Tongchuan is a prefecture-level city located in the central region of Shaanxi province, People's Republic of China. It is situated on the southern fringe of the Loess Plateau, which defines the northern half of the province known as Shanbei, and extends into the northern reaches of the Guanzhong Plain.
The city serves as a geographical point between these two distinct regions, positioned where the plateau meets the plains. It is characterized by its location within this specific topographical transition in central Shaanxi.