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The Yellow River Snake Bend Geological Park, located along the Yellow River in the southern canyon bordering Shaanxi and Shanxi, is a large, deeply embedded cluster of snake bends within the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon. The park stretches over 50 kilometers, stretching from Yanshuiguan Town in Yanchuan County in the north to Qingshui Bay in the south.
The Yellow River forms an S- shaped bend through Yanchuan County , known in ancient times as Hehuai Bay. Its name derives from the imagery of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, yin and yang, hardness and softness, and heaven and earth. Here, the Yellow River makes a sharp 320- degree turn, earning it the nickname "Hehuai Bay."
The park is divided into four geological relic landscape areas, including the Yanshuiguan River Valley Terrace Landform Tourism Area, the Suyawan Plateau Ecological Tourism Area, the Qiankunwan Snake Bend Landform Tourism Area, and the Qingshuiwan Snake Bend Landform Tourism Area.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: more than 3 hours
free
All day
The Yellow River Snake Bend Geological Park is renowned for its striking natural formations and the unique meander of the Yellow River. The park offers insight into the river's geological history and serves as a natural monument showcasing China's ancient landscapes.
The park is located in Yan'an, Shaanxi Province. It is best accessed by taxi or private car from the city center. Public transportation options may be limited, so it is advisable to hire a local guide or use a taxi service.
The park is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most picturesque.
The entrance fee is typically around 60 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance, and some online platforms may offer ticket reservations in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for general admission. However, for special events or during peak tourist seasons, it is recommended to book tickets at least 1-2 days in advance.
Exploring the main attractions of the park, including the Snake Bend and surrounding geological features, will take about 2-3 hours. Additional time may be required for hiking or photography.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, providing detailed explanations of the park's geological features and history. Audio guides in Mandarin may also be offered.
The best viewpoints are located near the main observation platforms, offering stunning views of the Snake Bend and the Yellow River's meander. Sunset and sunrise are particularly photogenic times for capturing the landscape.
Start your visit at the main entrance, where you can visit the geological exhibits. Then, take a hike along the trails to the key viewpoints, and finish with a boat ride along the Yellow River for a different perspective of the Snake Bend.
Night visits or light shows are not available at the park. It is best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the geological features and landscapes.
The park can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are typically weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and a small café are available within the park. There are no large shops, but small kiosks sell water and snacks.
The park has paved paths and accessible rest areas, making it suitable for elderly and children. However, some of the hiking trails may be challenging for visitors with disabilities.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (e.g., WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely used and preferred at most locations in the park.
Inside the park, there is a small café offering drinks and snacks. Nearby, you can find local restaurants in Yan'an offering traditional Chinese cuisine.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available at restaurants in Yan'an. Halal food options are also present, given the region's Muslim population.
There are several hotels in Yan'an, ranging from budget to mid-range, that are within a short drive from the park.
Souvenir shops in Yan'an sell items like local handicrafts, traditional Chinese art, and Yellow River-themed souvenirs such as paintings and pottery.
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are the most convenient options to continue your trip from the park. Yan'an's bus station also offers routes to nearby cities.
