Yan'an延安

Overview

Yan'an is China's revolutionary shrine, where the CPC Central Committee was based from 1935 to 1948. Pagoda Hill, Zaoyuan, and Yangjialing bear witness to that historic era. Beyond red tourism, the loess plateau's cave dwellings, Ansai waist drums and northern Shaanxi folk songs add rich cultural charm.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Pagoda Hill

Yan'an landmark with a Tang Dynasty nine-story pagoda, panoramic city views from the top, symbol of the revolutionary shrine

Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site

Former CPC Secretariat site, preserving Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai's residences and meeting rooms, cave dwellings among date groves

Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River

The Yellow River's largest waterfall, roaring with thunderous sound, 'a thousand miles of Yellow River gathered in one pot' - truly awe-inspiring

Yangjialing Revolutionary Site

Former CPC General Office site, where the Great Production Movement and Rectification Movement were launched

Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor

Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, annual public memorial ceremony on Qingming Festival

Food & Snacks

Lamb Noodle Soup

Northern Shaanxi classic, hand-rolled wide noodles with tender braised lamb and rich broth, warming in winter

Zichang Jianbing (Pancake)

Specialty from Zichang County, buckwheat pancake rolled with shredded potato and dried tofu, dipped in garlic vinegar

Yougao (Fried Cake)

Millet dough stuffed with jujube paste, deep-fried golden, crispy outside and soft inside

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• Ansai Waist Drum (2006) — Traditional folk dance from Ansai County, drummers with waist drums leap and spin, powerful and majestic, known as 'the World's No.1 Drum'
• Northern Shaanxi Folk Songs (2008) — The soaring Xintianyou is the quintessential form. 'The East is Red' and 'Red Lily Blooms' are sung to this day

Practical Tips