Yan’an (延安, Yán’ān): The Cradle of Modern Chinese History
The Huangdi Mausoleum (黄帝陵, Huángdì Líng)
Located 160 km south of Yan’an city, the Huangdi Mausoleum is the legendary burial site of the Yellow Emperor (黄帝, Huángdì) , considered the ancestor of the Chinese nation. The site is surrounded by ancient cypress trees and historical stone tablets, showcasing thousands of years of Chinese civilization. Every Qingming Festival, the annual ancestral tribute connects Chinese communities worldwide.
Visiting Info:
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Ticket: 75 CNY
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Opening Hours: 8:00–19:00
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Travel: About 2 hours by car from Yan’an city
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Suggested Duration: Half a day
Baota Mountain (宝塔山, Bǎotǎ Shān)
The iconic 44-meter, nine-story pagoda on Baota Mountain is a symbol of Yan’an. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it gained additional significance when the Communist Party made Yan’an their revolutionary base. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city, especially beautiful at sunrise or when the surrounding greenery is in full bloom.
Visiting Info:
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Ticket: 60 CNY
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Opening Hours: 7:50–18:00
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Travel: Located in Yan’an city center
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Suggested Duration: 1 hour
Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Hall (延安革命纪念馆, Yán’ān Gémìng Jìniànguǎn)
Founded in 1950 and rebuilt in 1968, the memorial hall systematically presents the Communist Party’s journey through the Long March, Anti-Japanese War, and Liberation War. Exhibits include weapons, clothing, and personal items used by key leaders, giving visitors a tangible sense of China’s revolutionary history.
Visiting Info:
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Travel: Located in Yan’an city
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Suggested Duration: 1–2 hours
Zhongshan Stone Caves (中山石窟, Zhōngshān Shíkū)
Hidden in the mountains, these stone caves date back to the Western Jin Dynasty and contain thousands of Buddha statues, steles, and inscriptions from subsequent dynasties. The Three-number Cave, with a 3.54-meter Shakyamuni Buddha, is the highlight, offering both spiritual and artistic appeal. Scholars often call it the “second Dunhuang.”
Visiting Info:
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Ticket: 30 CNY
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Opening Hours: Summer 8:30–17:30, Winter 9:00–17:00
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Travel: 100 km from Yan’an, approx. 1 hour 50 minutes
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Suggested Duration: 3 hours
Yulin (榆林, Yúlín): Frontier History and Ancient Culture
Zhenbei Fort (镇北台, Zhènběi Tái)
Once a critical military outpost, Zhenbei Fort is one of the largest watchtowers of the Ming Great Wall. Standing four stories tall, it offers sweeping views of Yulin city and the nearby Red Stone Gorge. It is considered one of the “Three Wonders of the Great Wall” along with Shanhaiguan and Jiayuguan.
Visiting Info:
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Ticket: 30 CNY
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Opening Hours: 7:30–19:30
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Travel: 7 km from Yulin city center, 20 min drive
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Suggested Duration: 1 hour
Red Stone Gorge (红石峡, Hóngshí Xiá)
This gorge features cliffs carved with inscriptions and poetry from the Song and Yuan dynasties, as well as ancient stone caves. At sunset, the red cliffs glow, creating the famous “Red Mountain Sunset” scene. It combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, perfect for afternoon visits.
Visiting Info:
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Ticket: 30 CNY
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Opening Hours: 7:00–17:00
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Travel: 6.5 km from Yulin city, 20 min drive
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Suggested Duration: 1 hour
Yulin Ancient City (榆林古城, Yúlín Gǔchéng)
Yulin Ancient City, a historically strategic town, retains streets and landmark towers dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Highlights include the Drum Tower, Bell Tower, and Wanflo Building, culminating at Zhenyuan Gate. The old residential areas feature traditional courtyard houses and cave dwellings.
Visiting Info:
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Ticket: Free
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Travel: Located in Yulin city
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Suggested Duration: 1–2 hours
Gaojiabao Ancient City (高家堡古城, Gāojiābǎo Gǔchéng)
Founded in 1439, Gaojiabao is a well-preserved ancient city with brick walls, barbicans, and arrow towers. Streets inside are lined with historic residences and courtyards reminiscent of Beijing, earning it the nickname “Little Beijing.” The city shows a blend of Ming-Qing architecture and traces of 20th-century history, including Cultural Revolution-era slogans.
Visiting Info:
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Ticket: 20 CNY
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Opening Hours: 7:30–20:00
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Travel: 102 km from Yulin city, approx. 1 hour 15 min
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Suggested Duration: 2 hours
Jiang Family Manor (姜氏庄园, Jiāng Shì Zhuāngyuán)
Built in 1886 by wealthy Qing merchant Jiang Yao, this sprawling 40-acre estate is the largest castle-style cave dwelling in Northern Shaanxi. It features front, lower, middle, and upper courtyards, connected by covered walkways that also serve as drainage channels. The manor’s architectural details, including carved stone gates and painted doors, reflect the immense wealth and status of the Jiang family.
Visiting Info:
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Ticket: 20 CNY
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Opening Hours: 8:00–18:30
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Travel: 96 km from Yulin city (1 hour 45 min), 16 km from Mizhi County (26 min)
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Suggested Duration: 2 hours