7 Days in Qingyang

Twenty-five kilometres southwest of Xifeng, carving began in 509; 295 niches, some 2,100 figures and the seven seated Buddhas of Cave 165 at the cliff above the river confluence.

1. qingyang north grottoes

The brick pagoda at Xiaojin town south of the city rises from the Song era, standing alone in the wheat; buses and shared cabs make the half-day easy.

1. qingyang xiaojin pagoda

Fifty kilometres north, tradition sets the Zhou forebear Buzhu here about 4,000 years ago; the terraced courts climb the hill with the valley plaques explaining the millet story.

1. qingyang zhou mausoleum

A slow day in the rebuilt riverside streets — noodle shops, liquor counters and evening lights along the water; the county museum nearby adds context.

1. qingyang yaowangdong town

The craft entered the national intangible-heritage list in 2006 and the Duanwu market has run since 2002; half-day workshop visits include stitching demonstrations.

1. qingyang sachet workshops

Two hours northeast in Huachi County, the memorial presents the November 1934 Shaan-Gan soviet government with factual exhibits and the hillside memorial tower.

1. qingyang nanliang memorial

Two hours further north, the county's shadow plays — on the national intangible list since 2006 — run behind lit screens with Daoqing singing; stay the night or take the late return.

1. qingyang huanxian shadow puppetry