Yan'an's beauty is not just about its historical significance; its cuisine and landscapes are equally stunning.
Why look up travel guides online for a trip to Yan'an? A Chinese textbook already records the natural scenery and cultural history of Yan'an. When many people mention Yan'an, their first thought is of a barren small town where people live in cave dwellings. However, as the revolutionary holy land of China, Yan'an played a pivotal role in modern history. Pagoda Hill, Zaoyuan, Yangjialing... these places are filled with great red revolutionary sentiments. Visitors cannot help but feel reverence. The Yan'an spirit is a convergence of national spirit and the spirit of the times.
The Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site was originally a landlord's estate, later became the central headquarters, and now is a garden-style revolutionary memorial site. The Central Secretariat Auditorium is located in the very center of the garden, surrounded by five independent courtyards, all former residences of leaders. Many major decisions that influenced the revolutionary process were born here, and several important revolutionary articles were written. Pagoda Hill, east of Yan'an city, was built in the Tang Dynasty. At the foot of the hill are numerous cliffside carvings, including the personal inscription of Fan Zhongyan. This ancient pagoda has now become a symbol and emblem of the revolutionary holy land.
Yan'an is situated on the vast and rugged Loess Plateau, with the mighty Yellow River rushing through it. The Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor is located in Huangling County, Yan'an. It is the site where emperors and dignitaries of past dynasties offered sacrifices to the Yellow Emperor, and is also known as 'the first mausoleum of China.' The Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor contains the largest and oldest expanse of ancient cypress trees. There is also a cypress tree said to have been planted by the Yellow Emperor himself, over five thousand years old, making it the oldest cypress tree in the world. Hukou Waterfall is located in the middle reaches of the Yellow River. It is the largest yellow waterfall in the world, and the best viewing spot within Shaanxi Province is in Hukou Township, Yichuan County, Yan'an. The scenery of Hukou Waterfall varies throughout the year. In spring, the ice breaks, and ice blocks rush with the roaring river. In summer, the waterfall enters its flood season, with a huge volume of water plunging down, an awe-inspiring sight. In autumn, the sky is clear and the air crisp, the waterfall hangs high, like a fairyland. In winter, the snow freezes, and the falls are covered with icicles, revealing a more angular beauty.
Yan'an boasts an exceptionally rich food culture. It has a long history of cooking lamb, as well as dishes like yangyu caca (potato shreds), Zichang pancakes, pig liver bowl tofu, rolled noodles, you momo (oil cakes), and many more that can satisfy any palate. Among them, the distinctive bowl tofu may be unfamiliar to many outsiders. Bowl tofu is actually a gelatinous food made from buckwheat, served with stir-fried pig liver paste. The rich texture and explosive aroma of oil bring a unique experience to the taste buds. During the cold winter months, a bowl of hot stir-fried bowl tofu is just the thing—its taste is 'absolutely fantastic.'
The rich cultural background and unique geographical location have given Yan'an its unparalleled charm. Northern Shaanxi folk songs, Ansai waist drum, exquisite paper-cutting... There are also Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Tower, Yan'an Cave Dwelling Complex, Qingliang Mountain, and other attractions worth visiting.
