The Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall and Baota Pagoda together form the core historical site of Yan'an, Shaanxi, the base from which the Chinese Communist Party operated after the Long March through the late 1940s. The Memorial Hall, in Baota District, houses exhibits of photographs, documents, weapons, and personal artifacts tracing the party's Yan'an period, laid out across large halls with a prominent statue of Mao Zedong and other leaders in the main courtyard. A few kilometers away, Baota Pagoda -- a nine-story brick tower dating to the Song dynasty -- crowns Baota Hill and has become the visual symbol of Yan'an, visible across much of the city and especially striking when illuminated at night. The hill park around the pagoda includes an old bell, walking paths, and viewpoints over the Yan River and the city below. A full visit to both sites, including transit between them, takes three to four hours: the memorial hall rewards an unhurried morning visit given the density of exhibits, while Baota Pagoda is best climbed in the late afternoon for views over the city as the light softens. Crowds are heaviest around Chinese national holidays and during organized red-tourism group visits, which are common on weekday mornings at the memorial hall.
| Admission | Adult Memorial Hall free (ID required); Baota Pagoda park ¥65 (~$9) · Child Discounted under 1.4m for Baota Pagoda |
|---|---|
| Hours | Memorial Hall 8:30 AM–5:30 PM (closed Mondays); Baota Pagoda park 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Typical visit | 3–4 hours for both sites |
| Best time | Morning for the memorial hall; late afternoon for Baota Pagoda views over the city |
| Getting there | High-speed train from Xi'an North to Yan'an (~2.5 hours), then taxi or local bus |
| Address | Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall, Baota District; Baota Pagoda, Baota Hill, Yan'an |
Weather through the year in Shaanxi
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Shaanxi.
Location
Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall, Baota District; Baota Pagoda, Baota Hill, Yan'an
36.6167, 109.4900 View on map
Highlights
- Extensive exhibits on the Communist Party's Yan'an base period
- Song dynasty nine-story Baota Pagoda, the symbol of the city
- Hilltop park views over the Yan River and city skyline
- Statue of Mao Zedong and Yan'an leadership in the memorial courtyard
- Night illumination of the pagoda visible from across Yan'an
Tips for visiting
- Bring a passport or Chinese ID, which is required for free entry to the Memorial Hall
- Visit the Memorial Hall in the morning when exhibit halls are least crowded
- Save Baota Pagoda for late afternoon to combine the climb with sunset views
- A taxi or short local bus ride is needed to move between the two sites
- Wear comfortable shoes -- the pagoda hill involves a sustained uphill walk
When to visit
Morning for the Memorial Hall's exhibits, followed by late afternoon at Baota Pagoda for cooler air and views over the city as the sun lowers.
Accessibility
The Memorial Hall's ground-floor halls are wheelchair accessible, but Baota Hill involves a steep uphill walk to the pagoda with limited accommodations for those with mobility limitations.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to both sites take?
Plan on three to four hours total, including travel time between the Memorial Hall in Baota District and Baota Pagoda on Baota Hill.
Is this site worth it for kids?
It suits older children and students studying modern Chinese history more than young children, given the historical and text-heavy nature of the exhibits.
Is photography allowed at the Memorial Hall and pagoda?
Photography without flash is generally allowed in the memorial hall's public exhibit areas, and it is unrestricted around Baota Pagoda and its hillside park.