01Dali County is located…
Dali County is located in the eastern part of Weinan City, Shaanxi Province, in the most open area of the eastern Guanzhong Plain. It borders the Yellow River to the east and Huashan Mountain to the south, covering an area of approximately 1,776 square kilometers with a permanent population of about 700,000. Known as Tongzhou in ancient times, its history dates back to the Spring and Autumn period and is one of the important birthplaces of Yellow River civilization. It boasts national cultural heritage sites such as Fengtu Yicang (the 'First Granary under Heaven') and Daici Cenlou, as well as intangible cultural heritage like Tongzhou Bangzi opera and Dali flour flowers. Dali is famous as the 'Hometown of Winter Jujubes in China,' with specialties like winter jujubes, daylilies, and watermelons renowned nationwide. Its unique location combines Yellow River wetlands, Shawan desert scenery, and farming culture, making it a representative county in eastern Shaanxi for ecological tourism and historical culture.
[1. Must-Visit Attractions] 1. Fengtu Yicang: Located in Chaoyi Town, 17 km east of Dali County seat, built in the 8th year of Guangxu reign (1882). It was the 'First Granary under Heaven' approved by Empress Dowager Cixi and is the only ancient granary still in use in China. The granary covers about 20 mu and can store about 10,000 tons of grain. Ticket: 30 yuan, open 8:00-18:00. Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours. You can climb the city wall to overlook the Yellow River wetlands. 2. Daici Cenlou: Located in Dazhai Village, Chaoyi Town, 20 km from the county seat. Originally built in the Song Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty, the tower is 17 meters high with three stories and a double-eave hip-and-gable roof. It houses Ming Dynasty murals and a Jin Dynasty iron bell, one of the 'Three Wonders of Tongzhou.' Free admission, ID registration required. 3. Yellow River Wetland Scenic Area: Located 15 km east of the county seat, along the west bank of the Yellow River, covering about 50 square kilometers. Best bird-watching season is from November to March, where you can see swans, great bustards, and cranes. Free admission; bicycle rental available (30 yuan/hour). 4. Shawan Scenic Area: Located 12 km south of the county seat, it is the largest inland desert area in Guanzhong, covering about 400 square kilometers. Activities include sand sliding (30 yuan/ride), desert off-road vehicles (100 yuan/lap), and camel riding (50 yuan/ride). 5. Tongzhou Lake Scenic Area: Located 2 km south of the county seat, an artificial lake park covering about 1,000 mu. Ideal for night tours, with a musical fountain show (20:00-20:30 daily).
[2. Food Recommendations] 1. Dali Winter Jujubes: National geographical indication product, known for thin skin, crispness, and sweetness. Harvest season: September to October. Available at Dongguan Farmers' Market (about 20 yuan/jin). 2. Daiba Zhuzi (Braised Pork Elbow): Traditional Dali dish, steamed pork elbow with bone, rich but not greasy. Recommended restaurant: 'Lao Tongzhou' (West Ring Road, county seat), about 60 yuan per person. 3. Luchi Noodles: Soup noodles shaped like stove grate teeth, served with tofu and daylilies. Most authentic at 'Zhang's Luchi Noodles' (North Street, county seat), about 15 yuan per person. 4. Shuipen Yangrou (Water Basin Mutton): Dali-style lamb soup, clear broth with tender meat. Recommended: 'Tongzhou Lamb Restaurant' (South Street, county seat), about 35 yuan per person.
[3. Transportation Guide] 1. External Transportation: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is about 150 km from Dali. Take airport bus to Weinan (1.5 hours), then transfer to county bus (1 hour). From Xi'an North Station, take high-speed train to Dali Station (about 40 minutes, second-class ticket 69.5 yuan). Self-driving: take G30 Expressway to G108 National Road, about 2 hours. 2. Internal Transportation: Within the county, take bus routes 1 or 2 (1 yuan) or taxi (starting fare 5 yuan). Tourist shuttle buses run between major attractions (Fengtu Yicang-Daici Cenlou-Yellow River Wetland, 4 trips daily, fare 10 yuan).