Northern Shaanxi isn’t just known for its rugged history—modern, artistic, and culturally rich spots are also worth exploring. Check out these lesser-known yet fascinating museums and memorials to dive deeper into the stories of the region.
Yulin | Yulin Folk Customs Museum (榆林民俗博物馆, Yúlín Mínsú Bówùguǎn)
The rich folk traditions of Northern Shaanxi are captivating. If you happen to visit Yulin, make a stop at the Yulin Folk Customs Museum. The museum is a preserved ancient siheyuan—a traditional courtyard house—with a main gate, secondary gate, screen wall, north main hall, east and west wings, and a south rear building. Its architectural style reflects the Ming and Qing dynasties.
In 2003, the Yulin Cultural Relics Bureau restored the site “old as old,” preserving damaged corridors and intricately carved beams. Today, it’s one of the few well-preserved siheyuan in Yulin.
The museum has two main exhibition areas: Kaige Tower (凯歌楼, Kǎigē Lóu) and the Siheyuan exhibition. Kaige Tower displays text panels and miniature models showing Yulin as a “key northern garrison town” (九边重镇, Jiǔbiān Zhòngzhèn) across history. Ming and Qing street life and old city memories are brought to life in detailed models. The Siheyuan exhibition showcases authentic Northern Shaanxi homes with spacious kang platforms, weathered furniture, and wedding rooms featuring bright red dowry cabinets, transporting visitors back a century.
Admission: Free with ID
Hours: Tue–Sun, 8:30–17:00
Transport: Located in Yulin city; navigate by bus or car
Suggested visit duration: 1–2 hours
Note: The “Nine Garrisons” (九边, Jiǔbiān) were nine military towns established along the Great Wall during the Ming dynasty for northern defense.
Yulin | Northern Shaanxi Folk Song Museum (陕北民歌博物馆, Shǎnběi Míngē Bówùguǎn)
Northern Shaanxi’s folk songs are deeply tied to local customs. The Northern Shaanxi Folk Song Museum in Yulin preserves these songs and their history. The four-story museum includes six main sections: general Northern Shaanxi folk songs, revolutionary-era songs, modern-era songs, folk music art, research on folk songs, and temporary exhibitions. Here, the origins and evolution of Northern Shaanxi folk songs are fully displayed.
Visitors don’t just listen—they can see the sounds. Story-telling songs (说书, shuōshū), Yangge dance songs (秧歌, yānggē), Ansai waist drum performances (安塞腰鼓, Ānsài Yāogǔ), and Yulin ballads (榆林小曲, Yúlín Xiǎoqǔ) are presented with real musical scores, instruments, and artifacts. Guides often provide live singing, making the experience even more immersive.
Admission: Free with prior reservation via the museum’s official WeChat account
Hours: Tue–Sun, 9:00–16:00
Transport: Located in Yulin city; navigate by bus or car
Suggested visit duration: 1–2 hours
Yan’an | Beijing Zhiqing Museum (延安北京知青博物馆, Yán’ān Běijīng Zhīqīng Bówùguǎn)
Yan’an holds many historical imprints of “family and country.” Beyond revolutionary sites, it was home to thousands of “zhiqing” (educated urban youths sent to the countryside) during the Cultural Revolution, who came to contribute to the Northern Shaanxi plateau. The Beijing Zhiqing Museum in Yan’an tells the story of 28,000 Beijing zhiqing, highlighting their contributions and sacrifices.
The museum has four floors (fourth floor closed to the public). The first floor shows the zhiqing living in Yan’an, the second focuses on their contributions, and the third covers their lives after leaving. A memorial honors those who sacrificed their lives. Exhibits include artifacts and reconstructed yaodong (窑洞, yáodòng) dwellings, giving an authentic glimpse of this era.
Admission: Free with ID
Hours: Tue–Sun, 8:00–18:00
Transport: Located in Yan’an city; navigate by bus or car
Suggested visit duration: 1 hour