Shaanbei is more than just Yan'an! The 6 Hidden Gems of Yulin

Yulin, this ancient city in northern Shaanxi, hides too many underrated surprises! In addition to the revolutionary holy site of Yan'an, Yulin's historical sites, natural wonders, and cultural customs are equally stunning. Today, I will take you to unlock Yulin's 6 hidden gems and explore a different side of northern Shaanxi! I. Itinerary (3 Days, 2 Nights) Day 1: Yulin City → Zhenbeitai → Hongshi Gorge → Yulin Ancient City (Stay in Yulin) Day 2: Yulin → Shimao Ruins → Gaojiabao Ancient City → Mahuangliang Geological Park (Stay in Yulin/Mahuangliang) Day 3: Mahuangliang → Baiyun Mountain → Return trip II. Must-Visit Attractions ⛩️ 1️⃣. Shimao Ruins (Shenmu City) 🌟🌟Highlights: China's largest prehistoric city site, rewriting the history of Chinese civilization! The "Kingdom on Stones" from 4,000 years ago, with its grand city walls, mysterious reliefs, and exquisite jade artifacts, is truly awe-inspiring. 📆Tips: Approx. 1.5 hours drive from Yulin city center. It is recommended to charter a car or drive yourself. 🎫 Admission: CNY 60. A tour guide is highly recommended (approx. CNY 100/tour). ⏰ Visiting time: 2–3 hours. Take precautions against the sun, as there is no shade in the ruins area. 2️⃣. Mahuangliang Geological Park (Yuyang District) 🌟🌟Highlights: Filming location of "Candle in the Tomb"! The magnificent loess peak forest landform is like an alien secret realm. When the sun sets, the interplay of light and shadow makes it easy to capture stunning photos. 📆Tips: Approx. 40 minutes drive from the city center. It is recommended to go in the afternoon for the beautiful sunset. 🎫 Admission: Free. Currently under development, some areas require walking. ⏰ Visiting time: 2 hours. Wear comfortable shoes and be careful. 3️⃣. Baiyun Mountain (Jiaxian County) 🌟🌟Highlights: Shaanbei's "Little Mount Hua," a Taoist holy site. The steep mountains, ancient temples, and swirling clouds and mist create a fairyland-like atmosphere. 📆Tips: Approx. 2 hours drive from Yulin. It is recommended to leave early. 🎫 Admission: CNY 60. Cable car is CNY 50 one way (optional). ⏰ Visiting time: 3–4 hours. The mountain road is steep, so proceed with caution. 4️⃣ Zhenbeitai (Yulin City) 🌟🌟Highlights: The First Terrace of the Great Wall! A Ming Dynasty Great Wall site. Climb the terrace for a panoramic view and feel the desolation of the frontier. 📆 Tips: 🎫 Admission: CNY 30. Visiting time: 1 hour. It can be combined with Hongshi Gorge (approx. 1 km away) on the same day. 5️⃣ Gaojiabao Ancient City (Shenmu City) 🌟🌟Highlights: Filming location of the former Xixian County in "Ordinary World"! A well-preserved ancient city from the Ming and Qing dynasties, full of local life. 📆Tips: 🎫 Free admission. It is recommended to visit it on the same day as the Shimao Ruins. ⏰ Visiting time: 1–2 hours. You can sample local snacks. 6️⃣ Hongshi Gorge (Yulin City) 🌟🌟Highlights: Forest of steles beyond the Great Wall! Cliffside stone carvings blend with the wonders of the canyon, creating a rich cultural heritage. 📆 Tips: 🎫 Admission: CNY 30. Visiting time: 1–2 hours. 🍃 A great summer retreat. The canyon is cool and pleasant. III. Transportation Guide ✈️ Airplane: Yulin Yuyang Airport, with routes to many cities. 🚄 Train: Yulin Station, with direct trains from Xi'an, Beijing, and other places. 🚗 City transportation: The attractions are scattered, so it is recommended to charter a car (approx. CNY 400–600/day) or drive yourself (good road conditions). 4️⃣. Food Recommendations 🍖 Mutton series: Mutton stew in an iron pot, mutton noodles, mutton paomo (Shaanbei style is more generous!) 🍛 Featured snacks: Pin San Xian, Wantuo, Yellow Corn Cake, Donkey Intestines Recommended restaurants: Yulin Old Street (night market), farmhouses in Gaojiabao Ancient City 5️⃣. Accommodation Recommendations Yulin City: It is recommended to stay near the ancient city, such as Yulin Yongchang International Hotel and Yulin Hotel. Mahuangliang: You can choose a farmhouse near the scenic area and experience cave accommodation. 6️⃣. Precautions 📋 Climate: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Yulin. Be sure to prepare for wind, sand, sun protection, and warm clothing. Culture: Respect local customs and obtain consent before photographing people. Safety: Some scenic areas have steep terrain, so be careful, especially when traveling with the elderly and children. VII. Unique Ways to Play Go to the Yulin Ancient City Wall early in the morning to watch the sunrise and feel the weight of history. Go to Mahuangliang in the evening to chase the sunset and capture the "light and shadow magic of the Loess Plateau." Try to learn a Shaanbei folk song and experience the authentic Loess Plateau culture. Yulin, this low-key treasure city, is waiting for you to discover its unique charm!