The Ancient Charm and Serenity of the Hidden Valley - A Travelogue of Shibianyu Village in Xi'an's Ziwu Town

Xi'an is renowned for its historical sites, but on the outskirts of this historic city lie some lesser-known villages that are as tranquil as poetry. Shibianyu Village, located in Ziwu Town, Chang'an District, Xi'an, is adjacent to the Shibianyu Scenic Area of Zhongnan Mountain, a hidden place surrounded by mountains and water. Exploring the Ancient Village: Leisurely Time in the Embrace of Green Mountains Heading south along Ziwu Avenue, the undulating Zhongnan Mountain gradually becomes clear in the distance. Entering Shibianyu Village, the first impression is its simplicity and tranquility: the old village roads are paved with bluestone slabs, flanked by typical southern Shaanxi dwellings with gray tiles and white walls nestled in the greenery of the mountains. There are not many people in the village; occasionally, you see elderly people resting in front of their doors or leisurely smoking dry tobacco. At the entrance of the village, there is a small stone bridge with a clear stream flowing underneath, so clear that you can see the bottom. Beside it stands an old locust tree with dense shade, like a guardian of the village. Standing here, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, it feels as if time has frozen. The Scenic Wonders of Shibianyu Not far from the village is the Shibianyu Scenic Area. Here, you can find rare mountain and water landscapes in Xi'an: the valley is deep, with steep cliffs on both sides covered with lush vegetation, and streams flowing down from the mountains, forming a pool of emerald green water. Walking slowly along the plank road, you can hear the sound of the mountain wind whistling through the canyon. Shibianyu also retains many historical relics. According to the villagers, this place was once an important section of the ancient Ziwu Plank Road. Although the ancient Ziwu Road is now abandoned, you can occasionally see the remnants of ancient post stations in the valley, as if telling the story of its busy and glorious past. Slow Life in the Village After touring Shibianyu, I stayed at a small courtyard in the village. The host warmly served homemade tofu and handmade steamed buns, accompanied by a simple bowl of sour soup. The courtyard was filled with vegetables and fruits, cats basking in the sun on the roof, and the elderly telling stories about the mountains and rivers here. It is said that the villagers of Shibianyu Village have lived here for generations, leading a life of working at sunrise and resting at sunset. They brew wine with their homegrown sorghum and make tea with mountain spring water. Although their life is simple, it is leisurely and content. Returning at Sunset: Nostalgia in the Countryside When the evening glow dyed the mountain tops of the village red, I stood on the small stone bridge and looked back at Shibianyu Village. The tranquil village seemed like a landscape painting, embedded in the embrace of Zhongnan Mountain. There are not many modern facilities here, nor are there bustling tourists, but its ancient charm and tranquility make people linger. Travel Tips 1. Transportation: It takes about 40 minutes by car from downtown Xi'an to Ziwu Town, then walk or take a villager's motorcycle to the village. 2. Suitable for: Tourists who enjoy natural scenery and rural charm. 3. Recommended visiting time: Autumn is the best season, with cool weather and distinct valley scenery. 4. Notes: The mountain roads are steep, so wear comfortable hiking shoes; if you have time, bring some gifts to interact with the villagers, they are very friendly. Epilogue Shibianyu Village is an unassuming little place, but it is precisely because of this that it exudes a unique charm. Here, you will find that the best travel is not about chasing hotspots, but resonating with the land beneath your feet.