Baota Hill
Baota Hill is also called Jialing Hill. It stands to the southeast of the urban Yan’an where the Yanhe River and the Nanchuan River meet. The pagoda at the top of the hill is the symbol of Yan'an City which was first built in Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).It underwent renovation in Song Dynasty. The pagoda has nine stories and is 44 meters high (144 ft). Standing at the top of the hill, you will have a bird view of the ancient city of Yan'an. This is sure to be one of the highlights of your visit.
The most famous attraction here is the iron bell which was made in 1628 during Ming Dynasty. It is 1.5 meters high and about one meter in diameter. The tower is of great historical importance in relation to the Chinese revolutionary movement: when the Chinese Communist Party had its headquarters in Yan'an, the bell was used to toll the hour of the day and sound alarms.
On the hill, there is a huge new bell named Ping’ an Bell (Safety Bell) and a new huge drum named Taiping Drum (Peace Drum). It is said that luck and happiness will be bestowed on you by Tolling the bell or beating the drum. There is also a Stele Forest upon the slopes of the hill. They are inscribed with a variety of ancient Chinese calligraphy.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Baota Hill was designated by the State Council as one of the first key cultural relics under national protection. Baota Hill is now a public park. It has many pine, cypress and Chinese scholar trees.
Location: Jialing Road, Yan'an.
Entrance Fee: RMB 41 for high season, RMB 31 for low season.
Opening Hours: 06:00-20:00
Transportation: Take bus No.1 or No.3 at Railway Station.
