Located in Yanchuan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province, the Yan'an Yanchuan Yellow River Qiankun Bay Scenic Area is situated in the middle section of the Qinjin Gorge of the Yellow River. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a national geopark, and the core area of the Yellow River Meander National Geopark. The scenic area covers a total area of approximately 100 square kilometers, consisting of attractions such as Qiankun Bay, Qingshui Bay, and Shengmu Peak. It is characterized by the geological landscape of the Yellow River meanders, featuring a rare global "S"-shaped large bend. The total length of the Yellow River channel in the scenic area is about 50 kilometers, with the largest bend—Qiankun Bay—forming a 320-degree arc, embodying a model integration of the Yellow River's natural landscape and the culture of the Loess Plateau.
History and Culture
Geological Evolution and Legends
The geological landscape of Qiankun Bay was formed during the Quaternary Glaciation about 1 million years ago, as the Yellow River continuously eroded the Loess Plateau to create a unique meandering landform. Local legends tell of "Fuxi observing celestial phenomena at Qiankun Bay"—it is said that Fuxi, the legendary ancestor of Chinese civilization, observed astronomy and geography here and created the Eight Diagrams, making Qiankun Bay one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization.
Loess Culture and Red Resources
Yanchuan County, where the scenic area is located, is a typical Loess Plateau landscape area that has nurtured rich Loess customs and culture, such as paper-cutting, folk songs, and northern Shaanxi storytelling (intangible cultural heritages). Meanwhile, it is also an old revolutionary base area, preserving red relics such as the Yongping Conference Site and the Northwest Revolutionary Base Area, which bear witness to the historical process of the Chinese Revolution.
Main Attractions
Qiankun Bay
The core attraction of the scenic area, where the Yellow River forms a 320-degree "S"-shaped large bend, known as the "No. 1 Bend in the World." The viewing platform stands at an altitude of about 1,100 meters, offering a panoramic view of the Yellow River meander. The narrowest part of the river channel is only 1 kilometer, with Loess peak forests confronting each other on both banks, creating a magnificent landscape. The scenic area has a Yellow River-side plank road, approximately 3 kilometers in length, allowing visitors to sightsee close to the water.
Qingshui Bay
Another classic bend in the Yellow River meanders, with a curvature of approximately 290 degrees, named after the Qing Shui Ancient Post that once stood along its banks. The existing ancient post ruins include cave dwellings, docks, and post roads, bearing witness to the prosperity of Yellow River water transport during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The "Yellow River Stone Village" in the scenic area reproduces the style of ancient Loess Plateau villages, featuring folk culture exhibition halls and experiential projects.
Shengmu Peak
A loess mountain peak located on the east bank of Qiankun Bay, named for its resemblance to the Holy Mother sitting on a lotus throne. At the summit is the Shengmu Temple, said to have been first built in the Tang Dynasty, with existing structures in Ming and Qing architectural styles. The temple enshrines the Holy Mother and serves as an important local folk belief site. Reaching the summit offers a distant view of the Yellow River bends and the continuous landscape of the Loess Plateau.
Huifeng Fort
Ancient military fortress along the Yellow River, located between Qingshui Bay and Qiankun Bay, built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. The fortress was strategically positioned and consists of stone walls, cave dwellings, watchtowers, etc., covering an area of about 15,000 square meters. It is one of the best-preserved ancient defensive structures in northern Shaanxi, witnessing the historical changes along the Yellow River.
Cuisine
Northern Shaanxi Noodles
A signature dish in restaurants around the scenic area, mainly made from whole grain noodles such as buckwheat and oats, paired with mutton mince, tomato and egg sauce, etc., offering a chewy texture. The recommended "chopped buckwheat noodles" are hand-made with a rich soup base, priced at approximately 15-20 CNY per bowl.
Yellow Millet Oil Cake
A traditional northern Shaanxi dessert made by stuffing yellow millet dough with red bean paste or jujube paste and deep-frying it, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior, sweet but not cloying. Visitors can try hand-making it at folk experience spots in the scenic area, priced at about 5-8 CNY per piece.
Mutton Minced Noodles in Cave Dwellings
A featured meal served in Loess cave dwellings, with mutton mince as the main dish, paired with homemade pickles and millet porridge, offering an authentic rural flavor at an average consumption of about 30-40 CNY per person.
Recommended Surrounding Cuisine
In Yanchuan County, you can try "whole grain steamed buns" (5-10 CNY per steamer) and "Qianqian Rice" (millet cooked with black beans, 8-12 CNY per bowl). In Yan'an City, about 40 kilometers from the scenic area, there are "Zichang Sesame Cakes" (2-3 CNY per piece) and "Luochuan Apple Feast" (special fruit dishes, 60-80 CNY per person).
Admission Fees
Peak Season (April 1 – October 31): 80 CNY/person
Off-Season (November 1 – March 31 of the following year): 40 CNY/person
Note: The scenic area's sightseeing bus is charged separately at 30 CNY/person (round trip between Qiankun Bay and Qingshui Bay); Huifeng Fort requires a separate admission fee of 20 CNY/person. Free admission for seniors over 65, active-duty military personnel (with valid ID), and half-price tickets for students (with student ID).
Opening Hours
Peak Season: 07:30–18:30
Off-Season: 08:00–17:30
Note: During the Shengmu Peak Temple Fair (18th day of the third lunar month), opening hours are extended to 19:00, subject to scenic area announcements.
Tour Routes
One-Day Tour Route: Scenic Area Gate → Sightseeing Bus to Qiankun Bay Viewing Platform → Walk along the Yellow River Plank Road → Qingshui Ancient Post → Huifeng Fort → Shengmu Peak
Two-Day Tour Route: Day 1: Visit the core areas of Qiankun Bay and Qingshui Bay; Day 2: Climb Huifeng Fort and Shengmu Peak, experience folk culture villages (e.g., Fuxi Wharf Folk Village)
Transportation
- Self-Driving:
- From Xi'an: via Baomao Expressway → Yanxi Expressway → National Highway 210, approximately 380 km, 5 hours by car
- From Yan'an: via Changyan Expressway → Provincial Highway 303, approximately 100 km, 1.5 hours by car
Large parking lots are available at the scenic area, charging 10 CNY per day. - Bus:
- Yan'an East Bus Station has direct buses to the scenic area at 08:00 and 14:00 daily, fare 35 CNY/person, 2 hours by car
- Yanchuan County Bus Station has hourly scenic area shuttle buses from 06:30–17:00, fare 15 CNY/person - Chartered Car: Chartering a car from Yanchuan County to the scenic area costs about 200 CNY round trip, suitable for families or groups.
Must-See Attractions
- Qiankun Bay Viewing Platform: At an altitude of 1,100 meters, overlook the 320-degree large bend, where the Yellow River and Loess Plateau merge, an ideal photography spot.
- Qingshui Ancient Post: A Ming-Qing water transport relic, experience Yellow River shipping culture and visit folk culture exhibition halls.
- Huifeng Fort: A Ming Dynasty military fortress with well-preserved stone buildings; climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the Yellow River Gorge.
Tour Tips
- The scenic area is located on the Loess Plateau with large temperature differences between day and night; bring sun-protective clothing in summer and warm clothing in winter.
- Some sections of the Yellow River-side plank road are steep; wear non-slip shoes and carry sufficient drinking water.
- When experiencing folk culture, participate in activities like paper-cutting and storytelling, costing about 20-30 CNY per item.
- Recommended to photograph the Yellow River bends in the early morning or evening when the light is soft and the scenery is spectacular.
Notes
- The Yellow River's banks are steep; do not cross guardrails to approach the river channel.
- Some ancient buildings in the scenic area are cultural relics protection units; graffiti or damage is prohibited.
- Respect local customs and maintain silence when entering temples.
- Self-driving vehicles should be cautious of mountain curves and falling rocks; prepare anti-skid chains for snowy sections in winter.
- During peak seasons, there are many visitors; it is recommended to book tickets and accommodation in advance (local inns around the scenic area cost 200-300 CNY per night).