Things To Do
in Yongping

Yongping is a quiet county in northern Shaanxi province where limestone hills, terraced farmland, and ancient architecture create a serene rural landscape. The town preserves traditional crafts and hillside temples, offering a window into rural Chinese life away from the megacities. Visitors encounter warm hospitality, local markets, and seasonal harvests that color daily life with vivid textures and aromas.

Yongping is an ideal base for hikers, food lovers, and culture seekers looking for an authentic northern China experience.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Yongping
morning
:

Arrive at Yongping Airport and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of this charming town. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with local specialties. Take a moment to gather your bearings and plan your upcoming adventures.

afternoon
:

Wander the quaint streets of Yongping, exploring the local shops and markets that showcase the region's crafts and produce. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a popular eatery, where you can savor traditional Yunnan cuisine. Visit a nearby temple to admire the intricate architecture and learn about the local culture.

evening
:

As dusk falls, find a cozy spot to enjoy a sunset view over the mountains. Attend a cultural performance that reflects the rich heritage of the area, showcasing traditional music and dance. End your day with a warm cup of local tea while reminiscing about your first day.

day 2
Exploring the Ancient Town
morning
:

Start your day with a peaceful stroll through the ancient town of Yongping, where traditional buildings line the cobblestone streets. Visit local art galleries and interact with artisans to understand their craft. Enjoy a breakfast of freshly baked pastries at a nearby café.

afternoon
:

Indulge in a delightful lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients at a quaint restaurant in the town center. Spend the afternoon learning about the history of Yongping by visiting the historical museum that details its significance. Don’t forget to capture stunning photographs of the ancient architecture.

evening
:

Savor dinner at a rooftop restaurant, where you can sample unique dishes amidst breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk through the town as the streets come alive with evening lights. Engage in conversations with locals and fellow travelers at a small bar or café.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
🧋Tea or coffee$1-3
🏨1-night in mid-range hotel$20-40
🚕Taxi ride (short distance)$3-8
💧Bottle of water$0.5-1

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and scenic countryside
  • Quiet and authentic experience away from crowds
  • Limited nightlife and modern amenities
  • Rail/road access can be time-consuming
  • "Nǐ hǎo" - Hello
  • "Xièxiè" - Thank you
  • "Qǐngwèn fùjìn yǒu dìtiě ma?" - Excuse me, is there a subway/rail nearby?
  • "Zhège duōshao qián?" - How much is this?
  • "Wǒ yào diǎn cài" - I would like to order.
  • "Qǐng, nín hǎo" - Please, hello (polite greeting)

Places to Visit in Yongping

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Town Gate at Sunset

The ancient gate framed by warm evening light makes for dramatic silhouettes.

Terraced Fields Overlook

Panoramic views of terraced farmland stacked along the hillsides.

Temple by the River

A historic temple with reflections on calm waters and lanterns at dusk.

Stone Bridges and Alleyways

Narrow lanes, carved stone bridges, and lanterns offer intimate compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Yongping

Yongping sits in the heart of northern Shaanxi cuisine, known for rustic flavors, hand-pulled noodles, and hearty meat dishes that pair well with green tea.

Yongping Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Biangbiang Noodles

Very wide, hand-pushed noodles with a tangy, spicy sauce and sesame oil.

Must-Try!

Roujiamo

A warm flatbread sandwich filled with braised pork or beef and savory seasonings.

Yangrou Paomo

Crumbled flatbread in lamb broth with shredded meat; a comforting bowl in cool weather.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Yongping Old Market Street

Bustling stalls offering noodles, lamb kebabs, glazed pastries, and fresh produce.

Riverfront Snack Stalls

Smoky grills and quick bites by the water with spices and cumin.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area experiences a four-season climate with hot summers, cold winters, and mild springs and autumns. Summers bring elevated humidity and occasional rain; winters can drop below freezing. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. The overall climate is continental with a strong diurnal range.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting Customs

A polite nod or light handshake; address people by family name with a respectful tone.

Temple Etiquette

Enter quietly, remove hats, and present respectful behavior inside sacred spaces.

Public Behavior

Queue politely, speak softly in quiet areas, and avoid loud public displays.

Safety Guide

Safety

Yongping is generally safe for travelers. Petty theft can occur in crowded markets, so keep valuables secure. Road conditions can be tricky in winter; use well-maintained transport and check local advisories. In case of emergencies, contact local police and medical facilities; keep a basic first aid kit.

Tipping in Yongping

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary; in tourist spots small tips may be accepted for exceptional service. Otherwise, rounding up the bill is sufficient.

Payment Methods

Cash (RMB) widely accepted; mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate; some places may accept cards in larger towns.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blossoms; carry a light jacket and sunglasses.

Summer

Hot days with occasional storms; stay hydrated and seek shade in the afternoons.

Autumn

Cool, dry air and harvest markets; ideal for photography and walking.

Winter

Cold and sometimes snowy; layer up and plan indoor activities for chilly days.

Nightlife Guide

Yongping at Night

In Yongping, nightlife is low-key and centered on tea houses, small eateries, and markets. Quiet evenings are common, with cultural performances or music occasionally offered in the town square. Bars and clubs are rare outside larger cities, so most visitors enjoy a relaxed night of food and conversation.

Hiking in Yongping

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Gaoqiao Ridge Trail

A scenic ridge route offering panoramic views of the valley and distant hills.

Lianhua Mountain Loop

A moderate loop trail through pine forests and terraced farmland.

Riverbank Walks

Easy riverside paths ideal for sunset photography and gentle strolls.

Airports

How to reach Yongping by plane.

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)

Major gateway with domestic and international flights; access to Yongping by car/train after arrival.

Yulin Airport (UYN)

Regional airport serving nearby areas; smaller but convenient for regional travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Compact town center with narrow lanes makes it easy to explore on foot; outskirts and surrounding hills require local transport or a bike ride.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

Majority ethnicity; rural and urban communities with traditional family structures.

Minority Communities

Smaller Hui and other ethnic groups live in some villages, contributing cultural diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Popular at schools and public courts.

Tai Chi

Morning practice in parks and town squares.

Badminton

Common in community centers and schools.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is modest in the town center with mixed use of cars, buses, and taxis. Public buses connect Yongping to nearby towns; cycling is common in good weather, but roads can be narrow and winding in rural areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Yongping.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose vegetable dishes, tofu, mushrooms, and eggplant; ask for no lard or meat-based stocks.

Gluten-free

Many dishes contain gluten; request rice-based noodles or plain rice; avoid Biangbiang noodles if gluten-sensitive.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available at Yongping County Hospital and local clinics; for specialized care, travel to larger cities such as Xi'an. Carry travel insurance and keep a list of emergency numbers.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide