Yanan Shaanxi, China Travel Guide
The official currency of The people's republic of china is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as the Chinese Yuan (CNY). The symbol for Renminbi is ¥. Exchange rates vary. A general guide for 1 USD is around 7.1-7.2 CNY (check current rates before your trip). You can exchange foreign currency at major banks in Yan'an, like the Bank of China, ICBC, or Agricultural Bank of The people's republic of china. Some bigger hotels also offer currency exchange, often at less favorable rates. ATMs are easy to find and accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus networks).
China operates largely as a cashto a lesser extentciety. Digital payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are dominant. Setting these up and linking them to an international card (if your card is supported) before your trip is highly recommended. While cash is still accepted, many smaller vendors and even some taxis prefer or only accept mobile payments.
These rough figures act as a guide; actual costs come from individual spending habits and specific choices.
Tipping is generally not customary in mainland China, and Yan'an holds to this norm. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or for taxi drivers. Trying to tip might even cause confusion or refusal. In some instances, tour guides might accept a small gratuity as a gesture of appreciation, but this is not obligatory. Focus on expressing your gratitude verbally for good service.
Approx. ¥170-400 (USD 24-55)
¥100-200 (hostels, basic guesthouses)
¥50-100 (street food, local eateries)
Approx. ¥500-1050 (USD 70-145)
¥300-600 (comfortable 3-star hotels)
¥100-200 (mid-range restaurants)
Approx. ¥1400+ (USD 195+)
¥800+ (4-5 star hotels)
¥250+ (fine dining)
Hostel dorm bed: ¥50-100
Budget hotel room: ¥100-250
Mid-range hotel room: ¥250-600
Luxury hotel room: ¥800-2000+
Street food/noodles/dumplings: ¥10-30 per dish
Local restaurant main dish: ¥30-80
Mid-range restaurant meal: ¥80-150
Fine dining: ¥200-500+
¥1-3 for each ride
¥10-30
¥50-100 by taxi
Many are free (e.g., Date Garden, Yangjialing)
¥30-50 (entrance, cable car extra)
While China is generally safe for travelers, being aware of common health concerns and safety practices aids in a smooth journey.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to discuss recommended vaccinations.
Traveler's diarrhea, air quality variations, seasonal illnesses, sunburn/heatstroke.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers to Yan'an. A thorough policy should cover:
Yan'an experiences distinct seasons, making climate-appropriate clothing a main consideration. Layering is often the best strategy to adapt to temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
Yan'a does not enforce a strict dress code for tourists. However, modest attire is advisable when visiting temples or historical sites like Pagoda Mountain or the revolutionary sites. Covering your shoulders and knees shows respect for these important cultural and historical locations. For general city exploration, casual and comfortable clothing is perfectly acceptable.
Activity-Specific Attire: For hiking, sturdy Hiking shoes or Sneakers are good. Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is suitable for religious/historical sites.
Comfortable Walking shoes or sneakers for general sightseeing. Sturdy Hiking boots or shoes with good grip for trails. Waterproof, insulated boots for winter snow/ice.
Walking shoes for city exploration.
Hiking boots for uneven paths.
Passport, visa, travel insurance, vaccination records, prescription documentation, flight/hotel bookings, emergency contacts, and student/senior IDs (if applicable) are all items to carry.
Photocopies (physical/digital) of all documents.
Chinese driving license required for getting around by car; IDPs not valid.
China uses 220V/50Hz, plug types A, C, I. A Universal power adapter is good. Bring a Portable charger for daily use. A VPN is for reaching many Western apps/websites. Download and set up your VPN Before arriving in China. Local SIM cards available.
WeChat, Alipay, Didi Chuxing are essential apps.
Many Western apps (Google, Facebook) are blocked without a VPN.
| Category | Items to Pack | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Aid Kit | Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen), Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium), allergy medication, Hydrocortisone cream. | For minor ailments, insect bites. |
| Prescription Meds | Sufficient quantities in original packaging. | Doctor's note/prescription (translated into Chinese) with dosage and condition. |
| Other Essentials | Insect repellent, sunscreen (SPF 30+), Water filter bottle/purification tablets (rural areas), Hand sanitizer. | For summer, rural trips, and general hygiene. |
