How to plan your first trip to Northern Shaanxi?

Don't mess up the itinerary order!
Who says Northern Shaanxi is all about sandstorms and cave dwellings? When the first ray of sunlight climbs onto the Danxia patterns of Jingbian's Wave Valley, and the melody of folk songs bursts out from the beats of Ansai waist drums, this land forgotten by time suddenly captures my heart.

🌄 4 Days 3 Nights Northern Shaanxi Itinerary
📅 Day 1: Gather in Xi'an
✈️ Fly into Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, from all over the country
✅ Recommended spots: Bell and Drum Tower night view / Muslim Street snacks (🥩 Must-try: Roujiamo!)
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🌊 Day 2: Xi'an - Jingwei Confluence Viewing Platform - Hukou Waterfall - Stay in Yan'an
✔️ Head to Jingwei Confluence Viewing Platform to witness the collision of Jing River and Wei River waters
✔️ Arrive at Hukou Waterfall to experience the roaring grandeur of the Yellow River
✔️ Stay in a Yan'an cave-style homestay 🏨, enjoying the unique warmth in winter and coolness in summer
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🎭 Day 3: Yan'an - Wave Valley - Liu Siye Portrait Photography - Northern Shaanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Storytelling - Stay in Yan'an
✔️ Visit Wave Valley to capture the time-carved Danxia landforms (Outfit suggestion: Red/white for better photos)
✔️ Join Liu Siye's portrait photography session to freeze the rugged stories of Northern Shaanxi's old men
✔️ Listen to intangible cultural heritage storytelling, traveling back in time through the sound of the three-stringed instrument
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⛰ Day 4: Yan'an - Ganquan Grand Canyon - Xi'an Departure
✔️ Walk into Ganquan Grand Canyon in the morning, where sunlight forms dreamy beams through the crevices (Best shooting time: 9-11 AM 📸)
✔️ Return to Xi'an afterward, concluding an unforgettable journey on the Loess Plateau

✨ ‌Traveler's Private Tips‌:
▪ Visit in September-October! The red sandstone glows with metallic luster after heavy rain
▪ Bring a windproof jacket; the plateau's weather changes faster than a face
▪ Learn a few phrases of Northern Shaanxi dialect from locals to unlock hidden warmth