Rugged Tours - Shaanxi Yaodong and its stories

Rugged Tours ----> Xi'an, Yan'an, Yaodong trip

A yaodong is a dugout used as a shelter in China. Yaodongs are common in north part of China, especially on the Loess Plateau. The history of yaodongs goes back centuries, and they continue to be used in north part of China. The most famous yaodongs are in Yan'an, a city among the hills sitting on the north part of Xi'an and the last stop of the 10,000km (6,000 miles) odyssey of Long March.

Our 5 day Xi'an-Yan'an trip will take you to the ancient capital of the middle kingdom - Xi'an, to the world famous Terracotta Warriors and on to experience China's special Yaodong houses in Yan'an, visit the Han Chinese's legendary ancestor's mausoleum and more. This trip will take you to the true heart of Shaanxi.

The first day, you will arrive at Xi'an, the capital of Shannxi Province and the old capital of the middle kingdom when Beijing was just a remote trading stop. With over several thousands years of history, the city served as the capital for 21 dynasties and also is the starting point of the Silk Road. Upon your arrival, depending on your landing time, you can choose to visit the biggest music fountain in Asia at the north square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, or have a night stroll in the Tang Paradise, and, of course, go to the square between the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower to experience the 'night life' of the locals and trying perhaps the local street food.
Besides Xi'an's long history, the discovery of the Terracotta Warriors of the Qin dynasty Army in 1974 made the city an even bigger attraction for many visiting China. Therefore, it will be the first destination of our journey. Going by coach in the morning to the east side of Xi'an to see this wonder commisioned by the first emperor of China, Emporor Qin. On return from the Terracotta Warriors site, we will take a side trip to the Huaqing Hot Spring, mixing history with natural beauty. .
The third day, the coach will take us north of Shaanxi province. Our first stop will be at Huangling County, where the legendery Han Chinese's ancestor lies - the Mausoleum of the Yellow. Second stop of the day will be the biggest waterfall on the Yellow River in China - Hukou Waterfall. At night, be prepared to rest in one of the most original shelters of mankind - a Yaodong. It might seem primitive and old, but you will be surprised to learn how comfortable they can be.
The last stop of the Long March and the operation centre for the communist party during the WWII, Yan'an has its special revolution sites reserved. There you will see the Yangdong, that Mao Zedong lived in whilste he was leading his revolution. Take the chance also to visit some local village people, try some fresh local dates; you can also observe the Shaanxi girls cutting out traditional paper cuts, watch how each piece of plain paper turns into a different story character. In the late afternoon, we will head back to Xi'an.
The last day of the journey, depending on your flight time, you can pick some nearby towers or museums to visit. But do try to get up early in the morning to go to the park near the old towers and listen to the local Qin Opera (Qinqiang), one of the three oldest Chinese operas.

Interested in this exciting 5 day trip? Why not get in touch to get a detailed quote and itinerary, and we will get back to you within 24 hours weekend or weekdays. (info@rugged-tours.com)