Top 20 Best Things to Do in Yan'an
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Yan'an

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  • The Mausoleum of Yellow Emperortop_1
    󰺂7.1
    Huangling>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊National ceremony during Qingming Festival
    󰋄Yellow Emperor's sacred mausoleum
    󱨠2401 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The Yellow Emperor's Mausoleum is quite large. The mausoleum itself is located on a mountain, and at the foot of the mountain is a large square for worship and a temple that enshrines various items related to the Yellow Emperor. It is well worth a visit. However, climbing up the mountain without taking an electric cart is quite strenuous.

  • Ganquan Canyontop_2
    󰺂7.0
    29.12
    Ganquan40.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoGanquan Grand Canyon's Early Winter Light and Shadow Spectacle | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    Highlights:
    󱓊Antelope Canyon & Birch Valley
    󰋄Antelope Valley & wild peonies
    󱨠Saved by 459 users󱨠2053 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    东篱把酒@东篱把酒@

    On a crisp autumn morning, I once again stepped into the Ganquan Grand Canyon. The morning light slanted into the Birch Gully, making the ochre and dark green veins on the rock walls resemble ancient verses ablaze. As a seasoned visitor, I've witnessed its transformation from a pristine, hidden paradise into a place that blends wildness and warmth. Compared to my last visit, I noticed the scenic area has made significant efforts to enhance the experience: 1. Cultural revitalization, breaking the monotony. The lively and enthusiastic Shaanxi folk dance in front of the visitor center, and the skillful finger movements of the inheritors at the intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting stalls—these added a cultural touch, allowing the geological wonders to be heard before they were seen; 2. Concrete services, ensuring peace of mind. Clear signage and staff on key routes reduced the anxiety of exploring the diverse canyons like Longba Gully and Mudan Gully, allowing for a more relaxed experience; 3. Inclusive policies, demonstrating sincerity. The free admission policy, covering children, the elderly, journalists, and other groups, along with the rise of guesthouses and farmhouses run by villagers, such as "Fengmeizi Courtyard," allows tourists to experience the Loess Plateau's charm more deeply and has genuinely boosted the income of local villagers. Travel Tips: If time is limited, Birch Valley is a must-see, especially the 300-meter stretch of scenery that is particularly classic, with its streams, green moss, and ever-changing light and shadow. It's recommended to avoid the morning rush on holidays to better appreciate the valley's tranquility. Based on my observation, weekdays are a better time to visit. You can also try the guesthouses run by local villagers or sample local delicacies such as potato pancakes and mixed noodles to experience authentic Shaanxi flavors. A small suggestion for operators: Currently, tourism products are still somewhat monotonous, with "valley sightseeing" dominating the market. Consider combining resources such as Laoshan National Forest Park to develop in-depth products like ecological health and wellness and geological research to extend tourists' stay. There is still room for improvement in tourism infrastructure; for example, road congestion and parking difficulties still occur during holidays. The cultural significance of the valley has not yet been fully explored. Beyond the natural scenery, consider adding brief explanatory signs about the formation of Danxia landforms and the ecological protection of the canyon at suitable locations to enhance the depth of the visit. The beauty of Ganquan Grand Canyon lies not only in its breathtaking natural landscape, but also in its efforts to make this beauty more inclusive and approachable. If the attractions and experiences can be further enriched and deepened, this "Chinese Antelope Canyon" will undoubtedly offer travelers an even more profound experience.

  • Hong Show Yanantop_3Closed
    󰺂5.2
    Yan'an.Zaoyuan/Yan'An University7.5 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Yan'an
    Highlights:
    󱨜360° panoramic recreation of historical scenes from the Long March
    Participate in a realistic war performance in a military uniform
    󱨠65% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    阳光下的世界好精彩阳光下的世界好精彩

    The performance was great. The actors were very serious and dedicated. They performed every day and repeated the same thing without any perfunctory attitude. Every sentence they recited was sonorous and passionate. Every move of the dance and aerial acrobatics reflected the hard training behind it. It is rare. Thank you for your hard work and for carrying forward the precious Yan'an spirit.

Best things to do in Yan'an (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Yan'an? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Yan'an offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Yan'an

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Yan'an experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

The Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor

• Huangling | >100 km from downtown

• : National ceremony during Qingming Festival,Yellow Emperor's sacred mausoleum

Ganquan Canyon

• Ganquan | 40.8 km from downtown

• : Antelope Canyon & Birch Valley,Antelope Valley & wild peonies

Hong Show Yanan

• Yan'an.Zaoyuan/Yan'An University | 7.5 km from downtown

• : 360° panoramic recreation of historical scenes from the Long March,Participate in a realistic war performance in a military uniform

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Yan'an

If you want to explore attractions just outside Yan'an, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Yan'an, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Yan'an special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Yan'an

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Yan'an

Ready to explore the best of Yan'an? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Yan'an?
These are all Best Things to Do in Yan'an:The Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor, Ganquan Canyon, Hong Show Yanan
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Yan'an?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Yan'an include:The Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor:4.5, Ganquan Canyon:4.7, Hong Show Yanan:4.7
At what locations in Yan'an can Best Things to Do in Yan'an be found?
The Best Things to Do in Yan'an are mainly located in:The Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor:Huangling, Ganquan Canyon:Ganquan, Hong Show Yanan:Yan'an
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