Shuhe is a small ancient town in the hills north of Ankang, one of the better-preserved examples of traditional architecture in the Qinba mountain region. The old lanes are lined with courtyard houses built in the regional style — a mix of northern Shaanxi and Sichuan influences, with heavy timber frames, upswept eaves, and stone-paved streets that have changed little in the past century.
The town was historically a trading stop on the road between Shaanxi and Sichuan, and some of the merchant houses retain the courtyard layout and carved decorative woodwork characteristic of prosperous Qing dynasty commercial families. It is quiet on weekdays and receives some domestic tourism on weekends. Ankang is the base for visiting; the town is about 40 kilometres by road.