Yulin

Yulin has a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a windproof jacket when traveling. Yulin is an often underrated city in northern Shaanxi. It has desert and Danxia landscapes, while also preserving the historical atmosphere of the Yellow River basin. From a prehistoric stone city dating back 4,300 years, to the First Watchtower of the Great Wall, and the rolling red sandstone layers of Wave Valley, the scenery is varied and the travel experience is relatively relaxed.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Yulin and experience life in the old frontier city
  • Morning/Afternoon: After arriving in Yulin, you can first take a walk along Yulin Old Street. It preserves the rare “six towers spanning the street” layout, and as you walk along the flagstone road, you can also try local northern Shaanxi snacks along the way.

• Dusk: After exploring the old street, you can also visit the nearby China Abacus Museum and Northern Shaanxi Folk Customs Museum. Note that museums usually close at 17:00, so it is best not to go too close to closing time.

• Evening: Head to Confucius Temple Pedestrian Street for the night market. You can try a specialty snack shop that shares its name with a celebrity and experience Yulin’s lively evening street atmosphere.

• Day 2: Danxia scenery and the frontier Great Wall
  • Morning: Drive to Hongshi Gorge, about 3 km from the city center. Here you can see red cliffs, green water, grottoes, and ancient temples. Plan about 1–2 hours for the visit.

• Noon: Have lunch near Hongshi Gorge, or arrange lunch on the way to Zhenbeitai.
  • Afternoon: Visit Zhenbeitai, climb the First Watchtower of the Great Wall, and look out over the meeting point of desert and oasis while taking in the history of the frontier. Then drive to Jingbian Wave Valley, about 2 hours away, and stay overnight in Jingbian County.

• Day 3: Explore the red sandstone landforms and visit Wave Valley
  • All day: Set aside enough time to explore Jingbian Wave Valley. You can choose the large loop route: glass viewing bridge → Flame Danxia → Chibi Danxia → Earth Core Danxia (One-Line Sky). The full route takes about 3–4 hours. In the afternoon, when the sunlight slants across the cliffs, the color layers in the rock walls become more distinct.
  • Dusk: After finishing the trip, return, or continue on toward Shenmu and Hongjiannao.

Must-Try Yulin Foods

Yulin cuisine combines the depth of nomadic culture with the refinement of farming regions. Lamb, noodles, and local snacks are all representative.

• Suide Lamb Noodles: Known in northern Shaanxi through the folk song line “the lamb noodles of Sishilipu are something special,” this dish has a rich soup base and a pronounced lamb aroma. It is a common local flavor in Yulin.

• Lamb Offal Soup: Often eaten as a morning breakfast. The broth is fresh and savory, and the offal is stewed until tender. Pairing it with youxuan or plain flatbread better highlights the food culture of northern Shaanxi.

• Yan’an Zhanzhan: A common skewer-style dish in Yulin, known for its cumin flavor, secret base sauce, and sesame paste. Hele noodles can also be added to the skewer hotpot to soak up the broth.

• Hengshan Stewed Lamb: A national geographical indication product. The meat is tender, the broth is rich, and the lamb is fragrant with only a mild gamey taste.

• Qingjian Pancakes: The wrappers are thin and translucent, with a soft yet chewy texture. They can be rolled with different side dishes and sauces.

• Pin San Xian: A dish combining meat and vegetables, symbolizing “three yang bringing prosperity.” With a fresh and delicious broth, it is a common dish at traditional Yulin banquets.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to stay: Yulin’s urban area is not large. Consider staying near Yulin Old Street or the Confucius Temple, where restaurants, night markets, and museums are within walking distance. If you plan to visit Shenmu, stay in Shenmu’s urban area; if you are visiting Wave Valley, stay in Jingbian County.
• Getting there: You can fly to Yulin Yuyang Airport, or take a train to Yulin Railway Station.
• Getting around: Driving is recommended. Yulin’s attractions are relatively spread out, such as Wave Valley, Hongjiannao, and the Shimao Site, so driving gives you more flexibility with your schedule. If you do not drive, taxi costs may be high, and transport to some remote attractions may not be very convenient.

Things to Note

• Temperature difference and sun protection: Northern Shaanxi has strong sunlight and noticeable UV exposure, so it is advisable to carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The day-night temperature difference is also large, so even if you visit in autumn, prepare a windproof jacket or outdoor shell.
• Queues at Wave Valley: The “One-Line Sky” section of Wave Valley often requires a 1.5–2 hour wait during holidays, and the space inside is narrow. If you are traveling with elderly people or children, or do not want to wait for a long time, you can view it from the observation deck instead.
• Museum closing times: Museums in the city, such as the Abacus Museum and Folk Customs Museum, usually officially close at 17:00 and stop admitting visitors at 16:30. Plan ahead to avoid a wasted trip.
• Do not step on wild Danxia areas: When visiting Wave Valley, stay on the official boardwalks and do not enter undeveloped wild Danxia areas. The red sandstone soil is soft and loose, and going down on your own can be dangerous.