Yan'an Revolutionary Sites
Yan'an, Shaanxi Province
Step into the caves where Chinese Communist leaders lived, worked, and shaped modern China - the cradle of the revolution.
Admission
FREE (all sites)
Registration required
Hours
Daily: 08:00 - 18:00
Summer extended hours
Duration
4-6 hours for all sites
Half-day for key sites
Location
Yan'an City Center
180km north of Xi'an
Quick Answer: Yan'an Revolutionary Sites is located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Open daily 08:00-18:00. Tickets FREE (all sites). Take Bus or taxi from Xi'an city center. Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours. Check current conditions before visiting.
Why Visit
Yan'an was the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party from 1935 to 1948 - a period of 13 years that shaped modern China. Here, Mao Zedong wrote some of his most important works including "On Protracted War" and "New Democratic Revolution." The city became known as the "Cradle of the Chinese Revolution" where leaders like Mao, Zhou Enlai, and Zhu De lived in cave dwellings while directing the communist movement. Today, the revolutionary sites include preserved cave houses, former command headquarters, the Yan'an Forum site, and an excellent museum documenting this pivotal period in Chinese history.
Key Sites
- Zaoyuan (Date Garden) - Mao Zedong's residence for 8 years, where he wrote major revolutionary works
- Yangjialing - The famous "Artesian Well" site, one of the best-preserved cave villages
- Wangjiaping - Military command center where major strategic decisions were made
- Yan'an Revolutionary Museum - Excellent exhibits covering the entire revolutionary period
- Yangling (Northeast) - Central Party School and the famous Forum on Literature and Art
Getting There
From Xi'an:
- High-speed Train: 1.5-2 hours to Yan'an Station (recommended)
- Private Transfer: 3 hours by car
- Bus: Xi'an South Station, 3.5-4 hours
Getting Around Yan'an:
- Bus 1, 5, or 8 to Zaoyuan; bus 6 or 8 to Yangjialing
- Taxi within city is cheap (10-20 CNY between sites)
Visitor Tips
- Start at the Revolutionary Museum for historical context
- Zaoyuan is the most atmospheric site - allow 1-2 hours
- Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to sites
- The cave houses are cool in summer - bring a light jacket
- Combine with Qiankun Bay (1.5 hours) or Hukou Waterfall (2 hours)
- English audio guides available at major sites
- Most sites are outdoors - bring sun protection
Ready to Explore?
Book your Yan'an experience with trusted local guides.