Shaanxi, Province in central China
Shaanxi is a province in central China that stretches from the northern plateau through the Wei River valley to the forested mountains in the south. The region includes grasslands, farmland, and dense forest across a wide territory.
The first emperor unified China from here in the 3rd century BC and laid the foundation for a central administrative system. For over a millennium, the valley remained the political heart of the empire before the capital shifted eastward.
The burial temples and pagodas along the southern mountain slopes show how this region served as a spiritual center across centuries. Local cuisine centers on thick noodles and braised meat served in small restaurants across the central plain.
The central valley sits lower and is warmer than the northern and southern areas, which affects clothing choices. Main routes pass through the valley, while the mountain areas offer hiking trails and less paved roads.
Some families in the north still live in cave houses carved directly into the thick loess layers. These dwellings stay cool in summer and warm in winter, which makes the traditional construction practical to this day.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
