Zhenbeitai Fortress
镇北台
A large Great Wall beacon tower built in the Wanli reign of the Ming dynasty. It stands four storeys and about 30 metres high, is known as the 'First Tower of the Great Wall', and from the top you can see the Mu Us Desert and the Great Wall.
Zhenbeitai stands on the summit of Red Mountain, about 5 km north of Yulin city. It was built in 1607, the 35th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming dynasty, and is one of the largest surviving beacon towers along the Ming Great Wall. It rises four storeys and about 30 metres, and is known as the 'First Tower of the Great Wall'. It is a key national cultural relic protection unit. At its foot stands Kuangong City, a Han-Mongol tribute and trade town, and nearby are the ruins of Yima City, a horse-trading town. From the top you can look out over the desert and the long stretch of the Great Wall. Tickets can be booked on platforms such as 'Yulin Culture and Tourism', and it is wise to book ahead on public holidays. It is about 2 km from Hongshi Gorge, and the two are often visited on the same day.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00 (check scenic area announcements)