Yulin Ancient City
榆林古城
The site of Yansui Garrison, one of the Nine Border Garrisons of the Ming dynasty. Six pavilions straddle a single main street, and old lanes, Ming-era city walls and northern Shaanxi snacks are all found here.
Yulin Ancient City is the core of a National Historic and Cultural City. The garrison town was moved here during the Chenghua era of the Ming dynasty, and sections of the eastern and northern city walls still stand. Along the North-South Main Street, six pavilions straddle the road in sequence: Wenchang Pavilion, Wanfo Tower, Xingming Tower, the Bell Tower, Kaige Tower and the Drum Tower. Together they are known as the 'Six Towers Over the Street'. On either side are courtyard houses, time-honoured shops and snack stalls, where you can try pin sanxian (a stir-fry of mixed ingredients), tofu and lamb offal. You can climb the walls near the East Gate for a view over the whole old town. Entry to the ancient city is free. Allow half a day on foot, and visit in the evening when the pavilions are lit up, which is the best time to see them.
Opening hours
All day (free to enter)