want to leave its noodle-and-meat-powered environs you’re a crazy person. But if you didn’t take a trip out of the city limits last month, the brutal, multi-week heat wave we endured might have been the push you needed to get your ass somewhere else.

To that end, we’ve collected four more of China’s breathtaking, still somewhat budget-friendly destinations, filled with interesting history and natural beauty worthy of your precious vacation time.

DAOCHENG

Where is it?
Southwest Sichuan Province

Best way to get there?
Daocheng has a small airport that has daily flights from Xianyang Airport

And how much will that cost?
Roughly 1500RMB round-trip

What to do there?
Daocheng could be described as a “hamlet,” seeing as it’s just a little village in the mountains. It’s at a high elevation and boasts some spectacular scenery in addition to ample hiking and the more temperate climate you can enjoy. It’s also great for people taking longer trips towards Shangri-la or Tibet, as the altitude will let you acclimate yourself before heading into the wild, mountainous west.

How long should I go for?
As long as you want, really. If you just want to go check it out a couple days is enough; if you’re more outdoorsy and into exploring you can easily while away an entire week or more.3-1

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MOGANSHAN

Where is it?
Outside Hangzhou City in Zhejiang Province

Best way to get there?
You can take a plane to Hangzhou, or for the airplane-averse you can take the fast train from Beikezhan (G1884, G1900). Once there, a bus or taxi can take you to Moganshan.

And how much will that cost?
The plane is about 1000RMB round-trip, trains are around 650RMB each way.

What to do there?
A lot of people really like Hangzhou City and, if you’re already planning on visiting, an excursion to Moganshan will be a great addition to your trip. It costs only 80RMB to get in, and you’ll have your run of the place, with ample walking trails around the park, a century-old village to explore, freshwater pools to check out and more to discover. Breathtaking views are par for the course at Moganshan, and really, any excuse for some fresh air and nature is a good excuse.

How long should I go for?
Depending on how much you’ll Hangzhou or kick around in the mountains, 3 days to a week is likely plenty.3-4

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Zhangjiajie

Where is it?
Northwestern part of Hunan Province

Best way to get there?
By plane direct to Zhangjiajie

And how much will that cost?
Approximately 900RMB round-trip

What to do there?
There are three things that are considered “must-see” attractions: the national forest park, Tianmenshan and the glass bridge. The national forest park is part of Wulingyuan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the inspiration for the lush CGI scenery of James Cameron’s Avatar. It’s here you’ll also find the glass bridge, perfect for those who appreciate transparency in all things, or merely want to know what vertigo feels like. Tianmenshan has its own national park, and you can go around hiking and exploring caves or just take the cable car to the top. Tianmenshan was also home to the first two World Wingsuit Championships (we’re not too sure if you’ll do or see any wingsuiting, but we just thought it would be awesome to mention it).

How long should I go for?
The average trip to Zhangjiajie lasts about 5 days, which should give you enough time to see all the Avatar mountains you want.3-8

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ENSHI

Where is it?
Hubei Province

Best way to get there?
By plane directly to Enshi, offered on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (extended to daily flights any time after August)

And how much will that cost?
Approximately 800RMB round-trip

What to do there?
Enshi is the capital of Hubei, but just outside the city there is a ton of natural beauty—tall mountains, deep canyons, waterfalls, all that beautiful crap. Most notable, however, is what has been dubbed “China’s Grand Canyon,” which boasts incredible scenery and five precipices for you to climb. Whether you’re an American trying to compare the grandness of the canyons or just someone who likes a good hike, Enshi is definitely worth a visit.

How long should I go for?
3-5 days should be enough.3-11

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A BRIEF NOTE:
The data collected on ticket prices is current as of the end of July 2017 and will be subject to change based on when you’re traveling and how far in advance you book.

Question or comments about activities around Xi’an contact us at editorial@xianease.com