Yulin 榆林市 — Desert Frontier & Ancient Fortress City
Yulin is Shaanxi's northernmost city, sitting at the edge of the Maowusu Desert. For centuries, it was a strategic military outpost defending China's northern frontier. The Great Wall runs through Yulin, and ancient fortress towns dot the landscape.
The city is famous for its unique geography: desert meets Loess Plateau, creating dramatic scenery. Red Stone Canyon (Hongshi Xia) offers stunning sandstone formations and ancient cliff carvings. Yulin's folk culture — including "Northern Shaanxi Folk Songs" (信天游) — is among China's most distinctive.
A spectacular sandstone gorge carved by the Yulin River. The cliffs are covered with over 160 ancient inscriptions and calligraphy from military commanders and scholars dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Walking the canyon feels like entering a natural art gallery. The contrast between red sandstone, green water, and desert sky is unforgettable.
Hours: 8:00–18:00
Admission: ¥30
One of the largest Great Wall watchtowers, built in 1607 to monitor the northern frontier. The four-level tower stands 30 meters high and offers sweeping views of the desert. Called the "First Tower of the Great Wall," it's larger than the famous Shanhaiguan tower at the wall's eastern end. Watch for wild camels in the surrounding desert.
Hours: 8:00–18:00
Admission: ¥20
A remarkably preserved Ming Dynasty fortress town. Stone walls, narrow streets, and traditional courtyard homes give it a timeless feel. The town gained fame as a filming location for popular Chinese TV dramas. Unlike more touristy ancient towns, Gaojiapi feels authentic — locals still live here.
Hours: All day
Admission: Free
A Taoist mountain overlooking the Yellow River in nearby Jiaxian County. The Baiyun Temple complex has over 50 halls and buildings dating from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Famous throughout northern Shaanxi for its Taoist traditions. Pilgrims flock here during temple festivals.
Hours: 8:00–17:00
Admission: ¥60