Ankang Travel Guide: Yinghu Lake and the Han River Valley
Ankang is a green river city in the far south of Shaanxi, where the Han River flows east between the Qinling Mountains to the north and the Daba Mountains to the south. It feels closer to Sichuan and Hubei than to the dry Guanzhong plain around Xi'an. For visitors, the highlight is Yinghu Lake, the long reservoir formed by the Ankang dam on the Han River, with boat trips between wooded hills. One day covers the lake and the riverside city. Add a second day if you want the mountain counties to the south, such as Langao and its Nangong Mountain.
A city shaped by the river
The name Ankang, meaning roughly "peace and good health", dates from AD 280, when the Western Jin renamed a county to settle refugees from the Daba Mountains. Under the Tang it was Jinzhou, the "gold prefecture", named for the gold dust washed out of its rivers. The Han River has also brought disaster. A flood destroyed the walled city in 1583, and in July 1983 another flood swept through almost the entire city, killing 870 people. The riverside walls and embankments you see today are a response to that history.
When to come to Ankang
The climate is humid subtropical. April to May and September to October are the best months for the lake, with mild temperatures and clearer air. July averages about 27°C, muggy, with most of the year's rain falling from June to September. Winters are cool and damp rather than harsh, with January averaging under 4°C. Bring insect repellent for evenings near the water in the warm months.
Getting in and where to stay
Ankang is on the railway that crosses the Qinling from Xi'an through long tunnels, and on lines running east toward Hubei and west toward Hanzhong. It also has a small airport. In town, taxis and buses cover the riverside and the road to Yinghu Lake.
Stay in central Hanbin district near the river if you want evening food and walks, or near the lake if you want an early start on the water. A lakeside base suits a quiet stay; the centre is better for a one-night stop.
Places worth visiting
Yinghu Lake
Yinghu is the reservoir behind the Ankang hydropower dam, a long, narrow lake that fills a gorge of the Han River west of the city. It is mainly a power project, with flood control and shipping roles as well. On the water it reads as a winding green lake with islands, coves and tea-covered slopes. Most visitors take a boat from the main scenic area, stop at one or two islands, and walk part of the shoreline. Allow half a day.
Boats and islands
Boat routes and departure times change by season and weather, and sailings stop in storms or high water. Check the last return boat before you set out for an island, and keep the ticket you were given for the return leg. Mornings are usually calmer and less crowded than afternoons.
Langao and Nangong Mountain
Langao County lies south of the city in the Daba Mountains, built along the Lan River, one of the Han's tributaries. Nangong Mountain, in the same county, is the prefecture's best-known mountain park, with forests and old temples. The roads are winding, so treat it as a full day, or stay a night in Langao. Ziyang County to the west is known for its tea.
The riverside city
Back in town, the Han River embankment is the place for an evening walk, when families come out and food stalls set up nearby. It is the easiest way to spend a spare hour before a train.
Eating in Ankang
Ankang's best-known dish is steamed noodles (zhengmian), served cold with chilli oil, vinegar and garlic, a cousin of the liangpi found across Shaanxi. River fish, pickled vegetables and smoked pork show the influence of neighbouring Sichuan and Hubei. Local green tea, especially from Ziyang, is worth buying. Prices are on menus or posted at stalls, so check as you order.
How to arrange the route
One day: morning boat on Yinghu Lake with an island stop, lunch near the lake, afternoon back in the city, evening on the riverside.
Two days: add Langao and Nangong Mountain on the second day, or continue west to Hanzhong by train.
Ankang fits neatly into a southern Shaanxi route with Hanzhong and Shangluo. It is too far for a comfortable day trip from Xi'an.
What to cut if short on time
Keep Yinghu Lake. Drop Nangong Mountain unless you have a full day and clear weather, and skip the city parks if the lake took longer than planned.
Things to confirm before you go
- Yinghu boat routes, sailing times, last return boat and ticket prices for your date.
- Weather and water levels, which can close parts of the lake.
- Road conditions to Langao and Nangong Mountain after heavy rain.
- Train times through the Qinling, which sell out on holidays.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Ankang?
One day for Yinghu Lake and the city, two if you add the mountains of Langao.
Can I visit Ankang as a day trip from Xi'an?
It is possible by train but leaves little time at the lake. An overnight is much better.
What is Yinghu Lake?
The reservoir of the Ankang hydropower station on the Han River, a long gorge lake west of the city, visited by boat.
Sources
The facts in this article were checked against the following Wikipedia and encyclopedia entries, retrieved September 29, 2026, and rechecked on October 14, 2026.
- Ankang https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ankang
- Ankang (Chinese) https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/安康市
- Ankang Reservoir / Yinghu (Chinese) https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/瀛湖
- Han River valley transport summaries (cross-checked)
Boat fares and scenic-area tickets change; check the current notice before you go.
All photos are from Wikimedia Commons, used under CC licenses or public domain; re-use requires attribution.
- ankang-yinghu.jpg from File:瀛湖 - panoramio.jpg, by monicker, CC BY-SA 3.0
- ankang-boat.jpg from File:安康瀛湖——游船 - panoramio.jpg, by monicker, CC BY-SA 3.0
- ankang-langao.jpg from File:岚皋县城-岚河 - panoramio.jpg, by samxwang, CC BY-SA 3.0