01Foping County is locat…
Foping County is located in the northeastern part of Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province, deep in the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains. It is one of the smallest counties in Shaanxi, with a total area of about 1,279 square kilometers and a permanent population of approximately 30,000. Foping gets its name from its location in Foye Ping (now Houzhenzi Town, Zhouzhi County), historically called 'Foye Ping' and later shortened to Foping. The county has a long history, serving as a vital passage on ancient roads from Chang'an to Shu during the Han and Tang dynasties, with the Tangluo Road and Ziwu Road passing through. Foping is famous as the habitat of the 'Four Treasures of the Qinling'—giant pandas, golden monkeys, takins, and crested ibises. It is particularly known for having the highest density of wild giant pandas in China, earning the title 'China's No.1 Panda County'. The county's forest coverage rate reaches 91.19%, making it a core area for Qinling ecological protection. It boasts a unique 'Qinling Mountain Dwelling' culture and is renowned for specialty industries such as cornel cultivation and wild honey collection. Foping is also among the first batch of 'National Ecological Civilization Construction Demonstration Counties' in China, becoming a premier destination for ecotourism due to its pristine natural environment and biodiversity.
I. Core Attractions
1. Foping National Nature Reserve (Giant Panda Habitat): Located in the northwest of the county, about 20 km from the county seat, covering an area of about 350 km². This area has the highest density of wild giant pandas. Guided hiking tours led by professional guides are available (advance booking required, about 200 yuan/person, limited to 30 people per day). Opening hours: 8:00-17:00, ticket price 50 yuan (including eco-shuttle). Best viewing seasons are spring and autumn (April-May and September-October) when pandas are most active.
2. Qinling Man and Nature Museum: Located on the old street of the county seat, showcasing the diversity of the Qinling ecosystem, including specimens of the 'Four Treasures of the Qinling' and models of ancient plank roads. Ticket price 30 yuan, opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays). The museum has interactive areas suitable for family visits.
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3. Tangluo Road Ruins: Starting from the east side of the county seat, hike along the ancient road to Houzhenzi Town, Zhouzhi County, covering about 40 km. The Foping section is the best-preserved, with relics such as 'ancient plank road stone holes'. No ticket required. It is recommended to bring a compass and professional equipment, as some sections are steep.
4. Shawa Village: Located about 15 km southwest of the county seat, it is one of the observation points for the 'Four Treasures of the Qinling'. The village has a golden monkey observation station (free), where you can observe wild golden monkeys up close. The village offers farm stay accommodation at about 60-80 yuan/person/night, including breakfast and dinner.
5. Foping Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base: Located in the northern suburbs of the county seat, displaying captive giant pandas and research projects. Ticket price 80 yuan, opening hours: 8:30-17:00. Volunteer programs are available (application required two weeks in advance).
II. Local Cuisine
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1. Qinling Wild Honey: Produced in the Chinese bee farming areas above 1,000 meters altitude, rich in flavor and amino acids. Recommended to buy at 'Mi Zhi Yuan' shop on the old street, priced at 30-50 yuan/jin.
2. Foping Cornel Wine: Brewed from local cornel fruit, with nourishing effects. Tasting available at 'Qinling Winery' in the county seat, about 80 yuan per bottle.
3. Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: Made with Qinling specialties like matsutake and porcini mushrooms. Available at 'Shanzhen Pavilion' restaurant (next to the county center square), about 60 yuan per person.
4. Foping Cured Meat: Made from free-range black pork, with a unique smoky flavor. Sold at 'Lao Zhang Cured Meat Shop' on the old street, 45 yuan/jin.
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III. Transportation Guide
1. External Transportation: - High-speed rail: The Xi'an-Chengdu High-Speed Railway has a 'Foping Station', about 5 km from the county seat. From Xi'an North Station, it takes about 1 hour, second-class ticket about 80 yuan; from Hanzhong Station, about 30 minutes, ticket about 30 yuan. - Self-driving: From Xi'an, take the Beijing-Kunming Expressway (G5) to Daheba exit, then transfer to G108 National Highway to Foping county seat, about 3 hours in total. - Bus: Hanzhong Bus Station has 6 daily buses to Foping (7:00-17:00), about 2 hours, ticket price 40 yuan.
2. Internal Transportation: Taxis in the county seat have a starting fare of 5 yuan (within 3 km). There are only two bus routes (Route 1 and Route 2), fare 1 yuan. For scenic spots, it is recommended to charter a car, about 200-300 yuan for a day trip.
IV. Accommodation Recommendations
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1. Qinling Eco Hotel: Located in the southern suburbs of the county seat, four-star standard, rooms about 300 yuan/night, free eco-shuttle to scenic spots. 2. Shawa Village Homestay: Experience original Qinling life, wooden cabin about 150 yuan/night, including farm breakfast.
V. Travel Tips - Best season: Mid-April to end of October; summer is cool and suitable for escaping the heat; some mountain roads are closed in winter. - Notes: Entering the nature reserve requires advance application; do not enter alone; do not feed wildlife; bring mosquito repellent.