Yan'an City Travel

Yan'an, Shaanxi — China's revolutionary sacred site, capital of Loess culture, location of the Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor, spiritual symbol of the Chinese nation. Feel the red culture, experience Northern Shaanxi folk customs, appreciate the wonders of the Yellow River.

13
Years of Revolutionary Period
4
5A-Level Scenic Spots
1000+
Revolutionary Sites
150+
Specialty Foods

Yan'an City District & County Travel

Baota District

Yan'an city center, concentration of revolutionary sites

Pagoda HillYangjialing Revolutionary SiteYan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall
Ansai District

Hometown of Chinese folk art, birthplace of waist drum

Ansai Waist DrumWangjiawan Revolutionary SiteLoess Customs Park
Huangling County

Location of the Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor, first ancestor of the Chinese nation

Mausoleum of Yellow EmperorXuanyuan TempleChinese Ancestor Hall
Yichuan County

Location of Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River

Hukou WaterfallPython Head MountainQiulin Anti-Japanese War Site
Luochuan County

Hometown of Chinese apples, venue of Luochuan Conference

Luochuan Conference SiteLoess National GeoparkApple Sightseeing Garden
Fu County

Site of Zhiluo Battle, Qinzhidao ruins

Zhiluo Battle Memorial HallQinzhidao RuinsShihong Temple Grottoes
Yanchuan County

Location of Qiankun Bay, important Northern Shaanxi cultural town

Qiankun BayWenanyi Ancient TownLiangjiahe Village
Zhidan County

Hometown of martyr Liu Zhidan, red tourism destination

Liu Zhidan Martyr CemeteryYongning Ancient FortressJiuwu Mountain Forest Park
Wuqi County

Landing point of the Central Red Army's victorious Long March

Victory MountainLong March Victory Memorial ParkReturning Farmland to Forest Exhibition Hall
Ganquan County

Home of canyon wonders, rich in ecotourism resources

Shimen CanyonGanquan Grand CanyonLaoshan Forest Park
Yanchang County

Birthplace of China's first onshore oil well

Yanchang Oil Field RuinsCuiping Mountain ParkLoess Plateau Folk Village
Huanglong County

Green lung of Shaanxi, forest coverage rate 87%

Huanglong MountainWuliang Mountain Scenic AreaTree Top Walk
Zichang City

Hometown of General Xie Zichang, site of Wayaobao Conference

Wayaobao Revolutionary SiteBell Mountain GrottoesGaobai Mountain Eco-Park

Yan'an City Three-Day Two-Night Red Classic Tour

Follow revolutionary footsteps, visit the first ancestor of humanity, appreciate the wonders of the Yellow River, experience Loess customs

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
City Center, Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor, Hukou Waterfall
Suitable For
Red tourism enthusiasts, Culture explorers
Budget Per Person
¥900-¥1300
01
Red Memories
Pagoda Hill · Yangjialing · Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site
Highlights

Arrive in Yan'an, check into hotel then head to Pagoda Hill to overlook panoramic views of Yan'an city. Afternoon visit Yangjialing and Zaoyuan Revolutionary Sites to learn about the CPC Central Committee's 13 glorious years in Yan'an.

Attractions
Pagoda Hill
Yan'an landmark building, symbol of the revolutionary sacred site. Climb the pagoda to overlook panoramic views of Yan'an city, the night light show is especially spectacular.
Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site
Location of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat from 1943-1947, with well-preserved former residences of Mao Zedong and other leaders, an important witness to Yan'an Spirit.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Yan'an Hotel
  • Zaoyuan Hotel
  • Cave Dwelling Characteristic B&B
Food Recommendations
  • Shredded Potato Cakes
  • Mushroom Noodles
  • Yan'an Millet Porridge
Travel Tips
  • Maintain solemn silence at revolutionary sites
  • Pagoda Hill night light show starts at 20:00
  • Starting taxi fare in city center is 5 yuan
02
Civilization Origin Seeking
Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor · Xuanyuan Temple · Chinese Ancestor Hall
Highlights

Morning head to Huangling County to pay homage to the Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor and visit Xuanyuan Temple. Afternoon tour the Chinese Ancestor Hall to explore the origins of Chinese civilization through modern technology. Evening return to Yan'an city center.

Attractions
Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor
The mausoleum of Xuanyuan Yellow Emperor, first ancestor of the Chinese nation, known as the Number One Mausoleum Under Heaven, a sacred site for descendants of Yan and Yellow Emperors worldwide to seek their roots and worship ancestors.
Chinese Ancestor Hall
A modern exhibition hall themed on Yellow Emperor culture, comprehensively showcasing the civilization of the Yellow Emperor era through artifact displays, scene restorations and digital technology.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Direct bus from Yan'an Bus Station
  • Journey about 2 hours
  • Suggested departure at 7:30 AM
Ticket Info
  • Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor: ¥75
  • Chinese Ancestor Hall: ¥60
  • Combo ticket discount: ¥120
Travel Tips
  • Maintain solemn dignity within the mausoleum area
  • Ancestor Hall interactive projects suitable for family experience
  • Last return bus at 18:00
03
Yellow River Heroic Song
Hukou Waterfall · Yellow River Boardwalk · Waterfall Viewing Platform
Highlights

Full day tour of Yichuan County Hukou Waterfall, witnessing the spectacular scene of the Yellow River being collected into a single pot. Hike along the Yellow River boardwalk, feeling the majestic power of the Mother River.

Attractions
Hukou Waterfall
China's second largest waterfall, the world's largest yellow waterfall. The Yellow River suddenly narrows from 300 meters to 50 meters here, creating a magnificent spectacle.
Yellow River Boardwalk
A sightseeing trail built along the Yellow River cliff, allowing close-up experience of the river's torrent, the best spot for photographing the waterfall panorama.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Tourist shuttle from Yan'an Bus Station
  • Journey about 3 hours
  • Chartered car recommended for convenience
Important Notes
  • Slippery in waterfall area, be careful
  • Bring sunscreen in summer
  • Respect local customs
Ticket Info
  • Entrance ticket: ¥90
  • Scenic transport: ¥40
  • Guided tour: ¥80/group

Must-Try Foods in Yan'an City

Shredded Potato Cakes

Yan'an traditional food, shredding potatoes and mixing with flour before steaming, then stir-frying. Soft and chewy texture, a local daily staple.

Mushroom Noodles

Yan'an specialty noodle dish, handmade noodles with chewy texture, broth made with local mushrooms, fresh and rich flavor, a representative local snack.

Yan'an Millet Porridge

Made with specialty millet from the Loess Plateau, rich in rice oil with strong aroma, often served with pickled vegetables, a traditional health food.

Yellow Steamed Bun

Northern Shaanxi traditional pastry, fermented and steamed from millet flour, golden yellow color, can be stuffed with various dishes, a daily staple for locals.

Yan'an City Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (April-May): Mountain flowers in bloom, pleasant climate
  • Autumn (September-October): Clear autumn weather, colorful forests
  • Summer: Hukou Waterfall has maximum water flow
Must-Try Foods
  • Shredded Potato Cakes
  • Mushroom Noodles
  • Yan'an Millet Porridge
  • Yellow Steamed Bun
  • Oil Cake
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥225
  • Accommodation: ¥150-300/night
  • Meals: ¥50-100/day
  • Transport: approx. ¥250
  • Total: ¥900-1300
FAQ
  • Must-visit attractions in Yan'an? → Pagoda Hill + Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor + Hukou Waterfall
  • Opening hours of revolutionary sites? → Most 08:30-17:30
  • What specialties does Yan'an have? → Millet, red dates, paper-cutting
  • Best viewing period for Hukou Waterfall? → June-August for maximum water flow