A Rugged Land Full of Beauty
Northern Shaanxi (陕北, Shǎnběi) often conjures images of endless loess hills and the roaring Yellow River. Yet this highland region of north-central China offers far more than just barren earth. From fiery Danxia landforms to vivid salt lakes and surreal canyons, the wild terrain here reveals surprising diversity with every season.
Hukou Waterfall（壶口瀑布）— The Roaring Mouth of the Yellow River
Located about a 2-hour drive from Yan'an City (延安市), Hukou Waterfall is the only waterfall on the entire 5,400-kilometer Yellow River and the largest yellow-colored waterfall in the world. What makes it so dramatic is the sudden narrowing of the river from 300 meters wide to just 20–30 meters, sending a thundering torrent crashing down a 20-meter cliff.
As local folklore puts it: “The mighty Yellow River is all poured into one pot.” You truly need to witness this force of nature in person to grasp its power. The roar is deafening, the spray is thick with yellow silt, and the ground trembles beneath your feet.
The Eight Scenic Faces of Hukou
Depending on the season and water level, the waterfall transforms dramatically. These seasonal spectacles are known collectively as the “Eight Views of Hukou” (壶口八景), including:
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“Peach Blossom Flood in March” (三月桃花汛) – as ice breaks and peach blossoms bloom
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“Smoky Waters” (水底冒烟) – mist rises as warmer water hits cold air
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“Boats Sailing on Dry Land” (旱地行船) – optical illusions during droughts
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“Frozen Falls” (冰封倒挂) – winter turns the rushing water into icy sculptures
Visitor Info
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🎫 Entrance: ¥90
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🕒 Hours:
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Peak Season (Jun–Oct): 7:00–18:30
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Off Season (Nov–May): 8:00–17:00
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🚗 Distance: ~150 km from Yan'an, ~2 hours by car
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⏳ Recommended Visit Duration: Half day
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💡 Tip: Wear waterproof layers and bring wet wipes—this is not a dry experience!
Qiankun Bay（乾坤湾）— Epic River Bends in the Loess Highlands
Before the Yellow River plunges down Hukou, it meanders through Yan'an's countryside, carving majestic S-curves into the earth. One of the most photogenic of these is Qiankun Bay , best viewed from the Qiankun Pavilion (乾坤亭). The bend is so vast—over 1 km wide—that not even a professional wide-angle lens can capture it in one shot.
A drone is the best way to appreciate the full grandeur, soaring 500 meters high to reveal the contrast of golden river and green hills.
More Than Just One Bend
Beyond Qiankun Bay, the scenic area includes Qingshui Bay , Huifeng Village , and the Yellow River Boardwalk , all showcasing the interplay between river and terrain.
Visitor Info
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🎫 Entrance: ¥90
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🕒 Hours:
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Apr–Nov: 8:00–18:30
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Dec–Mar: 8:00–17:30
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🚗 Distance: ~124 km from Yan’an, ~2 hours 10 min
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⏳ Recommended Visit Duration: Half day
Yucha Grand Canyon（雨岔大峡谷）— Shaanbei’s Surreal Sandstone Slot
Tucked away in the mountains west of Yan’an, Yucha Canyon is Northern Shaanxi’s answer to Antelope Canyon in Arizona. A former hidden gem, it's now one of China’s top photo destinations, known for its layered sandstone, flowing lines, and luminous light beams.
Light, Color, and Texture
The best days to visit are clear and sunny, when light pierces through narrow rock gaps and reflects brilliantly off red-orange walls. Green moss grows in shaded areas, creating stunning color contrasts. Each moment of the day paints the rocks in shifting palettes—waves of color, like a living watercolor.
Visitor Info
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🎫 Entrance: ¥98 + ¥70 (shuttle between canyons)
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🕒 Hours: 8:30–16:00 (last entry)
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🚗 Distance: ~72 km from Yan’an, ~1 hour 45 min
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⏳ Recommended Visit Duration: 3 hours
Longzhou Danxia（龙州丹霞）— The Wave Valley of the North
Also known as Bolanggu (波浪谷), Longzhou Danxia in Jingbian County (靖边县) is famous for its undulating red rock formations. The terrain is divided into three zones: Water Danxia , Flame Danxia , and Core Danxia.
The Water Danxia area is particularly serene, with sapphire-colored lakes nestled among rust-red rock. Elsewhere, wave-like ridges dominate, and wooden paths let you hike along the ancient curves.
Drone-Friendly Wonder
From above, the dramatic patterns of erosion—deep red gorges split into layers—create otherworldly photographs. Every angle is picture-perfect.
Visitor Info
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🎫 Entrance: ¥100
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🕒 Hours: 8:00–17:00
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🚗 Distance: ~154 km from Yulin, ~2 hours 10 min
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⏳ Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours
The Reclaimed Sands of Maowusu Desert（毛乌素沙地）
Straddling the border of Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia, the Maowusu Desert was once a vast sea of sand. Known in Mongolian as “bad water,” it became a symbol of ecological degradation due to overuse. In recent decades, massive reforestation efforts have transformed it into a patchwork of dunes, forests, and wetlands.
A Golden Fall Landscape
Autumn is a great time to visit: golden vegetation, rising dunes, and hidden oases create an exotic backdrop for photos. It’s a lesser-known but fascinating stop for self-drivers making the journey between Yan’an and Yulin.
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🎫 Entrance: Free
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⏳ Open year-round
Dingbian Salt Lake（定边盐湖）— Nature’s Eye Shadow Palette
On the border of Shaanxi and Gansu lies Dingbian Salt Lake , the only natural salt lake area in the province. Its multiple basins have been harvested for over a thousand years, but in recent years it’s become a favorite of drone photographers.
Aerial Rainbow of Minerals
From ground level, you’ll only see one salt pool at a time. But take a drone to the sky and a geometric patchwork of colored lakes—pink, red, mauve, beige—unfolds below. On sunny days, it’s like looking into a giant makeup palette straight out of a beauty blogger’s dream.
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🎫 Entrance: Free
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⏳ Open year-round