Yan'an 3 Days 2 Nights Travel Guide

Yan'an Red Tour: Follow the Revolutionary Footsteps and Experience the Loess Plateau Charm
Trip Duration: 3 days 2 nights
Best Travel Time: April to October (pleasant climate, best scenery)

Day 1: First Encounter with Yan'an, Feel the Revolutionary Spirit

Morning: Arrive in Yan'an, check into the hotel, then head to Baota Mountain. Climb up to enjoy a panoramic view of Yan'an city. This is a landmark building of Yan'an and a symbol of the revolutionary holy land. It is recommended to climb in the early morning or evening when the light is soft and suitable for photography, and to avoid the midday sun.
Afternoon: Visit the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall. Through abundant cultural relics, photos, and materials, gain a comprehensive understanding of the glorious thirteen-year history of the CPC Central Committee in Yan'an. It is recommended to rent an audio guide or hire a tour guide for a deeper understanding of the stories behind the exhibits.
Evening: Stroll along the Yanhe River Bridge, enjoy the night view of Yan'an, and feel the modern atmosphere of the city. Local artists often perform Shaanbei folk songs at the bridgehead, so take a moment to listen.

Day 2: Follow the Footsteps of Great Leaders, Experience Shaanbei Culture

Morning: Visit the Yangjialing Revolutionary Site, the former residence of the CPC Central Committee where Mao Zedong and other senior revolutionaries lived and worked. The site of the 7th National Congress of the CPC is especially recommended to feel the historical atmosphere.
Afternoon: Head to the Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site to visit the former residences of leaders such as Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, experiencing their austere lifestyle. The park is shaded with trees, perfect for a leisurely visit.
Evening: Watch the large-scale live performance "Yan'an Orphanage." It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance and choose seats near the front for a better viewing experience.

Day 3: Enjoy Natural Scenery, Taste Shaanbei Cuisine

Morning: Visit the Yellow Emperor’s Mausoleum. It is recommended to take the electric shuttle within the scenic area to save energy. Don’t miss the millennium-old cypress at the ancestral worship square; remember to touch the "Yellow Emperor’s Hand-Planted Cypress" to pray for good luck.
Afternoon: Tour Hukou Waterfall. The best viewing point is on the Shanxi side, but the view from Yan'an is also spectacular. The waterfall is especially impressive during the rainy season when the water volume is large, but please pay attention to safety.
Evening: Recommended to visit Erdao Street Night Market to taste Yan'an’s specialty foods. Must-try dishes include: Lao Yan’s Lamb Paomo (rich soup and tender meat), Li Laoer’s Lamb Trotters (soft and flavorful), and Zichang Pancakes (thin as cicada wings).

In-depth Experience Recommendations:

Experience waist drum playing and paper-cutting near Zaoyuan farmhouse
Visit the former site of Lu Xun Art Academy to feel the wartime art culture
Watch the original An’sai waist drum performance at the Ansai Cultural Center

Practical Information:

Transportation: Taxis or buses are available for city attractions; for Yellow Emperor’s Mausoleum and Hukou Waterfall, car rental is recommended (about 500 RMB/day)
Tickets: Baota Mountain 60 RMB, Revolutionary Memorial Hall free, Hukou Waterfall 90 RMB
Specialties: Yan'an apples, Luochuan walnuts, Yanchuan red dates

Travel Tips:

Wear comfortable sports shoes as Yan'an has many slopes
Prepare sun protection as ultraviolet rays are strong on the Loess Plateau
Maintain solemnity when visiting revolutionary sites
Try saying "Yan'an" in Shaanbei dialect (pronounced "nián an")

Special Reminder: During the Qingming Festival ancestral ceremony at the Yellow Emperor’s Mausoleum and the October Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Day, there are many activities but also more tourists, so it is recommended to travel off-peak.
This guide includes must-visit attractions, practical travel advice, and in-depth experience recommendations to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Yan'an!