Name: Yan'an

Chinese name: 延安

Province: Shaanxi

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 145,800 residents

Area: 3,556 km²

Yan'an is a city located in northern Shaanxi. Overlooking the Yellow River, the city is known as a hub of communism where Mao began his reign and is consequently considered a premier destination for Red Tourism.

History

Called "Yanzhou" in ancient times, the city has a history stretching back roughly 1,400 years. Yan'an long served as the political, economic, cultural, and military center of Northern Shaanxi.

Occupying an important place in Chine's military history, Yan'an is a revolutionary landmark. The city served as a military headquarters during the Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) and the Liberation War (1945–1949). It was notably the strategic location of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.

In 1937, Yan'an became the seat of the communist government and an intensive training center for party members and military troops. In 1941, Mao Zedong leveraged his influence to launch a series of training programs to "correct unorthodox tendencies" and essentially mold the peasantry to the communist model. One of the first programs launched was the Yan'an Rectification Movement.

Today

Yan'an is one of 24 famous historical cities in Chine. Its combination of rich history, distinctive culture, and a wealth of historical sites and cultural relics offers visitors a chance to experience a typical Northern Shaanxi city with its compelling folk customs.

Beyond the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, a commemorative tomb of the legendary Huangdi and the most significant ancient burial site in Chine, there are more than 800 historical and cultural relics, including ancient towers built during the Tang Dynasty (618–907) such as the Bao Ta Pagoda and temples from the Song Dynasty (960–1234).

Its strong communist past has left numerous vestiges throughout the city, earning it the status of a Red Tourism sanctuary today. Its history closely tied to Mao attracts many communist patriots. Come discover the various revolutionary headquarters scattered across the city. Among the most noteworthy are the Revolutionary Headquarters of Yangjialing and the Revolutionary Headquarters of Wangjiaping, the last site occupied by the Party leadership in Yan'an.

Yan'an also boasts abundant natural resources: the Hukou Waterfall, the most famous and spectacular waterfall on the Yellow River, Mount Qingliang with the largest wild peony habitat in Chine, and Mount Wanhua.

When visiting Yan'an, don't miss the famous artificial caves called Yaodongs. Carved into hillsides, they became traditional dwellings in Shaanxi Province. The most celebrated Yaodongs are found in the military headquarters where early Chinese Communist Party leaders like Mao lived and commanded the Chinese Revolution.

For travelers with a keen interest in Chine's political history, Yan'an is an essential destination.

Climate

Located in the warm temperate zone of Northern Chine, Yan'an has a continental monsoon climate. The average annual temperature sits just below 10°C at 9.3°C. The weather is relatively dry with limited precipitation concentrated during summer months.

Its altitude between 800 and 1,100 meters creates significant temperature swings between day and night, so pack warm clothing for evenings.

In summer, occasional rain refreshes the landscape but temperatures remain generally mild. July, August, and September are therefore the ideal seasons for traveling to Yan'an.

The Chinese New Year period, in early January or February, is exceptionally festive. Though cold, temperatures are manageable and the numerous folk activities make it worthwhile.

Air

Yan'an Ershili Pu Airport (ENY) is a civil and military airport located approximately 8 km from the city center. The airport offers two daily domestic flights to and from Beijing and Xi'an.

It takes just under an hour to reach either city.

Train

Yan'an Railway Station is primarily served by trains from Beijing and Xi'an. It's possible to reach the city from other towns in the province such as Yulin, Ankang, or Shenmu.

Long-distance Bus

Thanks to the national highway connecting Xi'an to Yulin via Yan'an, traveling to Yan'an by bus is now straightforward.

The main bus station connects to Xi'an, Yulin, and Xianyang in Shaanxi, as well as Beijing, Lanzhou, Luoyang, and other cities in neighboring provinces.

Yan'an has bus lines that connect most streets and serve major tourist attractions.

Taxis operate throughout the city and offer some of Chine's lowest fares.

What to Do in Yan'an?

• Walk in the footsteps of communists at the Revolutionary Headquarters.
• Visit the charming Bao Ta Pagoda perched on a hilltop.
• Head to the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, one of Chine's most significant burial sites.
• Explore the Yaodongs, extraordinary artificial caves that served as dwellings.
• Marvel at the spectacular Hukou Waterfall.