2-Day Xi’an Yan’an Tour: Heritage, Waterfall & History Combined

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xi'an to Yan'an by Private Vehicle
   Trace the Origins of Chinese Civilization and Marvel at the World's Largest Yellow Waterfall

   At the scheduled time in the morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and start your 2-day Yan'an tour.

   After driving northward for about 2.5 hours, you'll arrive at the Huangdi Mausoleum, known as the “China's No.1 Imperial Tomb”. Here, you'll learn about the origins of five thousand year of Chinese civilization and the legendary Yellow Emperor, Huangdi.

   Follow the guide to explore the two main scenic areas: Xuanyuan Temple and the Qiaoshan Mausoleum Area.

   

   At Xuanyuan Temple, where the grand ceremony honoring Huangdi is held annually, you can admire architecture inspired by the ancient Chinese concept of “a round heaven and a square earth”.

   Inside the temple also stands an ancient cypress tree over 5,000 years old, which is said to have been planted by Huangdi himself.

   The Qiaoshan Mausoleum Area is the core area of the site. Take a peaceful stroll along the Sacred Way lined with centuries-old cypress trees, and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

   Continue your trip to the world's largest yellow waterfall — Hukou Waterfall. When the mighty Yellow River rushes through the gorge between Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces, it suddenly narrows from 400 meters to just 50 meters, as if it is poured into the mouth of a giant teapot.

   You'll see the water sending up mist. And on a sunny day, sunlight refracting through the mist can form a beautiful rainbow bridge.

   After that, drive to Yan'an and check in at your hotel.

   Tip: July to October is the peak water season, when Hukou Waterfall is at its most spectacular of the year. Be sure to bring a disposable raincoat in case you get splashed with muddy yellow water.

   Vehicle

   Lunch

   4-star hotel in Yan'an
2. Day 2: Yan'an Back to Xi'an
   Explore the Revolutionary Sites and City Landmark in the City Center

   Begin your morning’s exploration in downtown Yan'an at Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site. It was originally the estate of a landlord in northern Shaanxi and served as the site of the CPC Secretariat from 1943 to 1947. Your guide will share stories about China's leaders of that generation who lived and worked here.

   Step inside the yaodong (cave dwellings) where revolutionary leaders once lived and see the simple beds, desks, and everyday household items they used. Meanwhile, the guide will explain how these characteristic dwellings are naturally warm in winter and cool in summer.

   Move forward to visit the Yan'an Revolution Memorial Hall to learn about the 13-year struggle of the CPC in the city from 1935 to 1948.

   Continue to Yangjialing Revolutionary Former Site, an important command center during the revolutionary period. Tucked into a Loess ravine and surrounded by lush trees, it sheltered the leaders from enemy air raids.

   

   Finally, head to the city's iconic landmark — Pagoda Hill. During the war years, countless revolutionaries took the pagoda as a navigational landmark as they navigate through blockades on their way to Yan'an. Today, it stands as a symbol of hope and victory

   From the pagoda's point, take in the breathtaking panorama of the whole city with a river winding through.

   Your 2-day Yan'an tour comes to an end. Take a private vehicle back to your hotel in Xi'an.

   Note: If you need to catch a high-speed train or flight, we can arrange a private transfer to the railway station or airport. Just let your travel advisor know in advance.

   Vehicle

   Breakfast, Lunch