4 Days Shaanxi Yucha Grand Canyon & Wave Valley Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xi'an to Yan'an City
   Explore the Vibrant, Ever-changing Canyon Hues

   In the morning, your Yan'an tour will start from Xi'an, one of the ancient capitals of China. After a pleasant breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. After a 4.5-hour drive, you will arrive at the stunning Yucha Grand Canyon, known as the "living Danxia of the world".

   The canyon is made of red sandstone geology, which has been cut and eroded by wind and sand for millions of years. Due to the different moisture content of red sandstone in different seasons, its absorption and refractive index of light are also different, so Yucha Grand Canyon displays different colors throughout the year. Photography enthusiasts will definitely love this place.

   

   Lunch is arranged at a local authentic restaurant, allowing you to taste the authentic Northern Shaanxi flavor. Afterwards, you will have nearly 4 hours to explore Yucha Grand Canyon.

   In the late afternoon, drive 1.5 hours to Yan'an City, a city of great historical significance in the Chinese revolution. At night, you can freely explore Yan'an on your own. It is recommended to climb up Baota Mountain to overlook the charming panoramic view of the city lights.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: in Yan'an

2. Day 2: Yan'an to Wavy Valley Tour
   Marvel at Stunning Red Sandstone Formations with Wave-like Patterns

   After a hearty breakfast in your hotel, we drive about 2 hours to Wavy Valley, a red sandstone landform 22 kilometers southeast of Jingbian County. The name is given to the rock and sand because the lines on the sand resemble waves. This scenic spot is comparable to Wave Valley in the United States.

   

   The first stop is Flaming Danxia Scenic Area, named after its bright red rock formations. You can stroll along the colorful paths and appreciate the complex shapes carved by nature over millions of years.

   Next, head to the Geocentric Danxia Scenic Area, where you will see a rock landscape interwoven with orange, yellow, and green. Continue to the Water Danxia Scenic Area. The flowing water shapes the rocks here into a flowing shape. Your tour guide will tell you about the characteristics of water erosion and other facts. Enjoy taking incredible photos along the way.

   At the end of the tour, return to Yan'an city to spend another relaxing evening.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Yan'an

   

3. Day 3: Yan'an to Yanchuan County Tour
   Enjoy Breathtaking River Bends and Panoramic Views from the Mountaintop

   After breakfast, drive 2.5 hours to the natural wonder of Yellow River Shequ National Geological Park. In the park, your first destination is Qiankun Bay, the core area of the park. The Yellow River forms an "S"-shaped turn here, with a curvature of 320 degrees. Take a leisurely walk along the riverbank and admire the magnificent surroundings at No.1 Observation Deck.

   

   Next, you will visit Qingshui Bay (Clear Water). The reason why it is called "Qingshui Bay" is not because the water of the Yellow River has become clear here. It is because there used to be a pass called Qingshui Pass here. The pass is named after a very clear stream nearby that flows into the Yellow River. Take a cable car up to Huifeng Village, located at the top of the mountain. Experience an exciting aerial journey and admire the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River and surrounding valleys.

   In the afternoon, you'll be escorted to nearby Yanchuan County for an overnight stay. The ride takes about 2.5 hours.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Yanchuan County

4. Day 4: Yanchuan County back to Xi'an
   Capture the Mighty View of the World's Largest Yellow Waterfall

   Today is the last day of our Yan'an tour. Your guide takes you to visit the second-largest waterfall in China - Hukou Waterfalls. Because the Yellow River water carries a lot of sediment, this place becomes a rare yellow waterfall in the world. The Yellow River flows all the way here, and the width of the river suddenly shrinks from more than 400 meters to 50 meters, pouring down from a 20-meter-high steep cliff, which is named Hukou (Pot Mouth) Waterfalls because it resembles a teapot filling up with water.

   

   Every year from July to October marks the peak flow of Hukou Waterfall, especially in September, when the amount of water reach the maximum value of the year. During this period, you will witness the most spectacular sight of the waterfall - mighty and surging. In addition, in winter, you may see the "Icefall Spectacle". The water columns formed by the overflow from both sides of the river are like ice peaks hanging upside down from the cliffs.

   After the visit, it's time for the 4-hour drive back to Xi'an. Your 4-day Shaanxi tour to Yan'an comes to a perfect end.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A