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Yongning Mountain Ancient Village is located in Yongning Town, Zhidan County, east of the Luo River and across from the mouth of the Luzi River. Standing at 1,312 meters above sea level, it stretches east-west and is clad entirely in red sandstone. A ridge rises toward the Luo River, which surrounds it on the east, west, and south. The mountaintop stands tall and isolated, its cliffs sheer. As early as the Song Dynasty, this crucial military village was built on the mountain to guard against southern invasions by northern armies. Later generations, indigenous people used this natural barrier as a shield, built an ancient village to avoid war, and, hoping for "eternal peace," renamed the mountain Yongning Mountain.
Yongning Mountain Village has beautiful scenery, steep mountains, and rugged and winding mountain roads. Some stone steps spiral down through caves and cliffs, which is very dangerous. It can be said that "one man guards the pass and ten thousand men cannot open it."
Because it is located at the same latitude as the Antelope Canyon in Arizona, USA, and has very similar geographical features, it is also known as the "Antelope Canyon of China." The canyon's banks have been eroded by wind and rain, resulting in sheer cliffs and ravines.
The temperate continental semi-arid climate makes travel suitable in all seasons, with spring and autumn being the best.
2-3 hours
free
All day
Yongning Mountain Ancient Village is a historic village in Yan'an, Shaanxi, known for its traditional architecture, centuries-old temples, and cultural heritage reflecting northern Chinese rural life and the Ming-Qing dynasty era.
The village is located in Yan'an, Shaanxi Province. Visitors can reach it by taking a taxi or local bus from Yan'an city center. Walking around the village is the main way to explore its streets and sights.
The village is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful.
Entrance fee is approximately ¥30–¥50 per person, purchased at the village entrance. Some tour operators offer tickets online in advance.
Booking in advance is not mandatory but recommended for weekends or holidays. Online booking a few days ahead ensures availability.
2–4 hours are sufficient to explore the village, including walking through streets, visiting temples, and enjoying the scenery.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and sometimes in English through local tour agencies. Audio guides are limited.
Start from the main entrance, walk along the central alleys, visit temples and ancestral halls, explore residential streets, then climb to the scenic viewpoints on the hills surrounding the village.
Night visits are limited; special cultural events or local festivals may occasionally offer evening activities, but regular light shows are not common.
The village is moderately visited. Weekdays and non-holiday periods are the least crowded times.
Basic facilities are available, including public toilets, small restaurants, local snack stalls, water points, and souvenir shops.
Some areas may be difficult for wheelchair users due to cobblestone streets and stairs. Elderly and children can visit with care.
Cash is widely accepted; mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are available in many shops and restaurants.
Local eateries and small restaurants offering Shaanxi cuisine are available near the village entrance and in Yan'an city.
Vegetarian options are limited but available. Halal food can be found in local restaurants in Yan'an city.
Guesthouses and hotels in Yan'an city provide convenient accommodation for visitors, ranging from budget to mid-range options.
Souvenir shops sell traditional crafts, local snacks, Shaanxi embroidery, paper-cutting art, and miniature models of the village architecture.
Return to Yan'an city by taxi or local bus. From Yan'an, high-speed train and buses connect to other cities in Shaanxi and neighboring provinces.
