Beijing to Yan'an Self-Drive Tour: A Unique Harvest
A self-drive trip from Beijing to Yan'an yields unique rewards.
Travel experience: From September 18 to 25, 2023, a self-drive from Beijing to Yan'an offered a distinctive and fulfilling journey.
Itinerary: Departing Beijing, take the Jing-Shi Expressway then transfer to the Jing-Kun Expressway. First stop: Dazhai Village (overnight). Second stop: Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River (staying overnight near both Shanxi and Shaanxi sides). Third stop: Nanniwan and Pagoda Hill (two nights in Yan'an city), followed by Yangjialing, Zaoyuan cave dwellings, and Yan'an Memorial Hall. Fourth stop: First Bend of the Yellow River. Fifth stop: Yucha Grand Canyon (overnight). Return to Beijing.
Travel guide: First stop is Dazhai Village, where we stayed at a farm stay with a nostalgic feel. From Hutou Mountain in Dazhai to the former Dazhai Village Committee site, the fruits of the hard work of the Hutou Mountain villagers are evident. Although most of the terraced fields are now covered with fruit trees and greenery, one can still feel the sweat that nurtured the green hills. It truly is a model for the whole nation to learn from.
Second stop: Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River, which has both Shanxi and Shaanxi sections. The Shanxi side shows the wide Yellow River water surging into a narrow channel, creating rapids and mist. The Shaanxi side offers an upward view of the Yellow River torrents plunging straight down, forming large waterfalls, with the swift river rushing onward below. The two sides are only about 300 meters apart, connected by a bridge that takes just a few minutes by car. For close-up photos on both sides, you must take the scenic area shuttle bus; otherwise, you cannot get near.
Third stop: Nanniwan. The former barren land is now beautiful Jiangnan-style rice paddies. Then we reached Yan'an city and stayed at a hotel near Pagoda Hill. The next day, we visited Pagoda Hill, Mao Zedong's Yan'an cave dwelling in Zaoyuan, Yangjialing, and the Memorial Hall—a spiritual purification.
Fourth stop: First Bend of the Yellow River, a gift of nature that fully embodies the ruggedness of northern Shaanxi. Since it was the off-season, we could drive close to see it. The Yellow River is like a silk ribbon draped over the earth's shoulders, a breathtaking sight.
Fifth stop: The most dreamlike scenic spot of this trip—Yucha Grand Canyon. Sunlight shining through the layers of forest onto the canyon walls creates a scene like a painter's masterful strokes, yet there is no trace of human carving. It is purely the extraordinary beauty of sunlight and nature. To enter the scenic area, you must take the shuttle bus.
From Yucha Grand Canyon in Yan'an, we drove directly back to Beijing.
Per capita cost: The total distance from Beijing to Yan'an via Shanxi and Shaanxi was about 1,400 km. Toll fees (one way): 600 yuan. Fuel cost: approximately 700 yuan (for a sedan). Hotel for 5 nights: total 1,500 yuan. Admission: Dazhai Village, Zaoyuan, Pagoda Hill, Nanniwan, Yangjialing, and Memorial Hall were free. For the Shanxi and Shaanxi Hukou Waterfall: 90 yuan per person each side (including shuttle bus; 50% off for ages 60+, free for 70+). The Yellow River Qiankun Bay in Yan'an: 80 yuan per person (including shuttle; half price for ages 60–70 at 90 yuan? Note: The original says "60岁到70岁半价90元" which seems contradictory: half of 80 is 40, but it says 90. Possibly a typo; we'll preserve as is: "half price for 60 to 70 at 90 yuan"? Actually original: "延安黄河乾坤湾景区每人入园费 80元/人含摆渡车（60岁到70岁半价90元、70岁以上免费）" – likely error. We'll translate faithfully: "Yan'an Yellow River Qiankun Bay Scenic Area: 80 yuan per person including shuttle (half price for ages 60–70 is 90 yuan? free for 70+)." Yucha Grand Canyon: 168 yuan per person (including shuttle; half price for ages 65–70, free for 70+). Currently only two scenic spots are open.
Detailed addresses: Dazhai Village is in Xiyang County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi (their aged vinegar is good). Hukou Waterfall (Shanxi side) is at Hukou Town, Ji County, Linfen City, Shanxi (the Yellow River carp is delicious). Hukou Waterfall (Shaanxi side) is at Hukou Town, Yichuan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi. The First Bend of the Yellow River (Qiankun Bay) is at Tugang Township, Yichuan County, Yan'an City. Yucha Grand Canyon is at Zhangjiagou, Xiasiwan Town, Ganquan County, Yan'an City. Other scenic spots are all near Yan'an city.
Opening hours: Scenic spots are open all year round.
Special scenery: You must see both the Shanxi and Shaanxi sides of Hukou Waterfall—they offer different perspectives. Qiankun Bay is for viewing the calm Yellow River, while Hukou Waterfall is for witnessing its roaring, moving torrents. Yucha Grand Canyon lets you appreciate nature's vibrant colors. If you visit in July or August, the direct sunlight makes it even more beautiful.
Yzh's evaluation of scenic spots: A self-drive trip to Yan'an brings immense rewards, a lifelong memory. It can be said that the scenery is unique in the world. Deeply experiencing the "Yellow River Cantata" in harmony with Hukou Waterfall and Qiankun Bay is incredibly fitting—you won't know until you go, and you won't forget for a long time.
Clothing and gear: Don't bring heavy clothing. It's relatively hot at noon; a short-sleeved shirt with a sun-protective jacket is fine. Mornings and evenings are cooler, so autumn clothing is needed. Be sure to wear a brimmed hat as ultraviolet rays are strong at noon. Shoes: autumn travel shoes are suitable.
September 30, 2023
