2026 Luochuan Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

1-Day/1-Night Yanchang Travel Guide | Hometown of Oil, a Red and Vibrant Small City on the Loess Plateau✨ Yanchang, Yan'an, is located on the banks of the Yanhe River, where China's first onshore oil well was born, marking the starting point of China's petroleum industry. With red historical sites, loess landscapes, and the famous Yanchang BBQ, it is a unique, off-the-beaten-path destination in northern Shaanxi. It is a 50-minute drive from Yan'an, perfect for a 1-day/1-night short getaway. This guide is about 800 words. Arrive in the county in the morning. Your first stop is Cuipingshan Scenic Area (free admission), the top of the eight ancient scenic spots in Yanchang. Walk slowly up the mountain trails through dense pine and cypress trees. You will find stone carvings of the Zhenwu Temple and trench ruins along the way. From the summit, you can overlook the entire Yanchang County and the winding Yanhe River, with panoramic views of the Loess Plateau. Spend 1.5 hours here. After descending, head to the site of China's first onshore oil well, a major national historical and cultural site under protection. Admission is free. The old oil derrick stands quietly, and the exhibition hall features artifacts and old photos that help you understand a century of oil extraction history. Spend 1 hour here. For lunch, head to the city center to find food. You must try the local signature buckwheat noodles (he-le) in rich bone broth—the noodles are chewy and delicious. Pair it with "potato shreds" (yangyu chacha) for an authentic taste of northern Shaanxi. A meal costs about 35 yuan per person. In the afternoon, visit the site of the Eastern Expedition Conference. Admission is free with your ID card. The seven-hole cave dwellings are well-preserved, showcasing the meeting place and former residences, allowing you to relive the glorious years of the Red Army's Eastern Expedition. Spend 1 hour here. If you have time, you can visit the Yanchang Folk Museum to learn about northern Shaanxi customs. If you prefer magnificent landscapes, you can head to the suburbs to view the loess gully terrain. If you don't want to travel far, just stroll through the old streets of the county and enjoy the slow pace of the small town. Evening is the highlight of Yanchang. Head to the famous Yanchang BBQ, a Shaanxi intangible cultural heritage food. It is grilled over applewood charcoal and served with a special vinegar dipping sauce—fatty but not greasy. Grilled pork belly, braised chicken feet, and stir-fried pickled mustard greens are must-orders. Dinner costs about 45 yuan per person, full of authentic atmosphere. After dinner, take a walk along the banks of the Yanhe River. The evening breeze will wash away the fatigue of your journey. You can pick up Yanchang pears or Gangu Yi sweet potatoes on the street as souvenirs. There are two accommodation options: For the best value, choose a chain hotel in the county for convenient dining, shopping, and transportation. For a more local experience, choose a farmhouse homestay in the suburbs to enjoy the quiet nights of the Loess Plateau. 1-Day/1-Night Budget per Person (excluding round-trip transportation) 1. Accommodation: 140 yuan for a standard chain hotel in the county 2. Meals: 120 yuan for noodles, BBQ, and local snacks 3. Scenic spots: 0 yuan (Cuipingshan, oil well site, and Eastern Expedition site are all free) 4. Self-driving parking, short-distance taxi: 35 yuan Total: 295 yuan Travel Tips 1. Red tourism sites are closed on Mondays. Be sure to bring your ID card for entry 2. The temperature difference between day and night on the Loess Plateau is large. If traveling in summer, bring a light jacket and take sun protection measures 3. Attractions are scattered, so driving is recommended 4. BBQ restaurants are very popular in the evening; it is recommended to avoid peak dining hours 5. Goutoushan and Matouguan Yellow River Canyon are far from the county. A one-day itinerary is tight; these are better suited for a two-day trip Understand a century of oil history in one day, visit red cave dwellings, and feast on local BBQ. Yanchang has no bustling crowds, but it is rich in culture and delicious food—a hidden gem in northern Shaanxi worth stopping for.

🌄 [Yan'an Impressions] A city with a soul infused with revolutionary spirit, a pearl on the Loess Plateau ✨ A perfect blend of revolutionary history and Northwest charm; every photo looks like a cinematic shot 📸 🏞 [Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions] 1️⃣ Hukou Waterfall National Geopark 📍 Yanhulu, Yichuan County, Yan'an City ⏰ 7:30 AM–6:30 PM 💦 The world's largest yellow waterfall! See the "Yellow River water coming from the sky" in summer, and enjoy the "frozen for a thousand miles" spectacle in winter 👀 Perfect for drone photography! 2️⃣ Ganquan Grand Canyon 📍 Ganzhi Road, Ganquan County, Yan'an City ⏰ 8:30 AM–3:00 PM 🎫 Admission ticket CNY 168 🏜 China's version of the Colorado Grand Canyon! An 8 km Danxia secret realm. Hike through the red canyons, and if you're lucky, you might encounter cute blue sheep 🐑 3️⃣ Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site 📍 Baota District, Yan'an City ⏰ 8:00 AM–5:30 PM 🏡 Visit the former residences of great leaders! 35 well-preserved cave dwellings. It's even more romantic to visit when the pear blossoms are in full bloom in April~ 4️⃣ Nanniwan Scenic Area 🌾 Ten thousand acres of golden rice waves! Experience the land reclamation and farming of the Eighth Route Army. The morning mist + the sound of sickles creates such a vibe~ 5️⃣ Qingliang Mountain 📍 Yanhe East Road, Baota District, Yan'an City ⏰ 8:00 AM–6:00 PM 🎫 Admission ticket CNY 40 🌅 An excellent spot for sunset views! Capture the ancient temple and the city nightscape in one frame. A must-visit for photography enthusiasts 📷 🍜 [Foodie Guide] ▪️ Lao Sun's Mutton Paomo: A time-honored brand in Dongguan Market, perfect with pickled garlic! ▪️ Yellow Rice Cake: Golden, crispy, and sweet when dipped in honey~ ▪️ Old Yan'an Whole Lamb Saozi Noodles: Authentic local flavor at the foot of Baota Mountain ▪️ Yellow Rice Wine: Chilled and slightly tipsy, a must-have for the Chinese New Year! 🏨 [Accommodation Recommendations] ▪️ Zaoyuan Cave Dwelling Homestay: Sleep on a heated brick bed (kang) and experience authentic Northern Shaanxi life ▪️ Qingliang Mountain Stargazing Hotel: Watching the Milky Way from the rooftop is incredibly romantic ✨ 🚗 [3-Day Itinerary] Day 1: Hukou Waterfall > Ganquan Grand Canyon (Stay in Zaoyuan) Day 2: Zaoyuan > Nanniwan (Stay in Qingliang Mountain) Day 3: Qingliang Mountain > Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall 🎁 [Souvenirs] ✔️ Luochuan Apple Chips ✔️ Ansai Paper Cutting "Zhuaji Doll" ✔️ Yanchuan Red Dates Stuffed with Walnuts 💡 [Practical Tips] ・Hukou Waterfall has the highest water volume in July–August ・Prepare windproof goggles for April–May ・Please be mindful of etiquette when visiting revolutionary sites~

【Luochuan · Heart of the Plateau】Three days and two nights, choose from 1,000–5,000 yuan packages|The richest “earth’s birthmark” in northern Shaanxi, avoiding crowded Yan'an city and trendy spots. Just listen to the crisp snap in the apple orchard, watch the Loess Plateau turn golden under the autumn sun, and taste the sweetness of 70 years of Red Fuji apples, distilled into a breath of light Hello, I’m A Luo — a local guide who has lived in fruit farmers’ cave dwellings in Yongxiang, Luochuan, shared tea ten times with the curator of the “Luochuan Conference” Memorial Hall, and accompanied forest rangers on a 28 km patrol along the apple culture corridor on the Loess Plateau. I’m not a sightseeing script reader. I’m the one squatting at 4 AM in the “China’s number one apple village” Nanggou orchard, watching the first light cut through the morning mist and shine through the thin frost on the Red Fuji apple skin. Luochuan has never been just “Yan’an’s fruit basket.” It is the beating agricultural heart of the Loess Plateau. It doesn’t rely on internet fame but on — ✅ Yongxiang Town’s “China’s number one apple village” with 10,000 acres of orchards glowing with honey-colored light under the noon sun, like red silk spread across the earth; ✅ The century-old locust tree in the courtyard of the Luochuan Conference site, its hollow filled with visitors’ notes: “May the harvest always be abundant,” “Pass the graduate exam,” “Mom get well soon” — stacked alongside the 1937 meeting manuscripts; ✅ Old farmer Li from Nanggou Village, bagging apples while saying, “My grandpa grew sorghum, my dad grew corn, today I’ll pick you a just-ripened ‘Early Fuji’”; ✅ When you ask for directions, locals don’t say “go south,” they say, “Follow the apple fragrance, wherever that sweet scent drifts, that’s where you stop.” Below are three thoughtfully designed, practical, and heartfelt itineraries based on real life logic — 🔹【Simple first visit | 1,000–1,600 yuan | Suitable for students, seniors, and light travelers】 ✔️ Stay: “Yongxiang · Orchard Whisper Courtyard” (converted from an old fruit warehouse, brick arch cave + floor heating + hand-painted “70 years of Luochuan apples” mural wall, 158 yuan/night × 2 = 316 yuan) ✔️ Eat: Morning “Luochuan fried dough cake + tofu pudding” (7 yuan), lunch “Apple orchard stove” buffet (millet rice + pumpkin cake + pickled cabbage, 24 yuan), evening “Under Nanggou viewing platform” lamb noodles + potato pancakes (46 yuan) ✔️ Travel: Bus + walking (10 yuan/day × 2 = 20 yuan), focusing on the “breathing route”: → Early morning climb to Fengqiyuan viewing platform (free, 6:15 AM summit, watch 10,000 acres of orchards slowly emerge from the sea of clouds) → Walk along the Lu River tributary trail to the Luochuan Conference site → Enter Nanggou Village, listen to farmers sing parts of the “Apple Ballad” under the century-old locust tree ✔️ Play: Free experiences — rub ink copies of the “1937 expanded political bureau meeting” manuscript at the Luochuan Conference Memorial Hall, stamp a vintage “1947 · Luochuan apple trial planting” postmark at Yongxiang post office, buy a pack of “Luochuan dried apples” to send to your parents back home ✅ Total cost ≈ 1,190 yuan | The most affordable, yet you can feel the warmth of the grafting point of the first apple seedling in 1947 and taste the freshly milled millet flour aroma — simple but deeply touching 🔹【Cultural immersion | 2,400–3,600 yuan | Recommended for teachers, writers, study tour leaders, families with children】 ✔️ Stay: “Fengqiyuan · Guardian of the Plateau” (four generations of cave dwellings, hosts are retired fruit tree research experts + intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting inheritors, includes breakfast + evening cave reading sessions, 560 yuan/night × 2 = 1,120 yuan) ✔️ Eat: “Luochuan twelve flavors” seasonal feast — Morning: yellow millet jelly made with fresh water from the Lu River source; Lunch: farm-to-table from Fengqiyuan ecological farm (freshly picked sea buckthorn + cave-chilled sour plum soup); Dinner: apple farmer grandma’s “apple flatbread feast,” teaching you to bake “apple patterns” and “clouds on the plateau” on a griddle ✔️ Travel: Private car + local cultural history consultant (former chief editor of Luochuan County Gazetteer, narrates the story of how Luochuan grew from barren loess to the backbone of China’s apple industry, 1,200 yuan/day × 1 = 1,200 yuan) ✔️ Special: “One-day fruit craftsman” — learn bagging and thinning apples in Yongxiang orchard (gloves + hands-on guidance from a master), handwrite “My harvest diary” at the conference site ✅ Total cost ≈ 3,450 yuan | Valuable for its “deep agricultural spirit” — you’re not reading data but standing on Fengqiyuan, suddenly understanding: All great growth doesn’t happen in greenhouses but on the loess slopes, when you see your shadow overlap with that of farmers from a thousand years ago. 🔹【Heartfelt luxury | 4,200–4,950 yuan | Suitable for agricultural organizations, brands, deep retreats, anniversaries】 ✔️ Stay: “Nanggou · Cloud Resting Plateau House” (perched on the cliff edge beside 10,000 acres of orchards, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the “sea of apples,” each room with a private tea room + Luochuan green walnut wood incense burner, 1,880 yuan/night × 2 = 3,760 yuan) ✔️ Eat: seasonal private feast “Seven flavors of Luoshui” — early autumn sea buckthorn honey yellow millet cake, white dew paired with “Luochuan apple vinegar jelly,” cold dew with “Lu River source spring old Fu tea” ✔️ Travel: Helicopter tour over Nanggou orchard + Luochuan Conference site + Fengqiyuan viewing platform (20 minutes, limited to 2 people, 1,200 yuan) ✔️ Highlight: “Apple silent night” — after lights out, listen to the intangible cultural heritage suona live performance of “Luochuan ballad” on the Fengqiyuan plateau, fall asleep to the sound of the Lu River waves; next morning, personally release your “apple drifting note” filled with wishes into a ceramic jar, letting it float away with the current ✅ Total cost ≈ 4,850 yuan | Not just buying a view but a frequency: slow enough to hear the faint sound of fruit swelling, quiet enough to catch the question crossing 77 years — “What else can this land grow?” “As long as people remain, it will keep growing.” 📌 Real tips (for insiders only): ❶ Skip the “internet-famous apple café” and head straight to the wild path on the west side of Fengqiyuan — at 12:03 PM, the sun shines vertically through the orchard, instantly lighting up the entire “sea of apples” like molten gold, the apple skins reflecting like mirrors; ❷ Want to shoot stunning photos? Skip the main viewing platform and go to the south gate archway of the Luochuan Conference site at 5:50 AM, where morning light passes through the brick arch, dust particles dance in the light beam, like the still-wet ink spots on the 1937 meeting manuscript; ❸ All red historic sites are open without reservation after 4:55 PM! Locals choose this time — tourists have left, guides become friends, even the temperature of the Ming dynasty stone steps is just right, and the wind carries the scent of locust flowers from the 1947 apple trial planting. Luochuan doesn’t invite you to “taste sweetness.” It quietly offers a bowl of hot soup, a piece of freshly fried dough cake, and a simple “Have you eaten?” Then waits for you to realize: True strength isn’t behind glass display cases but in the slight sour sweetness that rises on your tongue when you bite into the first Red Fuji; True heritage isn’t reciting slogans but squatting in the orchard, suddenly understanding — All great beginnings are quiet, just one person planting the first tree on the loess slope, facing the light.

Deep in Yan'an, this red holy land hides a revolutionary relic of great significance—the Luochuan conference site! Unlike the crowded Baota Mountain or the lively Zaoyuan, its low profile allows visitors to quietly experience the shock and solemnity of those turbulent years. Today, with respect in our hearts, we drive to the Luochuan conference site to take you through time and feel that stirring history together‼️ 📚 Historical background: From August 22 to 25, 1937, the CPC Central Committee held an expanded Politburo meeting at a primary school in Fengjia Village, Luochuan, northern Shaanxi. The core task was to formulate a comprehensive war of resistance strategy and policy, establishing our army’s “independent mountain guerrilla warfare” strategy. This meeting is known as the Luochuan conference. 🌈 Highlights: ✅ The Luochuan conference site preserves one courtyard with a north-south facing brick kiln with two openings. The left kiln was the meeting room at the time, and the right was Mao Zedong’s former residence. Exhibits include 20 classified cultural relics—4 level 2 items, 16 level 3 items—and 290 general relics. There are also 12 other courtyards with 25 kiln openings and 27 tile-roofed houses related to Zhang Wentian, Zhu De, Zhou Enlai, Peng Dehuai, Xu Xiangqian, Xiao Jingguang, the guard platoon, and the general affairs office. ✅ The Luochuan conference memorial hall has two exhibition rooms: the Luochuan conference historical facts exhibition and the Luochuan revolution brief history exhibition. Key items include an eight-immortal table, saddle stools, long tables, grand master chairs, Li Kenong’s gun permit, and documents related to the conference. ✅ In the central garden inside the main gate stands a 7.7-meter-high, 11-meter-wide sculpture with a 3-meter-thick base and 3.78-meter-long pedestal titled “The whole nation’s war of resistance marches toward victory.” It vividly depicts the nationwide war of resistance inside and outside the Great Wall and across the Yangtze River after the Luochuan conference. 🎫 Ticket: free 🚗 Transportation: Use navigation 🧭 to drive there for more convenience and speed

Day 1: Red-themed science core route 8. 00 Arrive at Yan'an station. Take the 25 yuan intercity bus to a hotel in Luochuan County downtown. Accommodation costs 150 yuan per person per night. The hotel is close to the apple shopping district. 9. 00 Try Shaanbei minjie and fried oil bread downstairs. Cost is 17 yuan per person. 9:40 Walk to the Luochuan Conference Memorial Hall. Free admission to the old conference site and the leaders' former cave dwellings. Learn about the background of the "Ten Guidelines for National Salvation in the War of Resistance Against Japan." The visit lasts 2 hours. 12:30 Have lunch in the downtown area. Try Luochuan jiaotuan and wantuo. Cost is 38 yuan per person. 14:00 Take the 5 yuan bus to the Luochuan Apple Expo Hall. Free admission to the exhibition on the development of the apple industry and variety cultivation. Learn the story behind the "Luochuan apple" geographical indication brand. The visit lasts 1.5 hours. 18:00 Explore the downtown night market. Eat buckwheat noodles and lamb noodles. Cost is 37 yuan per person. Total cost for the day: 272 yuan. --- Day 2: Geological study experience route 8:00 After breakfast at the hotel, take the 10 yuan rural shuttle to Luochuan Loess National Geopark. Free panoramic view of the 2.4 million-year-old loess profile at Heimu Valley. Check in at the "Earth’s annual rings" geological wonder. Visit the Loess Geological Museum. The visit lasts 3 hours. 11:30 Have lunch at a farmhouse near Guju Village by the park. Try iron pot stewed native chicken and millet rice. Cost is 48 yuan per person. 15:00 Take the 8 yuan shuttle back to downtown. Watch the Luochuan folk intangible cultural heritage performance. Cost is 158 yuan per person. Immerse yourself in the folk culture of the Loess Plateau. The show lasts 1.5 hours. 18:30 Have dinner downtown. Try Shaanbei stewed dishes and Yan'an zhan zhan. Cost is 34 yuan per person. Total cost for the day: 258 yuan. --- Day 3: Ecological and cultural experience route 8:00 Breakfast with soy milk and yellow steamed bread. Cost is 13 yuan per person. 8:40 Take the 20 yuan shuttle bus to Wanfeng Tower. Free visit to the Song Dynasty ancient tower ruins. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Luochuan plateau landform. The visit lasts 1 hour. 10:20 Take the 15 yuan shuttle to Xiangsichuan Forest Scenic Area. Free walk along forest trails and visit Xiangsi Lake. Experience the forest ecosystem of the Loess Plateau. The visit lasts 2.5 hours. 13. 00 Have lunch at a farmhouse near the scenic area. Try wild vegetable stewed tofu and pumpkin rice. Cost is 42 yuan per person. 14. 30 Buy Luochuan apples, millet, and Shaanbei paper cuttings as souvenirs. Cost is 497 yuan per person. 16:30 Take the 25 yuan intercity bus back to Yan'an station for departure. Total cost for the day: 970 yuan. Total budget per person Round-trip transportation 280 yuan + accommodation 300 yuan (2 nights) + meals 330 yuan + tickets/transportation/souvenirs 587 yuan. A flexible balance of 3 yuan. Total budget: 1,500 yuan. --- Day 1: Red-themed science core route 8. 00 Arrive at Yan'an station. Take the 25 yuan intercity bus to a hotel in Luochuan County downtown. Accommodation costs 150 yuan per person per night. The hotel is close to the apple shopping district. 9. 00 Try Shaanbei minjie and fried oil bread downstairs. Cost is 17 yuan per person. 9:40 Walk to the Luochuan Conference Memorial Hall. Free admission to the old conference site and the leaders' former cave dwellings. Learn about the background of the "Ten Guidelines for National Salvation in the War of Resistance Against Japan." The visit lasts 2 hours. 12:30 Have lunch in the downtown area. Try Luochuan jiaotuan and wantuo. Cost is 38 yuan per person. 14:00 Take the 5 yuan bus to the Luochuan Apple Expo Hall. Free admission to the exhibition on the development of the apple industry and variety cultivation. Learn the story behind the "Luochuan apple" geographical indication brand. The visit lasts 1.5 hours. 18:00 Explore the downtown night market. Eat buckwheat noodles and lamb noodles. Cost is 37 yuan per person. Total cost for the day: 272 yuan. --- Day 2: Geological study experience route 8:00 After breakfast at the hotel, take the 10 yuan rural shuttle to Luochuan Loess National Geopark. Free panoramic view of the 2.4 million-year-old loess profile at Heimu Valley. Check in at the "Earth’s annual rings" geological wonder. Visit the Loess Geological Museum. The visit lasts 3 hours. 11:30 Have lunch at a farmhouse near Guju Village by the park. Try iron pot stewed native chicken and millet rice. Cost is 48 yuan per person. 15:00 Take the 8 yuan shuttle back to downtown. Watch the Luochuan folk intangible cultural heritage performance. Cost is 158 yuan per person. Immerse yourself in the folk culture of the Loess Plateau. The show lasts 1.5 hours. 18:30 Have dinner downtown. Try Shaanbei stewed dishes and Yan'an zhan zhan. Cost is 34 yuan per person. Total cost for the day: 258 yuan. --- Day 3: Ecological and cultural experience route 8:00 Breakfast with soy milk and yellow steamed bread. Cost is 13 yuan per person. 8:40 Take the 20 yuan shuttle bus to Wanfeng Tower. Free visit to the Song Dynasty ancient tower ruins. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Luochuan plateau landform. The visit lasts 1 hour. 10:20 Take the 15 yuan shuttle to Xiangsichuan Forest Scenic Area. Free walk along forest trails and visit Xiangsi Lake. Experience the forest ecosystem of the Loess Plateau. The visit lasts 2.5 hours. 13. 00 Have lunch at a farmhouse near the scenic area. Try wild vegetable stewed tofu and pumpkin rice. Cost is 42 yuan per person. 14. 30 Buy Luochuan apples, millet, and Shaanbei paper cuttings as souvenirs. Cost is 497 yuan per person. 16:30 Take the 25 yuan intercity bus back to Yan'an station for departure. Total cost for the day: 970 yuan.

🌊 Yan’an is more than just red history; it also has the Yellow River! Honestly, if I hadn’t come here myself, I wouldn’t have known that so many breathtaking natural sights are hidden around Yan’an. Hukou Waterfall, Ganquan Grand Canyon, Nanniwan… each one is worth a special trip. This time I planned three days and two nights to explore all the natural spots around Yan’an. Here’s a straightforward guide👇 📍 Day 1|Hukou Waterfall — joyfully soaked by the Yellow River mist ⛰️ The guesthouse is on the south side of Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area, in the ancient ferry town built on the old site of Gezhen Tan ancient market town. The terraced cave dwellings are staggered in height facing the Yellow River. From the room window, you can see the vast panorama of the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon. ⛰️ The cave dwellings keep the original stone texture of the village but are equipped like boutique guesthouses. The arched window frames a section of the Yellow River, and every day you wake up to the low roar of the river. ⛰️ In the evening, sitting on the cliffside terrace with the Yellow River surging just tens of meters below, the sunset turns the water golden red 🌅. Paired with a pot of Shaanbei red jujube tea, this scene is something I could rave about for a year. In 2026, Hukou Waterfall will have a major policy change: starting June 1, the "One Ticket for Qin and Jin" will be implemented 🎫. Tickets cost 80 yuan per person and are valid for two days, allowing unlimited travel between the Shaanxi and Shanxi sides! Previously, you could only choose one side’s view. Now, for one price, you unlock two completely different waterfall experiences on both banks. It’s amazing. The shuttle bus round trip costs 16 yuan. The scenic area operates from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. 💡 My insider tips: Enter from the Shaanxi side first. The view here is wide open, offering a full frontal view of the waterfall. The mist hitting your face is intense. Summer is the high-water season; the Yellow River’s volume is large, and the waterfall can stretch dozens of meters wide. The roar of the golden water curtain crashing down is nothing like what your phone can capture. ⚠️ Waterproof bags are a must! Within 10 meters of the waterfall, the mist is as heavy as a downpour. Phones without protection will definitely be ruined. Wear dark, non-slip shoes; the steps by the shore are muddy, and light-colored shoes will quickly turn into mud shoes. In the afternoon, cross the bridge to the Shanxi side. There’s a dragon cave where you can go down to the bottom of the waterfall and look up. The overwhelming feeling of water pouring down from below is on a whole different level than from above. 📍 Day 2|Nanniwan — the "beautiful Jiangnan of Shaanbei" from textbooks On the way back from Hukou to the city, I stopped by Nanniwan, about an hour’s drive. Honestly, I was a bit reluctant before coming, thinking the name "Nanniwan" sounded too textbook-like. What could there be to see? But once I arrived: it was amazing. In July, the rice fields in Nanniwan are lush green. In the distance, you see the typical loess hills and ravines, but underfoot are paddy fields and lotus ponds. This surreal contrast of "Jiangnan water town growing on the Loess Plateau" is magical 🌾. The Great Production Memorial Hall is free to visit. The exhibits are well done, showing old photos and tools from the land reclamation days. 💡 Tips: There are several cave dwelling farmhouses in Nanniwan town. Have lunch there and try Shaanbei iron pot stewed lamb and millet bread—authentic and delicious. 📍 Day 3|Ganquan Yucha Grand Canyon — Shaanbei’s "Antelope Canyon" This was the biggest surprise of my trip!! No contest!! From Yan’an city, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive on the highway to Ganquan County, then a country road into the canyon. The entire canyon was formed billions of years ago by earthquakes and water erosion, creating sandstone cracks. At the narrowest point, two people can’t walk side by side. The sky is a thin line above, and the rock walls have ripple-like layers like water waves. Sunlight streams through the cracks, and the walls show gradients of orange-red, ocher, and golden brown… I literally screamed on the spot 😱 💡 Tips: 📌 No signal in the canyon! Download offline maps in advance. 📌 Waterproof shoes are a must; the canyon floor has water year-round, ankle-deep in places. 📌 Best photo time is from 11 AM to 2 PM when sunlight shines directly into the cracks. 📌 The canyon is one-way. Walking the full route takes about 2 hours. Even those with average fitness can handle it. 📌 July is rainy season. Check the weather forecast before you go. The canyon closes temporarily during heavy rain. 🗓️ Suggested 3-day itinerary D1: Take the high-speed train to Yan’an → transfer directly to Hukou → visit both banks in the afternoon → stay at the ancient ferry cliffside guesthouse D2: Depart Hukou → lunch and visit Nanniwan → return to the city for rest in the afternoon → evening stroll at Jinyan 1938 district D3: Early departure to Ganquan Grand Canyon → return in the afternoon 🚗 Travel tips In July 2026, Yan’an launched a self-drive service at high-speed rail stations! There are rental points at Huangling, Luochuan, Fuxian, Ganquan, and Yan’an stations, with one-way drop-off allowed. For places like Hukou and Ganquan, where public transport is inconvenient, self-driving is the best option. It takes about 1.5 hours on the highway from Yan’an to Hukou, and the road conditions are good. If you don’t want to drive, there are tourist buses from Yan’an city to Hukou twice a day. Just buy tickets in advance at the bus station. 📌 Practical info summary 📌 Hukou Waterfall ticket 80 yuan (one ticket for both provinces), shuttle bus 16 yuan, valid for two days 📌 Ganquan Grand Canyon ticket + shuttle about 100 yuan, exact price on site 📌 All Nanniwan venues are free to enter 📌 In July, Shaanbei has long daylight hours; it gets dark after 8 PM, so there’s plenty of time 📌 The Loess Plateau is extremely dry. Use face masks, lip balm, and body lotion daily, or your skin will peel 📌 Shaanbei food is salty and oily. If you have a sensitive stomach, bring some medicine Honestly, the biggest takeaway from this trip is that Yan’an has been boxed in by the "red tourism" label for too long. Many people don’t realize how stunning its natural landscapes are. Standing in front of Hukou Waterfall, wrapped in Yellow River mist, or looking up at sunlight pouring through the cracks in Ganquan Canyon, you’ll feel this trip was worth it.

Yan'an Luochuan Apple Expo Museum Vlog|Double the Joy of Visiting the Museum and Enjoying Spring Flowers 🎬 Family! I've discovered a seriously underrated treasure! The Luochuan Apple Expo Museum is absolutely amazing! You can both learn a lot and take beautiful photos, making it a super cost-effective day trip~🚀 📍Address: Near Yingbin Avenue, Luochuan County, Shaanxi Province, Yan'an City 🚗Transportation: About a 1-hour drive from Yan'an city center For driving, just navigate directly to "Luochuan Apple Expo Museum" The park has a parking lot, very convenient 💐Recommended Spring Activities: As soon as you enter the park, you'll be amazed by the vast sea of apple blossoms! The white and pink flowers instantly heal your soul, and every snap looks like a Japanese-style photo shoot~📸 Remember to wear light-colored clothes to match the flowers better! The museum has two floors: ☘️First floor is about the history of apple cultivation · You can touch real ancient apple tree specimens · Detailed diagrams of apple variety evolution · Modern cultivation technology displays full of a tech vibe Geek mode activated! Learning motivation maxed out💯 🍎The second floor is even more interesting: · Over 100 types of apples on display · Adorably cute apple-themed cultural and creative products (You really won’t be able to resist buying😭) · DIY experience area, perfect for bringing kids Little tips: ⚠️There are more visitors on holidays It’s best to go before 10 AM or after 3 PM ✔️There are few restrooms in the park Prepare in advance before taking photos My favorite is still the flower trail! Sunlight filtering through the petals creates a stunning interplay of light and shadow~Picnicking on the grass is so cozy! I saw many girls bringing picnic mats (how do they enjoy life so well!) A little secret: You must try the apple juice at the entrance! Freshly pressed, refreshing and delicious~ This place is truly amazing! Learn at the museum + enjoy flower viewing and photography + picnic and relax—all three joys in one trip! Perfect to come with friends or bring kids for some educational fun~ Finally, a soul question: Do you prefer taking beautiful photos in the park to post on social media, or do you enjoy exploring the museum and learning new knowledge more? See you in the comments!

Still wondering "where to go"? Today, let me take you into Shaanxi's most charming hidden gem—Luochuan County! Here, not only will you find magnificent natural scenery, but also a rich historical and cultural heritage that will surely captivate you at first sight and make you linger! 💖 1. Why must you visit Luochuan? 🔥 Luochuan, located in central Shaanxi, is a place full of mystery. It is not only the hometown of apples but also a land full of vitality and hope! Here lies the revolutionary history of the "Red Holy Land," breathtaking high mountain canyons, and rich folk customs. Whether you are a nature lover, history enthusiast, or food seeker, Luochuan will satisfy you! ✨ 2. Complete guide to must-visit spots in Luochuan! 📸 1. Luochuan Apple Orchard 🍎 Why visit? Luochuan apples are famous nationwide. Step into the orchard to experience the joy of picking and taste the freshest apples, feeling the happiness of harvest! Tip: The best picking season is autumn (September to October). Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the harvest moments! 2. Taibai Mountain National Forest Park ⛰️ Feature: Known as the "Green Lung of Qinling," beautiful all year round, especially in autumn when the red leaves blaze like fire—truly breathtaking! Activities: Hiking, sightseeing, photography, breathing fresh air, and cleansing your soul! 3. Luochuan Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall 🕊️ Highlights: Pay tribute to the martyrs, feel the passionate years of revolution, and inspire patriotism. Suggestion: Bring a notebook to record your reflections and learn the revolutionary spirit. 4. Red Tourism Route—Luochuan Revolutionary Old Area 🚩 Highlights: Follow the red footprints, visit revolutionary sites, and experience those glorious years. Experience: Participate in red-themed activities for an in-depth understanding of history. 5. Local Specialty Food—Luochuan Lamb Paomo (bread soaked in mutton soup) 🥣 Recommended because: Tender lamb paired with rich soup warms your stomach and heart, and you’ll want another bowl after finishing! Foodie tip: Pair it with the local special spicy sauce for an even better taste! 3. Practical travel tips 📝 Best travel time: Spring and autumn (April to June, September to November), with pleasant climate and the most beautiful scenery! Transportation: You can take the high-speed train to Xi’an and transfer, or drive directly for convenience and flexibility. Accommodation recommendation: Luochuan County has many unique inns and farm stays that are comfortable and offer a local living experience. Travel tips: Plan your route in advance, bring hiking shoes and sun protection, and prepare some snacks and water to ensure a smooth trip. 4. Travel tips to help you enjoy more! 🎉 Check the weather forecast in advance and arrange your itinerary reasonably. Download travel maps and guide apps to easily grasp the highlights of each spot. Travel with companions for safety and more fun. Keep your curiosity and desire to explore, and capture the best photos of yourself and the scenery! 😊 5. Feel every inch of Luochuan with your heart! 💪 Luochuan is not just a travel destination but a spiritual cleansing journey. The mountains, waters, red memories, and fruitful orchards here all tell us: the power of hope, struggle, and love for life will never fade! Let’s measure this vibrant land with our steps and feel it with our hearts! 🌏 Like this guide? Share it with your friends and start a wonderful journey to Luochuan together! 💬 Don’t forget to follow me to discover more hidden treasures in Shaanxi! 🚀✨ If you need more detailed itinerary arrangements, special activity recommendations, or other content, just let me know!

January at the Huangdi Mausoleum holds the warmest winter stories~❤️ Root-seeking ancestral worship + snow viewing + intangible cultural heritage experiences, this exclusive winter guide is ready for you! 📍 Scenic Spot Address: No.179 Dongguan Street, Qiaoshan Subdistrict, Huangling County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province 🌟【Must-See Tips Before You Go】🌟 💰Ticket Information: January off-season is a steal! ✔️Huangdi Mausoleum 45 RMB/person (original price 75) ✔️Chinese Ancestor Hall 30 RMB/including immersive exhibition Students/seniors get half price! Free for under 1.2m tall 🆓 ⏰Opening Hours: 7:50 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) New Year Blessing Ceremony twice daily❗️10:00 & 14:00 🚗Transportation Guide: 〰️High-speed rail: Xi'an North → Huangling Station (52 minutes fast ride) 〰️Self-driving: 2.5 hours direct from Xi'an 〰️Bus: County Route 1 bus, 2 RMB only 🔥【2 Days 1 Night In-depth Itinerary】🔥 DAY1️⃣ Cultural Exploration Mode ✅ Xuanyuan Temple New Year Blessing (red silk ribbons add great ritual feeling) ✅ 5000-year-old Huangdi Hand-Planted Cypress Check-in (snow scenery is amazing!) ✅ Chinese Ancestor Hall Immersive Experience (time-travel feeling MAX) ✅ Qiaoshan Mausoleum Climb for Panoramic Views (unbeatable after snow) DAY2️⃣ New Year Festive Mode ✔️ Intangible Cultural Heritage Class (fun dough flower/paper-cutting experience) ✔️ Ansai Waist Drum Performance (red silk flying, super exciting) ✔️ Northern Shaanxi Food Feast (Heluo noodles are legendary!) ✔️ Optional Nearby Activities (Forest Park or Apple Picking) 📸【Top Photo Spots Recommended】 🔸 Xuanyuan Temple Red Wall Snow Scene (perfect with Hanfu!) 🔸 Huangdi Hand-Planted Cypress Upward Shot (thousand-year-old grandeur) 🔸 Qiaoshan Viewing Platform (wide-angle panoramic shots are the best) 🔸 Ancestral Worship Square Candid Shots (waist drum performance full of energy) 🍜【Food & Accommodation Guide】 Must-try list👇 · Lamb Sausage Heluo Noodles (body-warming magic) · Huangling Stuffed Intestines (amazing with garlic sauce) · Yellow Steamed Bun with Fried Dough Cake (carb happiness) Accommodation Recommendations🏨 · Huangdi Mausoleum Folk Hotel (cave dwelling style experience) · Huangling County Hotel (cost-effective choice) · High-end option Xuanyuan Mountain Villa (full resort vibe) ⚠️【Avoid Pitfalls】 ❌ Remember to book guides in advance ❌ Be careful of slippery conditions in snow ❌ Buy souvenirs from official stores only ❌ Keep the ancestral worship area quiet and respectful This winter, come to the Huangdi Mausoleum to feel the profound roots of Chinese culture and the vibrant New Year atmosphere of Northern Shaanxi!✨

The 2026 "Celebrate Spring Festival in Yan'an" series of events will kick off on January 26 (the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month) and continue until March 3 (the fifteenth day of the first lunar month), lasting 37 days. Thirteen counties and districts in Yan'an City will jointly launch 159 unique cultural and tourism activities, blending red culture, loess folk customs, and the festive atmosphere of the New Year to create an immersive, all-encompassing, and participatory Chinese New Year experience. [Golden Yan'an Scenic Area Baota District Spring Festival Activities] Fifty activities including lantern displays, national trend parades, intangible cultural heritage fireworks, and the "Thirteen Years of Yan'an" scene experience will be concentrated in Golden Yan'an, Yan'an Red Street, 1938 Block, and key areas of Yan'an Tourism Group. The red memories naturally merge with national trend New Year customs, allowing visitors to wear military uniforms, stroll through markets, and watch live performances, reliving the glorious years through light, shadow, and stories. [Ansai District Intangible Cultural Heritage New Year Customs Exhibition] Four activities such as waist drum and yangko performances, Shaanbei storytelling New Year special shows, and paper-cut photography exhibitions will be held at the Cultural Square and other locations. The original drumbeats, vigorous singing styles, and fingertip arts intertwine to showcase the most authentic festive vitality of the Loess Plateau. [Wuqi County Ice and Snow Red New Year Season] Fourteen activities including the cultural New Year goods festival, Yuangou Ice and Snow Park, Nine-Curve Lantern Formation, and celebrating the New Year on Victory Mountain will be held simultaneously. Ice skating and Long March stories coexist, conveying the warmth of faith and festive joy amid the contrast of cold and heat. [Zhidan County Lantern Nine-Curve Cloud Tour Plan] Eight activities such as the Riverside Road Lantern Corridor, Square Nine-Curve Formation, and short video promotions offer "online cloud lantern viewing and offline hands-on experience." The combination of traditional lantern formations and digital communication makes New Year customs accessible. [Zichang City Old Town Alley Spring Festival Live Exhibition] Eight activities including free calligraphy of Spring Festival couplets, Wayaobao lantern riddles, and yangko parades will be held in the old town alleys and Kaiyuan Square. Lanterns hang high between blue bricks and gray tiles, drums and gongs resound, and the thousand-year-old ancient town is revitalized with the atmosphere of everyday life. [Yanchuan County Galloping Horse Welcoming Spring Cultural Tourism Benefit Season] Ten activities such as free admission to all county scenic spots, mountain flower art tours, and Nine-Curve Blessing Lantern Formation will be implemented, conveying the warm New Year gifts of the loess people through sincere benefit measures. [Yanchang County Petroleum New City New Year Customs Highlights] Nine activities including intangible cultural heritage markets, Shaanbei folk song performances, and yangko shows at the foot of Cuipingshan will be held simultaneously at People's Square and Petroleum Square, harmoniously blending industrial background with folk customs. [Ganquan County Beautiful Water Moisturizes Ganquan Urban-Rural Celebration] Ten activities including yangko performances, Nine-Curve Lantern Formation, and Zhang Jungong storytelling specials will cover Taihuangshan Square and various towns, resonating urban and rural rhythms to portray a harmonious and united loess New Year scene. [Fuxian Fuzhou Cultural Charm Spring Festival Tour] Nine activities such as treasure hunts at Fuzhou Museum, intangible cultural heritage New Year goods fairs, and online master lectures combine knowledge, fun, and daily life, complementing the scholarly New Year goods with cultural puzzles. [Yichuan County Hukou Icefall Spring Festival Season] Thirteen activities including the Icefall Jade Pot Season and intangible cultural heritage performances will be held relying on the winter ice formations of Hukou Waterfall. The roaring Yellow River and intangible heritage chants resonate, fully displaying the majestic New Year spirit of Danzhou land. [Luochuan County High-Speed Rail Era First Spring Welcome] Eight activities such as high-speed rail check-in gifts, Longhu Mountain Villa skiing, and Qin opera performances will be launched to celebrate the opening of the Xi'an-Yan'an high-speed rail, where modern transportation collides with traditional opera and winter sports to spark New Year vitality. [Huangling County Cultural Ancestor Blessing Tour] Nine activities including New Year blessings, folk art exhibitions, and yangko performances will be held simultaneously at the Yellow Emperor Mausoleum Scenic Area and the county town, blending solemn rituals with festive customs to start a cultural root-seeking journey spanning five thousand years. [Huanglong County Ice and Snow Drum Hunting Carnival Season] Seven activities including the National Cross-Country Skiing Competition, Mukozhai Ice Skating, and Drum Hunting Spring Festival will be held at the ice and snow sports base. The excitement of competition and folk rhythms leap in sync, creating a new northern mountain New Year landmark. This Spring Festival, come to Yan'an—listen to drums and gongs under Baota Mountain, admire icefalls by the Yellow River, write Spring Festival couplets in loess cave dwellings, and celebrate a Chinese New Year with roots, flavor, and warmth on this red-hot land!

This land of Shaanxi not only has a profound historical and cultural heritage but also hides many eye-catching great spots. This time, I came to Luochuan, a place famous for its apples, to experience a different kind of trip. Here, you can not only taste the sweet Luochuan apples but also feel the local simple folk customs. Today, I want to recommend the Yalihao Hotel (Luochuan branch) where I stayed, a hotel that left a deep impression on me. 🌟🍎 🚗 Worry-free travel, convenient parking 🚘 When it comes to travel, the most troublesome thing is parking. But at Yalihao Hotel (Luochuan branch), you don’t have to worry about this at all. The spacious parking lot makes coming and going very convenient. Especially for friends who drive themselves, this is definitely a good choice. Moreover, the surrounding transportation is very convenient. Whether going to Luochuan Bus Station or Huangling East Station, both are nearby, making travel very easy. 🏡 Comfortable rooms, as warm as home 🏠 Walking into the hotel, a warm atmosphere greets you. The room design is simple and elegant, the beds are comfortable, and every night you can enjoy a good sleep. It’s especially worth mentioning that the hotel also has family rooms and e-sports rooms, perfect for family trips or young people’s gatherings. Imagine spending warm moments with your family in such a room, or having a great time gaming with friends in the e-sports room—isn’t that delightful? 🏊‍♂️ Swim under the blue sky and white clouds, relax your body and mind 💦 The hotel’s swimming pool is one of my favorite areas. The clear water, surrounded by greenery, makes you feel like you are in a peaceful oasis. Every evening, soaking in the pool and looking up at the beautiful sunset, all worries seem to drift away with the wind. Also, the hotel’s pool is equipped with professional lifeguards, ensuring greater safety. 🍽️ Don’t miss the food, a taste of Luochuan on your palate 🍜 Speaking of travel, how can you miss the food? The Yalihao Hotel’s restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including authentic Shaanxi flavors and exquisite international cuisine. Especially the buffet breakfast, which is rich in variety and nutritionally balanced, providing ample energy for the day’s itinerary. Don’t forget to try the local specialty dishes, like Yangrou Paomo (mutton stew with bread), an absolute must-try delicacy! This experience at Yalihao Hotel (Luochuan branch) made me feel a different Shaanxi charm. If you also want to have a spontaneous trip, consider this place! It’s not just a place to rest but a space where your soul can relax. 💖