Summer Escape Guide: A Self-Drive Trip from Xi'an to Southern Shaanxi – Retreat to a Mountain Homestay and Unwind

It's been scorching hot lately! Last weekend, we took our little one and escaped Xi'an, venturing into the mountains of Zhenba, a charming town in southern Shaanxi, for a refreshing three-day, two-night getaway. Here’s our experience to share~ **Accommodation:** Hidden Village·Joy Mountain Homestay We’ve stayed at over five Hidden Village properties, and the quality is consistently excellent, with butler service. The locations are always great, but this newly opened one is a premium version— nestled right in the Joy Mountain Forest Life Park in Zhenba. The homestay features forest cabins and small courtyards, all incredibly spacious. Our cabin had two rooms plus a large living area, perfect for a family weekend getaway. The homestay is super kid-friendly. Our favorite spot was the stunning infinity pool— it felt like teleporting straight to Ubud’s forests in Bali! The little one could splash around all afternoon, giving mom a break while also providing endless photo ops. Beyond unwinding at the homestay, this was my second visit to Zhenba, a gem in southern Shaanxi, and it’s worth revisiting endlessly. Here are some must-visit spots: **Bashan Forest Farm** This is a pristine forest filled with vast, untouched fir and pine trees. On the meadows, you’ll find fearless cows and sheep grazing carefree. Compared to Liuba’s Shizigou, this place sees far fewer tourists, feeling like a healing fairytale world. **Tianxuan Tiankeng (Sky-Hanging Sinkhole)** Zhenba’s most famous sinkhole, formed over hundreds of millions of years of tectonic shifts and erosion, creating this karst landscape with collapsed rock layers. A walking trail circles the sinkhole, which plunges nearly 200 meters deep, surrounded by near-vertical cliffs— utterly awe-inspiring. In summer, viewed from above, Tianxuan Tiankeng looks like a giant green heart, as picturesque as a painting. **Zhenba Old Town** The town is small but charming—stroll through its quaint old streets with aged buildings and cobblestone alleys. This is the epitome of slow living. Head to **Heihu Liang (Black Tiger Ridge)** on the town’s west side, a popular local hilltop park with breathtaking views overlooking the entire town. If time allows, don’t miss Zhenba’s morning market, where you’ll find cured meats, fresh local produce, and all kinds of regional snacks— a true slice of everyday life. After exploring, grab breakfast at **Huangjia Noodles** in the old town. This longtime local favorite serves spicy, Sichuan-style hot rice noodles, best paired with the crispy **Yang Family Sesame Bread** next door— absolutely satisfying.