Hancheng Lake (汉城湖), located in the northwest of Xi’an, was originally the Tuanjie Reservoir. Stretching 6.27 kilometers from Daxing Road to Fengcheng Third Road, it is a unique ecological park that integrates flood control, landscape gardening, aquatic ecology, cultural relic protection, and urban agricultural irrigation. According to historical records, during the Han Dynasty, this area served as the canal for transporting goods to and from Chang’an (the capital), starting from present-day Sanqiao Cheliu Village in Xi’an and extending north to Guojia Village. The scenic canal was popular among nobles, who would often visit the banks in spring to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Inside the park, the lively atmosphere contrasts sharply with the relative quiet outside. The most prominent feature is the towering bronze statue of Emperor Wu of Han. Visitors can take a boat ride to enjoy the unique scenery along both sides of Hancheng Lake, experiencing charming little bridges and flowing water, along with exquisitely elegant classical gardens. Here, one can escape the fatigue of modern life, letting the dust of the Western Han and the breeze of the Eastern Han wash over them while wandering through winding forest paths. One can quietly listen to the sounds of nature, unchanged for thousands of years, and behold a picturesque landscape that unfolds like a beautiful scroll.
Travel Information about Hancheng Lake
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Tickets: Entrance to the park is free, while the fee for Dafeng Pavilion is 50 yuan.
Opening Hours:
- Spring and Summer: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Autumn and Winter: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Northwest corner of the intersection of North Second Ring Road and Zhu Hong Road, Weiyang District, Xi’an.
Transportation:
- Take bus 717 to Guojia Village bus station, and enter Hancheng Lake from the Heping Bridge entrance.
- You can also take buses 33 or 900 to Guojia Village bus station, and enter Hancheng Lake from the west entrance of Fengcheng Second Road.
Attraction Rating
Cultural ★★★★
Features ★★★
Leisure ★★★
Beauty ★★★
Romance ★★★
Excitement ★★
Highlights of Hancheng Lake
Fengshan Tianxia Fountain (封禅天下)
The lake features a musical fountain that spans 100 meters in length, with the main fountain reaching a height of 60 meters. Through three chapters – “Han Wu Yingfeng,” “Green Lake Water Rhyme,” and “Prosperous Scenery” – the fountain vividly showcases the grandeur of the Han Empire, reflecting the heroism of Emperor Wu and portraying scenes of peace and happiness experienced by the children of China during a prosperous era.
Within the lake, there are two Han-style towers known as the Fengshan Twin Towers, each standing 10.9 meters tall. These towers are a significant architectural form in ancient Chinese architecture. The statue of Emperor Wu of Han in the park is 21.5 meters high, symbolizing the 215 years of Western Han rule. The pedestal, which is 7 meters high, signifies that Liu Che, Emperor Wu, was the seventh emperor of the Western Han dynasty, embodying the grandeur and ambition of unifying the empire. This statue is currently the largest emperor statue in the country.
Additionally, the park features a stone inscribed with the phrase “上善若水,” which translates to “The highest good is like water.” It is said that the four characters were replicated from the original work of the famous Tang Dynasty calligrapher Yan Zhenqing.
Related Details:
The term “Feng” refers to “offering sacrifices to heaven,” while “Shan” refers to “offering sacrifices to earth.” This ritual was a grand ceremony held by ancient emperors during times of peace or auspicious omens to worship heaven and earth. Historically, Emperor Wu of Han performed the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai six times. His numerous sacrifices, whether for the purpose of communicating with heaven, earth, deities, or people, far surpassed those of other emperors. The gesture of “turning the universe” symbolizes a pointing towards the distant future.
Ba City Park
The Ba City Gate, also known as the Qing City Gate, is located at the southernmost point of the eastern wall of Han Chang’an City. The gate features a building on top and has three passageways below, each 8 meters wide, separated by walls approximately 14 meters apart. To the west of Ba City Gate lies the eastern entrance of the Chang’an Palace, which was destroyed during the late Wang Mang period but remains well-preserved.
In the park, the Peace Bridge is named after historical events from the Han Dynasty, such as Su Wu herding sheep, Zhang Qian’s diplomatic missions, the Silk Road, and Wang Zhaojun’s journey beyond the frontier, all of which reflect the pursuit of peace. It is situated to the east of Ba City Gate.
The Waterwheel Square covers an area of 5,000 square meters and features two large Han Dynasty waterwheels. The larger one has a diameter of 21.5 meters, symbolizing the 215 years of Western Han rule, while the smaller one, with a diameter of 19.6 meters, represents the 196 years of Eastern Han rule. Additionally, the Yuyuan is named after a yellow elm tree, referred to by locals as the “Divine Tree.” This tree has a girth of 1.5 meters, requiring four or five people to encircle it. According to experts, this yellow elm tree is nearly a thousand years old, earning it the title of “King of Yellow Elms.”
Bridges in the Water Town
Shangwu Bridge is adorned with gilded dragon reliefs, all crafted with gold leaf. For thousands of years, the dragon has been synonymous with imperial power, leading to emperors being referred to as the “Son of Heaven.”
Hongming Bridge is built alongside the water, resembling a colorful rainbow. The central arch is the largest, allowing boats to pass through easily, while the reflections of the three arches in the water create three beautiful circles.
Hui Lan Bridge is another scenic bridge in the Hanqiao Water Town area. On one side, there is a planned commercial pedestrian street, while the other side features a waterfront recreational area primarily focused on green landscapes. The bridge has a winding design, leading visitors through tranquil paths, resembling a sculpture that naturally integrates into the surrounding scenery.
Dafeng Pavilion (Great Wind Pavilion)
Dafeng Pavilion, the iconic structure of Hancheng Lake, covers a total area of 9,442 square meters. From its elevated position, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the scenic area and the ruins of Han Chang’an City. The pavilion’s name is inspired by the “Great Wind Song” of Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, capturing the essence of the lyrics: “The great wind rises, clouds fly high; with great power over the land, returning home, how can we find a brave man to guard the four corners?”
The pavilion features a miniature landscape of the Qinling Mountains, backed by the grand Tianhan Winds relief sculpture. It utilizes artificial mountains, waterfalls, and simulated vegetation to create a picturesque representation of the Qinling Mountains and their waters.
The Shenming Platform, located in the northwest corner of Jianzhang Palace in today’s Sanqiao Town, Mengjia Village, Xi’an, is also known as the Chenglu Terrace. Built by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, it was intended to welcome deities. The Sculpture Square is a major attraction in the area, showcasing a 200-meter-long Tianhan Winds relief sculpture. The relief is divided into five segments, representing “birth, growth, transformation, harvest, and storage,” and features the Four Symbols of Chinese mythology: Qinglong (Azure Dragon), Baihu (White Tiger), Zhuque (Vermilion Bird), and Xuanwu (Black Tortoise).
The Tianhan Winds relief sculpture features depictions of significant historical figures and events, including Zhang Qian’s mission to the Western Regions, Ban Chao’s efforts to maintain peace, Wang Zhaojun’s departure to the frontier, and Su Wu herding sheep. Each relief tells a poignant story. In the sculpture of Su Wu herding sheep, an elderly man holds a Han dynasty ceremonial staff, gazing intently into the distance, filled with longing for his homeland.
What to do at Hancheng Lake
Every year on New Year’s Day, Hancheng Lake hosts a New Year Blessing Ceremony, recreating the imperial rituals of offering prayers for blessings, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of ancient emperors worshiping the heavens.
From New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival, Hancheng Lake Park holds a Spring Festival temple fair featuring non-heritage cultural performances, Qin opera, folk art performances, and a large amusement carnival. Visitors can also enjoy authentic Shaanxi snacks to satisfy their culinary cravings.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Hancheng Lake holds a Moon Worship Ceremony where people don traditional Han Dynasty attire and gather at the Fengshan Square. They participate in ancient rituals to express their wishes for the moon goddess to bestow blessings upon the world.
Additionally, Hancheng Lake hosts a Writing Ceremony and a Coming-of-Age Ceremony each year. The Writing Ceremony allows children to feel the significance of starting school through a solemn ritual. The Coming-of-Age Ceremony provides an authentic experience of Han culture, helping students understand the responsibilities of growing up and the transition of roles.