Things To Do
in Yulinshi
Yulinshi (Yulin), in northern Shaanxi province, is a regional city on the Loess Plateau near the Mu Us Desert known for its rugged landscapes and energy industry. The city blends modern infrastructure and coal- and gas-driven development with traditional northern Shaanxi culture and hearty local cuisine. Surrounding valleys, dunes and terraced loess slopes make it a good base for photography and outdoors trips, while smaller county towns preserve folk customs.
Yulin has a continental climate with notable seasonal winds and a straightforward, practical local pace of life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by visiting the ancient Yulin City Wall, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's storied past. Stroll along the wall, where you can admire the intricate architecture and panoramic views of the city. Make sure to stop by local vendors for a traditional breakfast of steamed buns and soy milk.
After lunch, head to the Yulin Museum to explore exhibits that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage and art. Spend time in the museum's calligraphy and painting sections, which highlight local artists and historical influences. As the afternoon progresses, take a leisurely walk through the nearby Yulin People's Park, enjoying the serene environment and natural beauty.
As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the vibrant night market, where you can taste a variety of local street foods from grilled skewers to spicy noodles. Interact with locals and fellow travelers, soaking in the lively atmosphere filled with laughter and chatter. End your day with a cup of fragrant tea at a traditional teahouse, reflecting on the experiences of the day.
Start your day by visiting the stunning Confucius Temple, a serene place of worship that reflects the philosophical heritage of the region. Wander through its beautiful courtyards and admire the intricate carvings and statues that depict Confucian ideals. Take part in a morning meditation session to connect with the peaceful energy of the temple.
Continue your cultural exploration at the nearby Guanyin Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Here, you can witness local devotees performing rituals and offering prayers, providing insight into the spiritual practices of the community. For lunch, try a meal at a vegetarian restaurant nearby, inspired by Buddhist principles.
As twilight approaches, visit a local performance of traditional Chinese opera, set in a quaint theater not far from the temples. Enjoy the vibrant costumes, melodious singing, and captivating storytelling that reflects local folklore. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation, enjoying the charming streets illuminated by soft lantern light.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $1-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $35-80 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $1.5-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique northern Shaanxi landscapes (Loess Plateau and desert fringe) and strong local culture
- Authentic regional cuisine and affordable prices
- Good base for off-the-beaten-path outdoor photography and rural cultural experiences
- Limited tourist infrastructure compared with major Chinese cities
- Seasonal wind and sandstorms can affect travel and air quality
- Fewer international-language services; some operators and menus may not be in English
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？ (duōshǎo qián?)" - How much?
- "我不吃肉 (wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
- "厕所在哪里？ (cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "请帮忙 (qǐng bāngmáng)" - Please help
Places to Visit in Yulinshi
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden sand dunes and desert-adjacent landscapes provide dramatic sunrise/sunset shots and opportunities for action photography (camels, ATVs).
Terraced loess slopes and eroded gullies make for textured landscape photography, especially in low-angle light.
Vivid street scenes, food stalls and traditional architecture offer candid urban and cultural photography subjects.
Small villages near the city preserve northern Shaanxi building styles and daily-life scenes ideal for documentary-style images.
Food in Yulinshi
Yulinshi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A flatbread sandwich filled with slow-cooked, spiced pork or lamb — widely available at breakfast stalls and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
Thick, hand-pulled noodles tossed with chili oil, vinegar and toppings; look for local noodle shops for an authentic version.
Hearty mutton stews and roasted lamb are regional staples, especially in colder months—find them in family-run restaurants or barbecue stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Markets selling fresh breads, dumplings, noodles and breakfast items—ideal for sampling roujiamo, steamed buns and local pastries.
Evening stalls offering skewers (chuan), fried snacks and sweets; try grilled lamb skewers, fried pancake wraps and local desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings, nods and slight bows are appreciated; show respect to elders and remove hats in traditional indoor settings if prompted.
Wait to be invited to start in formal meals, accept shared dishes with the communal nature of northern Chinese dining in mind, and use serving chopsticks if offered.
Avoid sensitive political topics in casual conversation; ask about local culture, food and landscapes instead.
Safety
Tipping in Yulinshi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not widely expected in most local restaurants or taxis; you can round up fares or leave small tips in higher-end hotels or tour services, but it's not obligatory.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are ubiquitous and accepted at markets, shops and many vendors; carry some cash (RMB) for remote areas. International cards may be accepted at major hotels and some restaurants, but are less common in small businesses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool to mild with strong winds and occasional sandstorms especially in early spring; bring layers and eye/nasal protection if visiting desert areas.
Hot during the day with cool nights in higher areas; good for green landscapes after rains but expect occasional thunderstorms.
Most pleasant season — mild temperatures, lower wind and clear skies ideal for hiking and photography.
Cold and dry with temperatures often below freezing; heating is common indoors but bring warm clothing for outdoor activities.
Yulinshi at Night
Hiking in Yulinshi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short guided routes across dune edges and desert scrub — good for sunrise/sunset walks and landscape photography; go with a guide for safety.
Hiking along loess terraced gullies and ridges offers dramatic views of erosion patterns and traditional farmland.
A longer drive to the Yellow River's Hukou Waterfall area is possible as a day trip; trails and viewpoints provide scenic river gorge photography and walking routes.
Airports
How to reach Yulinshi by plane.
The local airport serving Yulin with domestic flights to regional hubs; convenient for arriving and departing to/from the city.
Major international hub about several hours' drive south of Yulin — useful if connecting from international flights or seeking wider transport options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Yulin; involved in urban jobs, agriculture and local commerce.
Hui Muslim communities and other smaller minority groups are present in the region, contributing to cultural and culinary diversity.
A significant portion of the population works in agriculture or commutes as migrant labor to larger cities or industrial sites.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely played and popular in urban and rural communities; courts are common in parks and schoolyards.
Football is a popular pastime among youth and community teams.
On the Mu Us Desert fringe, activities such as ATV riding, sandboarding and camel trekking are popular with visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yulinshi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited — opt for noodle dishes with vegetables, cold dishes, egg or tofu. Say '我不吃肉' (wǒ bù chī ròu) to indicate you don't eat meat and ask for no meat in soups and sauces.
Strict veganism can be challenging because broths and sauces often contain meat or animal fat. Carry ingredient cards in Chinese for allergies and use translation apps; larger restaurants in the city are more likely to accommodate.