Northern Shaanxi

It makes up the southeastern portion of the Ordos Basin and forms the northern part of the Loess Plateau.

The region includes two prefecture-level cities: Yulin, which is known for the Ming Great Wall traversing through its northern part; and Yan'an, which is known as the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Revolution.

[1]: 39  Shaanbei is located in the northern edge of the Loess Plateau with a general elevation range of 800–1,300 metres (2,600–4,300 ft), occupying approximately 45% of the total area of Shaanxi.

[6]: 276  Historically, cultural activities in Shaanbei have been organized both by professional troupes and amateur groups,[6]: 274–276  and typically performed for all audiences, regardless of status.

[6]: 274–275 The predominant language of Shaanbei is Jin Chinese, with the southern areas being a transition zone into Guanzhong dialect.

[6]: 279 Shaanbei's style of folk-singing is distinct from other types of folk singing throughout China, and has gained fame via a number of media depictions, such as in the 1984 film Yellow Earth.

[citation needed] This tradition gained national notoriety through the film Yellow Earth, which included a scene featuring over 150 real drummers from the region.

[5][9] Key characteristics of farmer painting is that it commonly takes on subjects specific to the local region, its emphasis on expression rather than adhering to specific rules, use of thick outlines of shapes, use of artist's conception, heavy usage of symbolism, and bright colors.

[1]: 40  Subsequently, traditional religions continued to face suppression when the Kuomintang established firmer control of the area during the 1930s.

[1]: 41  Organized religion saw a revival during the 1950s, when firm Communist Party control led to peace and economic recovery.