[2025 Ningqiang Hotels] Travel Guide for Qujia Courtyard Guesthouse (Updated Jun)

| A treasure homestay nestled in Qingmuchuan Ancient Town of Southern Shaanxi. Today, I'd like to recommend this hidden gem where you can experience tea picking, explore Qingmuchuan Ancient Town, admire Qing Dynasty architecture, and savor local delicacies. Address: Dongba Village, Qingmuchuan Ancient Town, Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province Qu Family Courtyard, located in Qingmuchuan Ancient Town of Hanzhong in southern Shaanxi, is a 300-year-old renovated Qing Dynasty compound with 17 guest rooms. The east and west courtyards feature classic two-section siheyuan layouts with grey bricks, plain tiles, carved beams, painted rafters, elegant arrangements, and profound historical significance. Highlights: • The homestay itself is an attraction within Qingmuchuan Ancient Town! • Qing Dynasty antique museum: The west courtyard walls display the owner's private collection of antiques - truly a "living" heritage homestay~ • Surrounded by tea plantations: Open your window to 500 acres of green tea waves! The butler provides bamboo baskets for tea picking and processing - free experience for guests! • Fifth Concubine's Boudoir: Legend says this was the youthful residence of a local warlord's fifth concubine. Wearing Hanfu here feels like being in a scene from "The Story of Minglan" The east courtyard offers 16 guest rooms with various layouts: twin beds, king beds, suites - perfect for families, friends, or couples. • Heritage features: Rooms preserve original characteristics with antique furniture but no eerie atmosphere! • Thoughtful details: Smart bathrooms, displayed antiques, window-side tatami tea spaces... Stay experience: Step into this century-old architecture, touch carved doors/windows, listen to mountain cicadas, watch clouds drift, and feel the blend of ancient and modern amid historical traces. Dining: Complimentary breakfast featuring wild-sourced Southern Shaanxi flavors. Tea house available for tea tasting and fish viewing. Nearby attractions: • Qingmuchuan Ancient Town (10-minute walk) • Xigou Nature Reserve (10-minute drive) 🏠 Homestay: Qu Family Courtyard 📍 Address: Dongba Village, Qingmuchuan Ancient Town, Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi

## 48 Hours in Qingmuchuan: In the Legendary Ancient Town "Stepping into Three Provinces with One Foot," Touching the Time Fingerprints of a Republican Warlord > **When the morning mist of the Jinxi River drifts over the three-province boundary marker, and the carved window lattices of the Wei Family Old House emit a faint glow, I hear the last sigh of the Ancient Tea Horse Road** ### **Dawn Breaks: A Cultural Geography Lesson on the Cross-Province Train** Taking the high-speed train from Xi’an North Station heading southwest, after 1.5 hours the scenery outside the window changes abruptly—the tributary of the Jialing River cuts through the Qinba Mountains, and the sign for Yaodu Station in Guangyuan, Sichuan, comes into view. A 10-minute taxi ride after exiting the station crosses the provincial border. Driver Lao Chen points outside the window: “See Feifeng Bridge? The left side of the bridge’s central stone is Shaanxi, the right side is Sichuan, and turning around is Gansu!” The moment the wheels roll over the bluestone slabs, the dialects of the three provinces collide and blend in the air. --- ### **10:00 Qu Family Courtyard: A Late Qing Floating World Built on Silver Ingots** **Privilege upon check-in**: 25 yuan admission? Guests are free! This Daoguang-era complex, built with 8,000 taels of silver, hides three layers of time-space codes: - **East Courtyard Opera Stage**: Fingertips gently brush the painted “Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix” on the coffered ceiling; the water sleeves of famous actors from a century ago seem to flutter in the light and shadow - **West Courtyard Secret**: The wooden carving of the character “Qu” on the study’s window lattice only quietly appears at a 45-degree angle in the afternoon slanting light - **Century-old Tea Spirit**: The ancient tea tree in the ancestral hall’s courtyard, its leaves steaming with fragrance that drifts through three dynasties Overnight in a carved guest room, opening the wooden window, hydrangea waves flood the blue brick path. Off-season at 200 yuan, enjoy the host’s hospitality: morning walnut bread dipped in salty fermented bean curd, evening tea brewed by the flowing water wooden building, iron horses on the eaves and the sound of the creek composing a lullaby. --- ### **15:00 Tea Garden Walk: A Healing Ritual in the Green Wilderness** Passing through the back door of the courtyard, a thousand acres of tea fields roll like green waves. Tea pickers’ bamboo baskets sway at their waists, fresh leaves gleaming like jade. **Secret experiences**: - **Daisy Sniper**: At the end of June, the path transforms into a golden flower corridor; crouching low for a shot makes the sea of flowers and tea hills blend into a Monet oil painting - **Traditional Tea Fixation**: Borrow an iron wok from a tea farmer, stir-fry in your palm at 200°C, the tea fragrance embeds in your fingerprints for three days - **Dusk Magic Box**: Release a drone at sunset’s golden hour, the black tiles of the Qu family and the curves of the tea ridges dance a geometric ballet in the twilight --- ### **19:00 Three-Province Flavor Bomb: The Jianghu in a Wooden Barrel Fish** Lanterns light up along the Jinxi River, and “Xu’s Wooden Barrel Fish” is boiling like a battlefield. Pebbles heated to glowing red are thrown into the wooden barrel, and fish slices curl instantly in the spicy pepper broth. Must-try is the “Three-Province Dipping Sauce” — the charred aroma of Shaanxi’s chili oil, the numbing freshness of Sichuan’s green peppercorns, and the fierce wild chili of Gansu stir up a Jianghu storm on the tongue. > **Fragrant Whispers**: > Holding freshly baked walnut bread (1 yuan each) while strolling along the river, the roasted aroma shatters the mist. Suddenly, an old voice calls out: “Sister, want a gardenia? Five yuan, fragrance all night.” --- ### **Next Day 9:00 Huilongchang Old Street: Time Folds on Bluestone Slabs** **Free Essential Route**: Step on the bluestone slabs from the Ming Chenghua era, let the clanging of the blacksmith’s shop awaken the morning light. At the “Zhongde Book House,” find a copy of “Qingmuchuan” personally signed by Ye Guangcen; between the lines floats the cigar smoke of Wei Futang. Behind the carved window lattices of the old tobacco shop site, merchants seem to still lie in bed smoking; the three-story “cabin” of the Rongshengkui ship-shaped building, the rouge scent of former courtesans has been brewed into aged vinegar by time. **Must-see combo ticket (60 yuan including the Wei Family Residence)**: **Wei Family New Residence** — The Modern Declaration of a Warlord in Turbulent Times: > Hidden gun tunnels lie beneath the Roman columns, and the bat relief on the dome symbolizes “fortune arrives.” The moment you step on the treasure chamber’s floor tiles, hollow echoes startle the swallows between the beams — it is said that silver dollars once filled twelve camphor wood boxes here. --- ### **11:00 Furen Middle School: The Sound of Studying under Baroque Colonnades** Climb to the southern high platform of the town; the blue brick school gate resembles a brush holder. Touch the Baroque carvings on the auditorium columns; the sound of Shanghai craftsmen’s chisels echoes across eighty years. Russian writing remains on the classroom blackboard; an elderly guardian whispers, “Master Wei patrolled with a rattan cane, and truant kids were caught and punished to copy the Analects.” The running figures on the playground now overlap in time and space with the students in black-and-white graduation photos. --- ### **13:00 The Three-Province Alliance on the Palate** Enter the old street’s “Top Ten Bowls” banquet tent, see the eight-immortal tables lined up along the street for a flowing feast: - **Huilong Grilled Fish**: Qian fish from Bailong Lake covered with Guizhou lantern peppers, fish meat wrapped in Hanzhong bean paste aroma - **Walnut Blossoms**: Walnut bread baked on an old stove sprinkled with Sichuan pepper powder, a crispy, salty, and fragrant triple treat - **Secret Easter Egg**: Ask the flower-selling granny for a cup of pot tea, Fu brick tea mixed with Gansu goji berries boiling in a copper kettle --- ### ⚠️ **Pitfall Guide · Blood and Tears Condensed** 1. **Transport Trap**: Black cars outside Yaodu Station double the fare; look for **green taxis** (metered fare to the ancient town is 15 yuan) 2. **Ticket Mystery**: Free admission when staying at Qu Family Courtyard! The combo ticket is valid for three days; the tobacco shop is closed on Mondays 3. **Mosquito Battle**: Tea garden midges are bloodthirsty like demons; Thai herbal balm + physical face mask ensure safety 4. **Photography Taboos**: Smile and nod before photographing elderly residents; do not lean on dangerous attic walls As dusk spreads over Feifeng Bridge, Qiang torches light up the night sky. Girls dancing the Sharan dance around the bonfire, their skirts spinning under the moonlight of three provinces. The magic of Qingmuchuan lies in its ability to stitch bandit legends, Western-style schools, and the fireworks of three provinces into an unfinished landscape scroll — and every traveler is an ink mark continuing the story. > The hoofprints of the Ancient Tea Horse Road sink into the bluestone slabs, > The bell of Furen Middle School echoes over the three-province mountains. > When we see our reflection in the carved window lattices, > We understand— > The true Jianghu is not in the judgment of history books, > But in the silent tolerance of time. **🚗 Practical Tips** - **Transport**: High-speed train to Yaodu Station, Guangyuan, Sichuan; 10-minute taxi to Shaanxi border (2 hours shorter than detouring through Hanzhong Province) - **Accommodation**: Qu Family Courtyard Qing-style guest rooms (around 200 yuan per person) or Furen Inn old street carved bed rooms (150 yuan/night) - **Best Season**: March for rapeseed flower seas / October for colorful forests, summer average temperature 23°C - **Souvenirs**: Freshly steamed walnut cakes at the vegetable market (40% cheaper than scenic spots) + Xigou wild honey

Nestled deep within the Qianshan Tea Plantation📍lies a century-old courtyard weathered by time! So incredibly chill! A perfect blend of antique Qing Dynasty architecture and modern artistry🍃 This ancient village homestay truly deserves a spot on your bucket list! 🏡Located deep in the Qianshan Tea Plantation This courtyard is a ticketed attraction within Qingmuchuan Ancient Town—homestay guests enjoy free entry~ Wake up early and step outside the courtyard gates to breathtaking scenery. The lobby exudes timeless elegance, full of thoughtful design~ Facing misty mountains, with tea fields right at your doorstep, the ancient opera stage and deep courtyards radiate historical charm~ The rooms are equipped with all modern amenities for a comfortable stay~ I especially adore the wooden doors and locks—so vintage! 🍵Breakfast is exquisitely plated and absolutely delicious~ Complimentary fruits, drinking water, and local wild mountain delicacies are included: Braised free-range pork🍚Stewed cured pork trotters with dried vegetables/Stir-fried cured pork with fermented black beans/Fresh tea leaves scrambled with free-range eggs/Specialty cold jelly🥬All ingredients sourced from local farms~ 🏡Qu Family Courtyard Homestay 📍Qingmuchuan Town, Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province Praise-worthy is the stunning surroundings—tea fields at your doorstep, a babbling brook nearby, making it a photographer’s paradise. Plenty of activities nearby: hiking, stream trekking, tea tasting, fishing, rafting, picnics, and more~

Follow A Jie Mu Mu for homestay recommendations👇 🌈Homestay: Qu Family Courtyard 🌈Address: Dongba Village, Qingmuchuan Ancient Town, Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province 🌈Average cost: 200+ RMB per person This homestay is transformed from a 300-year-old Qing Dynasty courtyard—a museum-worthy gem disguised as lodging. It’s not just accommodation but a dialogue across time, awakening historical memories. 🌈Highlights: 1⃣Ambience: Nestled deep in the tea fields of Qingmuchuan Ancient Town, this exquisite century-old courtyard is a hidden treasure. 2⃣History: Built in the 4th year of the Kangxi reign (1665), Qu Family Courtyard has over 350 years of history. After the Wenchuan earthquake left it in ruins, the owner spent years painstakingly restoring this precious Qing-era architectural complex to its former glory. The east and west courtyards feature classic two-layer siheyuan layouts, with elegant blue-brick walls, carved beams, and timeless charm. 3⃣Experience: Step into this centuries-old structure—trace the carved doors, listen to mountain cicadas, watch clouds drift—and feel the blend of ancient heritage and modern comfort. 4⃣Dining: Complimentary breakfast features wild, locally sourced ingredients in southern Shaanxi flavors. Guests can also enjoy tea and koi fish viewing in the teahouse. 5⃣Nearby Attractions: Qingmuchuan Ancient Town (10-minute walk) and Xigou Nature Reserve (10-minute drive).

On the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival, we skipped the city and headed to Qingmuchuan. The tea garden and ancient mansion prove that Chinese aesthetics are still unbeatable! ✅Qingmuchuan is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, rich in local style and folk customs. It's also the prototype of Fenglei Town in the TV series "The Generation of Heroes"! This time we stayed at a homestay converted from the ancestral mansion of Qu Yaozhang, the fifth concubine of Wei Futang. With its blue bricks, plain tiles, carved beams, and painted rafters, this 300-year-old property is absolutely stunning! 📸What's more, the scenery is beautiful and uncrowded, making it perfect for photography! 🏠Rooms: The courtyard with Chinese aesthetic is full of style. The interior decor is antique, and the standalone courtyard offers complete privacy. Look up to see greenery everywhere, with fresh mountain forest views. 🎢Surroundings: Surrounded by 500 acres of tea gardens, the lush greenery is breathtaking. You can also experience tea picking and taste pre-Qingming tea for an excellent experience. 🍜Dining: The homestay restaurant serves delicious food, with rich clay pot soups and fresh vegetables—every bite is a taste of the wild. Very nice! 💗Service: Super thoughtful and friendly staff made us feel right at home. 🏨Homestay: Ningqiang Qu Family Courtyard 📍Location: Dongba Village, Qingmuchuan Ancient Town, Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province 🚄Transport: We took a 1.5-hour high-speed train from Xi'an to Ningqiang South Station, then a taxi straight to Qingmuchuan Ancient Town. 🚗Driving is also convenient, just a 1.5-hour drive from Hanzhong Station. Overall, it was an amazing experience. For someone like me who loves Chinese aesthetics, it's definitely a place worth visiting again and again! Can't wait for the next trip!

When the first spring mist of Southern Shaanxi drifts over the swastika-patterned windows of Qu Family Mansion, this 300-year-old intangible cultural heritage building becomes a time tunnel. 🍀Stay in a century-old residence and feel the healing touch of history~ 🏡Qu Family Mansion Inn 📍Dongba Village, Qingmuchuan Town, Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province 👉Stay | Time Capsule in a Century-old Tea House Hidden in Ningqiang, Hanzhong, Qu Family Mansion has been watching over 🍵thousands of acres of tea fields since the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. Push open the faded vermillion courtyard gate, and 🌁the mist from the Qinba Mountains brings with it the fragrance of tea. This ornately decorated residence, built in the late Qing Dynasty, is one of the most well-preserved private mansions in the ancient town. 1⃣7⃣guest rooms serve as vessels for dialogue between past and present. Every 🧱carved brick tells stories of the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Bamboo lanterns hang from old wooden beams of Southern Shaanxi, while outside the carved windows lies a three-dimensional scroll of wild cherry blossoms and verdant tea terraces🏞 🌟Play | Explore Tea Mountains, Trek Streams, Search for Spring in Qinba · Hundred-acre Tea Fields: At dawn, tie on your bamboo basket and let your fingers brush against the tender "Ningqiang Sparrow Tongue" tea buds. Tea masters will teach you to moisten your fingers with Han River 💦morning dew before picking to preserve the tea's spirit. · Traditional Tea Making: Experience up close the 🪵"kill-green, shaping, and baking" process, seal fresh tea in old pottery jars with your personal Hanzhong seal stamp. · Ancient Town Stroll: Experience the charm of the Tea-Horse Road on Qingmuchuan Old Street, visit the largest Republic-era estate in Southern Shaanxi, and listen to legendary tales of merchant groups. · Secret Exploration: 🏃♂➡Trek through the mountain's oak forest to "Caochuanzi Stone Forest," where wild peach and dove tree flowers create an epic tale of geology and life among million-year-old submarine glacier relics. 🍜Eat | Qinba Mountain Feast - Wild Elegance with Tea-infused Dishes · Spring Specials: Cold dressed rapeseed flowers, shepherd's purse dumplings - taste spring in every bite. · Mountain Spring Flavors: Firewood-stewed braised local pork🍚preserved pork trotters with dried vegetables/preserved meat fried with black beans/fresh tea leaves with local eggs/special bean jelly🥬all ingredients sourced from local fields. · Elegant Tea Cuisine: A bowl of "tea-steamed sturgeon," where tea soup infuses white fish meat, a serving of "red tea steamed pork," where tea and meat fragrances intertwine. Paired with tea-flavored wine made from 30-year-old corn liquor. While city dwellers crowd during Qingming We're at Qu Family Mansion south of Qinling Mountains Using tea as our boat, drifting back to slower times

There is an ancient town in Hanzhong that spans three provinces, namely the border of Shaanxi, Sichuan and Gansu - Qingmuchuan Ancient Town. Almost the entire ancient town sells walnut buns and wooden barrel fish... If you want to experience the characteristics, you can definitely do so. For a better experience, you should stay in the ancient and quaint Qu Family Courtyard and experience the quiet and harmonious deep in the courtyard. I carefully visited this courtyard and deeply felt the inheritance of this family. It was a quick visit. I saw this century-old courtyard~ In the morning, I climbed up and looked far away, surrounded by the sea of ​​clouds, like a fairyland... (A generation of cunning heroes, I want to see it again) Hanzhong City Qingmuchuan Qianshan Qu Family Courtyard B&B Meet the beautiful poem together