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Explore the rich history and natural beauty of Northern Shaanxi. Visit the local ancient villages, hike through the Loess Plateau, and enjoy scenic views. You can also experience traditional culture, including local handicrafts, and visit the sites connected to the "Silk Road" heritage.
Northern Shaanxi, a former revolutionary base, is the central region of China's Loess Plateau. It encompasses the cities of Yulin and Yan'an in Shaanxi Province, both located in northern Shaanxi, hence the name. The terrain is high in the northwest and low in the southeast. Covering a total area of 92,521.4 square kilometers, the area is formed by a paleotopography composed of Mesozoic bedrock, overlain by Cenozoic red soil and thick loess layers, which were subsequently formed through water dissection and soil erosion. The basic landforms are loess plateaus, ridges, hills, gullies, and plateaus, representing the plateau surfaces that remain after the modern division of the Loess Plateau by gullies.
It was a revolutionary base established by the Communist Party of China during the Agrarian Revolution. It served as both the destination for the Long March of the CPC Central Committee and the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, and the starting point for the nationwide War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. It was the birthplace of the great Mao Zedong Thought and the nurturing of the legendary Yan'an Spirit.
It has a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with distinct seasons: cold, warm, dry, and wet. Winters are cold, windy, foggy, and with little rain or snow; springs are warm, dry, windy, and changeable; summers are hot and rainy, with a prominent summer drought and frequent thunderstorms and strong winds; and autumns are cool, with a rapid drop in temperature and significant autumn rain.
Recommended one-day tour
Northern Shaanxi is famous for its unique loess landscapes and cultural heritage, playing a significant role in the ancient Silk Road. The region is rich in traditional Chinese architecture, art, and history, especially relating to the early spread of Buddhism and Taoism.
Located in the northern part of Shaanxi province, Northern Shaanxi is about 100 km from the city of Yulin. The best way to get there is by taking a bus or taxi from Yulin or Xi'an. There are no metro connections to this rural region.
There are no specific opening hours for the region as it includes several natural and historical sites. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.
Fees vary depending on the specific sites you visit within Northern Shaanxi. Some attractions may charge an entrance fee of 30-50 RMB, while others are free. Tickets can typically be bought on-site, though some larger attractions might allow online booking.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not necessary unless visiting during peak tourist seasons. You can purchase tickets directly at most attractions upon arrival.
A typical visit to Northern Shaanxi would take 1-2 days depending on the number of attractions you want to explore. For a deeper cultural and historical experience, consider spending 2-3 days.
Must-see attractions include the ancient villages, the Loess Plateau, and sites connected to the history of the Silk Road. Don’t miss the nearby cave dwellings, a traditional form of housing in the region, and the famous Yulin ruins.
Guided tours are available at popular sites in Northern Shaanxi. Tours are typically in Mandarin, though some guides may offer services in English for tourists. Audio guides might be available at larger attractions.
The best viewpoints include the high cliffs overlooking the Loess Plateau and the ancient village architecture. The surrounding mountains offer panoramic shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Start your visit by exploring the ancient villages and cave dwellings. Next, hike through the Loess Plateau to see traditional farming methods, then head towards historical sites like the Yulin ruins for a deeper understanding of the region’s Silk Road significance.
Night visits or light shows are not common in Northern Shaanxi. However, some local festivals may offer evening events or performances celebrating the region’s culture and traditions.
The region is generally not crowded, with the exception of major holidays like Chinese New Year. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays or during the off-season (late autumn or winter).
Basic facilities such as toilets, food vendors, and rest areas are available at most of the tourist spots. Shops selling local handicrafts can also be found in certain areas. It’s advisable to bring your own water and snacks if you plan to explore more remote locations.
While some areas in Northern Shaanxi, like the Loess Plateau and caves, might be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors, most urban attractions and larger sites are more accessible to children and elderly tourists.
Cash is commonly accepted in Northern Shaanxi, but mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely used. Credit cards might be accepted at larger hotels or tourist sites in Yulin, but it’s best to carry cash for smaller establishments.
There are several local restaurants offering Shaanxi-style food such as noodles, dumplings, and lamb dishes. You can also find simple cafes offering snacks and beverages in Yulin city and near larger tourist spots.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available, especially in larger towns and cities like Yulin. Traditional vegetarian dishes are part of the local cuisine, and there are halal restaurants catering to Muslim visitors in the region.
There are a few hotels and guesthouses in Yulin, which is the nearest major city to Northern Shaanxi. For a more authentic experience, there are also boutique inns in rural areas offering a local cultural experience.
Nearby attractions include the Yulin ruins, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, and the ancient city of Yan’an. These can be combined in a longer day trip or over several days, depending on your schedule.
Souvenir shops can be found in the region selling traditional handicrafts like pottery, calligraphy, silk, and local artwork. Handwoven textiles and paper-cuttings are also popular items to purchase as mementos.
The best transportation options after visiting Northern Shaanxi are either buses or taxis back to Yulin or Xi'an. For longer distances, trains or flights from Xi'an can easily take you to other parts of China.
