In the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province, northwest China stands an ancient city called Yulin. Though not as well-known as the nearby city of Xi'an – a popular tourist destination famed for Terracotta Warriors, Yulin is a hidden gem that offers a more holistic view of China.

With a history that can be traced back thousands of years, Yulin provides a glimpse into where the people of Shaanxi came from. In contrast with hundreds of tour buses rushing in and out of Xi'an, Yulin remains unknown to the public due to its inadequate transport infrastructure. But that also helps the place remain unspoiled.

Back in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Yulin was a crucial strategic location, and as such, it was constantly embroiled in war. The city wall was built to put a stop to the fighting and create a divide. Over the past decades, it has witnessed China's growth into the world power it is today.

About a five-kilometer drive north from the city center is Red Rock Canyon, a gorgeous natural site that many locals would recommend to visit first. The gleaming river and stream at sunset and the calligraphy inscribed on the canyon walls centuries ago often make a lasting impression on visitors. Tourists can make an adventure out of exploring the winding tunnels in the canyon walls.

Yulin is home to abundant historical and cultural sites, including the Xingming Tower and the Lingxiao Tower. Visitors can also explore the northern portion of the Great Wall and its largest fortress, the Zhenbei Observatory, which was built in 1607. It is one of the most famous towers along the Great Wall, together with Jiayuguan on the western end and Shanhaiguan on the eastern end.

One also cannot visit Yulin without trying Yulin tofu. It can be made into many tasty dishes using different techniques, such as stir-frying, deep-frying, braising and steaming. 

Travel tips:

Best time to visit: From May to October

Transportation: Take a flight to Yulin Yuyang Airport or Ordos Ejin Horo Airport. The destination is around a two-hour drive from the airport. 

Admission fee: Free

Opening hours: All day

(Video edited by Zheng Chenlei; cover image by Qu Bo)