The Great Wall at Yulin in China's Shaanxi Province was built between the Wei Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty: it took over 1,000 years to build! Right now, remains are scattered throughout cities in the area, including Yulin, Yan'an and Hancheng.
Why Visit?
Yulin, in Shaanxi province, was an important strategic location during the Ming Dynasty, when it was on the border of Han nationality area and other nomadic tribes in Inner Mongolia. Wars were fought in this area for years, and the wall was built here to stop these wars from happening, and create a divide.
One of the most famous sights in the area is Zhen Bei Tai ('Pacify the North Tower') which was built during the Ming Dynasty to protect the Hongshan market place and ensure that Mongolians and Han people could trade without any problems. This tower is also known as the first tower of the Great Wall, with a great view from the top.
When Was It Built?
Most of the parts of the Great Wall in this area were built between 475 BC and 221 BC. Other parts were built later, in 351 AD, so in total the construction of this section spreads over years and years, and covers the rule of different emperors.
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour
- 3-Day Jiankou to Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Discovery Tour
- 2-Day Jiankou Wild Great Wall Camping Tour
How Big Is It?
The Great Wall at Yulin is 880 kilometers long. The section in Dingbian County itself is about 600 kilometers long, consisting of two layers which are the best preserved. This is a small but not insignificant proportion of the approximately 21,000 kilometer long Great Wall.
What Should You Bring?
Summers are hot around this part of the Great Wall, so ensure you are carrying water (which our tour guide can also help provide you with), adequate cover in terms of hats and sleeves if you burn easily, sunscreen, and good shoes as the area is sandy and not always perfectly flat. Outside of summer the temperature difference between day and night is large, so make sure you carry a coat for the evenings.
What Should You Know?
Transport: Yulin is in northern Shaanxi Province about 150 kilometers south of the now famous semi-empty city of Ordos, about 250 km west of ancient capital Taiyuan, and 200 km north of revolutionary stronghold Yan'an. Yulin has a domestic airport, and it is about 7 hours north of Xi'an by train or highway. If you book a tour with us you won't have to worry about getting there and away.
For When to Visit: The best time to visit this area is May – October when the weather is most pleasant. July and August are the hottest months in this region.
- 1-Day Beijing Highlights Private Tour
- 1-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour
- 2-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking and Camping Tour
Our Great Wall Tours
To visit the Great Wall at Yulin, or fit it around your dream tour in China, all you have to do is contact us with the details. Alternatively, or to get some ideas, these are some of our most popular pre-planned Great Wall tours.
Nearby Attractions
- The Great Wall at Yulin is not far from Yan'an, commonly considered to be the birthplace of Chinese civilization.
- The capital of Shaanxi province, Xi'an, is also a very popular tourist destination. Check out what this ancient city has to offer here, apart from the famous Terracotta Warriors.
