Tongchuan is a prefecture-level city located in central 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 transition point between these distinct regions. Its location provides it with a position at the intersection of the highland plateau and the lowland plains of central Shaanxi.