AbstractEmploying an average vertical sampling interval of 20 cm, oriented samples were collected from 26 m of the loess section at Liujiapo, near Xian, China in order to refine the existing magnetostratigraphic record. Palaeomagnetic results reveal two short reversed‐polarity subzones within a profile of predominantly normally magnetised sediments, an interpretation that is at variance with previous results from this section and from other studies of Chinese loess. Investigation of sediment mineral‐magnetic properties indicates a close correspondence between down‐section variations in intensity of magnetisation, susceptibility and saturation isothermal Journal of Quaternary Science remanence (SIRM), and lithology. The ratios IRM‐100mT/SIRM and SIRM/ susceptibility appear to be particularly sensitive indicators of the degree of soil development and hence of palaeo