Best Side Trips from Yan'an

One Day to Ganquan and Luochuan of Yan'an

This tour will lead travelers to the northern outskirt of Yan'an including visits to Meishui Spring, the Site of Luochuan Conference and the Luochuan Folk-custom Museum.

Meishui Spring is located in Ganquan County which is 40 kilometers south of Yan'an City. Ganquan can be accessed both by coach and train from the city. Upon arrival in Ganquan, travelers could take a taxi to Meishui Spring for around CNY20.00 net for one way. The spring was named by Emperor Yang (569-618) of Sui Dynasty and was reportedly sweet.

Hukou Waterfalls, Yan'an

Transfer back to Ganquan County to connect a coach to Luochuan County. It is best to take a taxi to get to the Site of Luochuan Conference, which is 10 kilometers north of the county. Luochuan conference was held in August, 1937, and after that, Yan'an became a headquarters during the War of Resistance against Japan. Thus, it plays a significant role in China's history.

After visiting the site, continue the journey by taxi to the Luochuan Folk-custom Museum The museum with an area of 4 acres was built in 1985. The constructions there feature the style of Ming and Qing dynasties. Besides, the cave dwelling can be seen there. It houses more than 3000 pieces of culture relics including the exhibition of Loess Plateau, ancient local social life and rare caved stones. (Admission fee: CNY10.00 net per person)

When finish the full day's tour, drive back to Yan'an or go on the adventure to Xi'an by taking a coach from Luochuan County.

2 Days to Nanniwan and Hukou Waterfall

Nanniwan gorge, located 45 kilometers southeast of Yan'an, occupies 225 square kilometers. Travelers could take a coach from Yan'an coach station. The driving takes around 1.5 hour. Nanniwan once poor and barren, became rich and fertile after 1941 when China's Communists came and began to experiment with agriculture; this was the famous “Large Scale Production Campaign”. Nanniwan is consequently a cradle of farming development in China. The present Nanniwan scenic area consists of several sections including the former residence of Chairman Mao, Paoxiao School, Jiulongquan Spring, the exhibition hall of Nanniwan Large Scale Production Campaign and many other historically significant sites. (Admission fee: CNY4.00 net per person; Opening time: 8:30-17:30; Contact number for tourist service: 0911-233597) Stay one night at Nanniwan after a full day's tour.

On the second day, take a coach from Nanniwan to Yichuan County where the marvelous spectacle of Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River is located. (Coach ticket: CNY30.00 net per person) Upon arrival in Yichuan take a bus, or rent a minicar to Hukou Waterfall scenic zone. It is 48 kilometers from the county and renting the minicar would cost around CNY100.00 net for one way. The bus journey takes around 50 minutes. The waterfall is the most spectacular one in the northern part of China. The best visiting time is summer when there is plenty of water and the fall covers about 30,000 square meters. Take a coach back to the Yan'an city at 13:30. Or travelers could connect a coach from Yichuan to Xi'an. (Admission fee: CNY60.00 net per person; Opening time: 8:00-18:00) Thu coach journey of Yichuan/ Yan'an is around 3 hours and it is around 6 hours of Yichuan/ Xi'an.

- Last updated on Feb. 28, 2023 by Brenda Lian -

Questions & Answers on Best Side Trips from Yan\an

Asked by Rouve | Mar. 01, 2012 11:07

Coming from Hancheng how to mach Yanan
To stay guest house near Hukou is it possible?

Answers (1)

Answered by Ming | Mar. 01, 2012 05:39

You are suggested to take a bus from Hancheng to Yanan, it will take you around 4.5 hours and RMB60. For detailed info, you may call the service hotline 0913-5215950.
Note: There is no bus from Hancheng to Hukou, you need to transfer in Xi'an city. It will take you around 3.5 hours from Xi'an to Hukou.
There are many hotels near Hukou, but I suggest you stay in the HuKou Waterfall Hotel, which is a 3 stars one. Their booking number is 4006188882.