Loess Plateau & Yellow River
China
The cradle of Chinese civilisation, drive through the ochre loess plateau of Shaanxi and Shanxi along the Yellow River's great bend, past cave-dwelling communities, Taoist mountain shrines, and the mythological origins of the Han people from the Terracotta Army to Pingyao's walled Ming city.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Xi'an
Origin of the Silk Road and home of the Terracotta Army. The intact Ming city wall and Muslim Quarter's night market are essential first stops.
- Yellow Emperor's Mausoleum
The tomb of the mythological first Han emperor, marked by a 5,000-year-old cypress. Pilgrims arrive in vast numbers every Qingming Festival.
- Yan'an
Where Mao's Long March ended and the Communist Party was forged. Cave dwellings cut into yellow loess cliffs still house families here.
- Hukou Waterfall
The Yellow River narrows from 300 m to 50 m and drops 20 m through a loess crack. The roar and yellow churn are overwhelming at close range.
- Pingyao Ancient City
China's best-preserved walled Ming city, continuously inhabited for 2,700 years. The Rishengchang exchange shop invented the Chinese banknote in 1823.
Where to Eat
- De Fa Chang Dumpling RestaurantChinese Dumplings
Renowned for its variety of dumplings, this restaurant offers a taste of traditional Shaanxi cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Yan'an Fengwei RestaurantShaanxi Cuisine
A local favorite serving authentic Yan'an dishes, including the famous Yan'an noodles and lamb stew.
- Pingyao Tian Yuan Kui Guesthouse RestaurantShanxi Cuisine
Offers traditional Pingyao beef and other local specialties in a historic courtyard setting.
- Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area RestaurantLocal Chinese
Provides meals with a view of the Yellow River, featuring fresh fish dishes and regional flavors.
- Xi'an Muslim Quarter Street FoodStreet Food
A bustling area offering a variety of halal snacks, including lamb skewers and persimmon cakes.
Things to Do
- Terracotta ArmyHistoric Site
Explore the vast army of life-sized terracotta soldiers buried with China's first emperor.
- Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial HallMuseum
Learn about the history of the Chinese Communist Party during its Yan'an period.
- Hukou WaterfallScenic Viewpoint
Witness the majestic Yellow River cascading down the second-largest waterfall in China.
- Pingyao Ancient City WallHistoric Site
Walk along the well-preserved city walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Xi'an City WallHistoric Site
Cycle or stroll atop one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China.