Yanan

Yan’an has a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a jacket for mornings and evenings.

Revolutionary heritage sites, loess landscapes and northern Shaanxi food are the main highlights of a trip to Yan’an. Focus your city sightseeing on revolutionary sites, then add nearby natural attractions as time allows.

Main Attractions

• Baota Mountain: A defining landmark of Yan’an, Baota Mountain also holds an important place in the city’s collective memory. Climb the pagoda for views of the Yan River and the city. An evening visit lets you catch the sunset and the light show after dark.

• Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Museum: This national first-class museum uses an extensive collection of artifacts to present the history of the Communist Party’s central leadership during its thirteen years in Yan’an. Hire a guide or rent an audio guide to help make sense of the events and their background.

• Yangjialing Revolutionary Site: Once the headquarters of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee, this site preserves the Central Auditorium and the former residences of several leaders. Walk among the cave-dwelling courtyards and old scholar trees to see the buildings where they worked and lived.

• Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site: The Secretariat of the Communist Party’s Central Committee once worked here, in cave dwellings set within peaceful gardens. Highlights include the former residences of the five secretaries and the platform where the “Serve the People” speech was delivered.

• Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River: The world’s largest yellow waterfall sends the waters of the Yellow River surging down in a powerful torrent. Rainbows are easier to spot in clear weather, and the morning light is good, making this a useful time to plan your visit.

• Ganquan Grand Canyon: This canyon landscape of Danxia rock formations is known as “China’s Antelope Canyon.” When sunlight enters the canyon, visible shafts of light can appear, offering photographic opportunities as the light and rock walls change.

Suggested 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: City History and an Evening Stroll
  • Morning: Start at Baota Mountain, climbing to the top for views of Yan’an and visiting the cliffside stone inscriptions.
  • Afternoon: Set aside time for the Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Museum, following the exhibits through the history of the “Thirteen Years in Yan’an.”
  • Evening: Try northern Shaanxi snacks at Erdao Street Night Market, then head to either Yanhe Bridge or Nanmenli Square to watch the Baota Mountain nighttime light show.
• Day 2: Revolutionary Sites and Cultural History
  • Morning: Visit Yangjialing Revolutionary Site, followed by Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site. At Yangjialing, focus on the venue of the Communist Party’s Seventh National Congress, and take time to explore the quiet cave-dwelling courtyards along the way.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Wanfo Temple Grottoes on Qingliang Mountain, or choose the former site of the Lu Xun Academy of Arts. The latter is relatively quiet and is a good place to learn about literary and artistic history and take photos.
  • Evening: If interested, attend an immersive, site-specific performance such as *Back to Yan’an* or *Thirteen Years in Yan’an*, which use staged scenes to explore this history.
• Day 3: Nearby Nature or a Relaxed Outskirts Visit
  • Option A (Waterfall Views): Leave early by hired car or drive to Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River, about 2.5 hours away. Watch the river surge through the falls, then return in the afternoon.
  • Option B (Canyon Photography): Head to Ganquan Grand Canyon, about a 1.5-hour drive away. Plan your photography for 11:00–14:00, when the light and shadows are better, then head back after your visit.
  • Option C (A Leisurely Day): Enjoy an unhurried morning, then visit the retro-style streets of Jinyan’an Resort. Shop for local specialties such as red dates and millet before heading home at an easy pace.

Northern Shaanxi Food

• Yan’an Zhanzhan: These local skewers are cooked in a broth with no added oil and seasoned mainly with cumin and chili powder. Served with specially prepared vinegar-pickled garlic and a cold broth, they have a tangy, spicy flavor.

• Zichang Pancakes: These thin buckwheat pancakes are silvery white and translucent. Fill them with crispy pork, hot tofu or cold dressed vegetables, then season with garlic broth and chili oil for a distinctly tangy, spicy flavor.

• Shiitake Mushroom Noodles: A popular local noodle dish in Yan’an, this combines chewy noodles with a savory broth. Fried meatballs and shiitake mushrooms add a richer flavor.

• Yangyu Caca (Shredded Potatoes): This northern Shaanxi home-style dish is made by coating shredded potatoes in flour, steaming them, then stir-frying them. Common versions have either a savory sauce flavor or a tangy, spicy seasoning.

• Li Lao’er Spicy Sheep’s Trotters: This shop at Erdao Street Night Market often draws a queue. The trotters are stewed until soft and tender, with meat that comes easily off the bone. The seasoning is mainly tangy and spicy, with little gaminess.

• Chuanyun Pickled Mustard Green Noodles: Tangy, crunchy pickled mustard greens and thick, chewy noodles are paired with specially prepared smoked ribs. The broth has a distinctive flavor, making this a pleasantly tart, appetizing dish.

Where to Stay

• Around Erdao Street and Zhongxin Street in Baota District: Close to the night market and Baota Mountain, this area puts major revolutionary sites within walking distance. Dining and transport options are concentrated here, making it a good choice for travelers who value convenience.

• Yan’an New District: This area is quieter, with relatively new hotel facilities and good value for money. The city center is about 20 minutes away by bus or taxi.

• Jinyan’an / Cave-Dwelling Guesthouses on the Outskirts: Travelers interested in northern Shaanxi’s local traditions can consider a cave-dwelling guesthouse outside the city. These earth-cut dwellings stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and can also suit families.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Getting Around: Direct high-speed trains from Xi’an to Yan’an take about 1.5–2 hours. Attractions within Yan’an are fairly close together, and buses and taxis are convenient. For Hukou Waterfall or Ganquan Grand Canyon, hire a car with a driver or drive yourself.
• Reservations and ID: Revolutionary sites including the Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Museum, Yangjialing Revolutionary Site and Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site are free to enter, but require advance real-name reservations through official channels. You must show your ID card on entry. Most museums and memorial halls close on Mondays, so keep this in mind when planning.
• Clothing and Footwear: Northern Shaanxi has large temperature differences between day and night. Even in autumn, bring a warm jacket for mornings and evenings. Baota Mountain and other attractions have many steps, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Dining and Shopping: For meals, try Erdao Street Night Market or streets frequented by local residents, and avoid the more expensive shops at attraction entrances where possible. For specialties such as red dates, millet and Goutou dates, compare options at local food markets or supermarkets, which are usually better value than shops inside attractions.