2-Day Xiāan Yan’an Tour: Heritage, Waterfall & History Combined
Tour Overview
This 2-day Yan’an tour from Xi’an takes you to discover the charm of Chinese civilization at Huangdi Mausoleum, admire the power of Yellow River at Hukou Waterfall, and explore historic revolutionary sites and traditional yaodong dwellings in downtown Yan’an.
Blending immersive cultural experience, spectacular natural wonder, and great revolutionary history, you will gain a deeper insight into the city’s past glory and distinctive loess landscape.
Travel destinations: Xi’an, Yan’an
Suitable for: Cultural and history lovers
Tour type: Private
Tour at A Glance
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Day
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Destination
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What to See & Do
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1
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Xi’an – Yan’an
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Explore the “China’s No.1 Imperial Tomb”, Huangdi Mausoleum, and majestic Hukou Waterfall
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2
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Yan’an – Xi’an
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Learn about the history of Chinese revolution at Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site, Yan’an Revolution Memorial Hall, Yangjialing Revolutionary Former Site and Pagoda Hill
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Highlights of this tour
Witness the mighty power of the Yellow River at Hukou Waterfall, where the roaring waterfall, swirling mist, and beautiful rainbows on sunny days will impress you a lot.

At China’s No.1 Imperial Tomb – Huangdi Mausoleum, trace the origins of Chinese civilization through a visit to Xuanyuan Temple and Qiaoshan Mausoleum Area.

Step back into the revolutionary years of Yan’an by exploring its rich heritage at Zao Yuan Revolution Memorial Site and Yangjialing Revolutionary Site.

Enjoy sweeping views of the city from the iconic landmark Pagoda Hill and find out why the pagoda became an important symbol during the revolutionary era.

Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Xi'an to Yan'an by Private VehicleTrace 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 theĀ Huangdi Mausoleum, known as the āChina's No.1 Imperial Tombā. Here, you'll learn about the origins of five thousand yearĀ 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.
Xuanyuan Temple of Huangdi Mausoleum At Xuanyuan Temple, where the grand ceremony honoring Huangdi is held annually, you can admire architecture inspired by the ancient Chinese concept of āa round heaven and a square earthā.
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 ā 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:Ā 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 splashedĀ with muddy yellow water.
- Day 2: Yan'an Back to Xi'anExplore the Revolutionary Sites and City Landmark in the City Center
Begin your morningās exploration in downtown Yan'anĀ at Zaoyuan RevolutionaryĀ Site. It was originally theĀ estate of a landlord in northern Shaanxi andĀ served as the site of the CPCĀ Secretariat from 1943 to 1947.Ā Your guide will share stories about China's leaders of that generation who lived and worked here.
Step inside the yaodong (cave dwellings)Ā where revolutionary leaders once lived and see the simple beds, desks, and everyday household items they used. Meanwhile, theĀ guide will explain how theseĀ characteristic dwellings are naturally warm in winter and cool in summer.
MoveĀ forward to visit theĀ Yan'an Revolution Memorial HallĀ to learn about the 13-year struggleĀ of the CPCĀ in the cityĀ from 1935 to 1948.
Continue to Yangjialing Revolutionary Former Site, an important command centerĀ during the revolutionary period.Ā Tucked into a Loess ravine and surrounded by lush trees, itĀ sheltered the leaders from enemy air raids.
Scuptures of leaders in Yan'an Revolution Memorial Hall Finally, head to the city's iconic landmark āĀ 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:Ā If you need to catch a high-speed train or flight, we can arrange a private transfer to the railway station or airport. JustĀ let your travel advisor know in advance.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation for This 2-Day Yan'an Tour from Xi'an
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can selectĀ luxury 5-star hotelsĀ for unparalleled comfort,Ā cozy 4-starĀ accommodations, orĀ value-for-money 3-starĀ options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked forĀ their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped withĀ standard amenitiesĀ like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
InĀ some hotels, there are English-speaking staffĀ who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.

