Top 50 Best Things to Do near Yulin
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Top 50 Best Things to Do near Yulin

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  • Ancient Qikou Town
    󰺂5.9
    Lin CountyMore than 100 km from Yulin
    Highlights:
    󰀆Rafting & stunning views experience
    󱓊Certified historic & cultural town
    󱨠122 positive reviews
    4.2/5
    难 得糊 涂难 得糊 涂

    Qikou Ancient Town is located 48 kilometers south of Linxian County, Luliang City, Shanxi Province. It is located in the middle of the Yellow River Jinshan Gorge. It is named after the Datong Qi of the Yellow River. It is an important commercial town on the Yellow River waterway and enjoys the reputation of "the first town of the nine-bend Yellow River". The prosperity of Qikou Ancient Town began in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Due to the dangers of the Datong Qi of the Yellow River, it became a transit station for the waterway on the northern mainstream of the Yellow River. In its heyday, there were as many as 150 ships coming and going at Qikou Wharf every day, and more than 300 service shops of various types. The ancient town is one of the birthplaces of Shanxi merchants. It preserves a large number of buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, including commercial buildings such as warehouses, ticket houses, pawnshops, as well as temples, houses, docks, etc. These ancient buildings show the artistic charm of Ming and Qing architecture. The ancient town is located on the Luliang Mountain and borders the Yellow River. The Yellow River and the Qiushui River meet here, forming a magnificent picture of "tiger roaring in the Yellow River and dragon chanting in Qikou". The Black Dragon Temple is one of the landmark buildings of the ancient town. The temple is built on the mountain and integrates nature and humanities. In addition, Lijiashan Village is known as the "Potala Palace on the Loess Plateau". Its three-dimensional and integrated vernacular architecture makes people feel like they are in a painting. The national intangible cultural heritage - Linxian Dasuona will bring you an auditory feast. The large-scale live-action drama "Dream Qikou" combines history with reality, allowing you to feel the inheritance and development of the spirit of Shanxi merchants. Tickets: Free. Opening hours: All day.

  • The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan
    󰺂6.9
    10.88
    Ejin Horo Banner.Genghis Khan Mausoleum Tourist AreaMore than 100 km from Yulin
    Highlights:
    󰋄Mongolian games & culture experience
    Mongolian scenery on grassland
    󱨠583 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    馒头瘦馒头瘦

    Visiting with the guide did deepen my understanding of history; however, while the site is large, the content is limited. Without a guide, you can complete the tour in half an hour, so be sure to do some research before you come. Most importantly, you can use the Ordos Tourist Card to get free admission. I was so sad not to use it at the time. Everyone should definitely buy the Ordos Tourist Card.

  • Kangbashi Natural Museum
    󰺂6.8
    OrdosMore than 100 km from Yulin
    Highlights:
    󱓊8K screen & immersive sound
    󰋄Immersive nature museum experience
    󱨠7149 positive reviews
    5.0/5
    吃饱满面的仙女吃饱满面的仙女

    I went to Kangbashi Museum some time ago, and it was really amazing! As soon as I walked to the front of the museum, I was attracted by the unique architectural shape, which looked like a rock that had been polished by time and had a special sense of history. After entering, the various exhibits were dazzling. There were ancient bronzes, exquisite ceramics, and precious calligraphy and paintings. Listening to the story behind these exhibits introduced by the guide, it was as if I traveled through time and space, and personally experienced the long history and splendid culture of Ordos. I felt very rewarding. I sincerely recommend everyone to go and have a look!

  • Ordos Wildlife Park
    󰺂6.1
    Ordos.Ordos Zoo/Gathering ParadiseMore than 100 km from Yulin
    Highlights:
    󱓊Pandas & alpacas in four zones
    󱓊Dig dinosaur fossils like experts
    󱨠554 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    I thought it was the kind of wildlife park where you could drive in, but it turns out the animals are still kept in cages. It's a good place to visit if you have kids, but adults don't need to go.

  • Yanchuan Yellow river Qiankun Bay Scenic Area
    󰺂6.0
    8.7
    YanchuanMore than 100 km from Yulin
    Highlights:
    󱓊Yellow River & mountain exploration
    Surrounded by water & fortified
    󱨠680 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    WH1962WH1962

    The Yanchuan Yellow River Qiankun Bay Scenic Area is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction built around the Yellow River. The river meanders majestically within the park, and Qiankun Bay itself, with its unique grandeur and scenery, was named one of China's ten most beautiful canyons by *China Geography Magazine*. The Yellow River, flowing for millennia, uniquely forms the "First Bend of the Yellow River"—Qiankun Bay—with a magnificent 320-degree arc within the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon of Yanchuan, Shaanxi. Here, the Yellow River changes its turbulent course, meandering like a dragon, perfectly blending the grandeur of the Loess Plateau with the philosophical concept of Yin and Yang, forming a naturally formed "Tai Chi diagram."

  • Ganquan Canyon
    󰺂7.0
    14.38
    GanquanMore than 100 km from Yulin
    Highlights:
    󱓊Antelope Canyon & Birch Valley
    󰋄Antelope Valley & wild peonies
    󱨠Saved by 459 users󱨠2057 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    东篱把酒@东篱把酒@

    On a crisp autumn morning, I once again stepped into the Ganquan Grand Canyon. The morning light slanted into the Birch Gully, making the ochre and dark green veins on the rock walls resemble ancient verses ablaze. As a seasoned visitor, I've witnessed its transformation from a pristine, hidden paradise into a place that blends wildness and warmth. Compared to my last visit, I noticed the scenic area has made significant efforts to enhance the experience: 1. Cultural revitalization, breaking the monotony. The lively and enthusiastic Shaanxi folk dance in front of the visitor center, and the skillful finger movements of the inheritors at the intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting stalls—these added a cultural touch, allowing the geological wonders to be heard before they were seen; 2. Concrete services, ensuring peace of mind. Clear signage and staff on key routes reduced the anxiety of exploring the diverse canyons like Longba Gully and Mudan Gully, allowing for a more relaxed experience; 3. Inclusive policies, demonstrating sincerity. The free admission policy, covering children, the elderly, journalists, and other groups, along with the rise of guesthouses and farmhouses run by villagers, such as "Fengmeizi Courtyard," allows tourists to experience the Loess Plateau's charm more deeply and has genuinely boosted the income of local villagers. Travel Tips: If time is limited, Birch Valley is a must-see, especially the 300-meter stretch of scenery that is particularly classic, with its streams, green moss, and ever-changing light and shadow. It's recommended to avoid the morning rush on holidays to better appreciate the valley's tranquility. Based on my observation, weekdays are a better time to visit. You can also try the guesthouses run by local villagers or sample local delicacies such as potato pancakes and mixed noodles to experience authentic Shaanxi flavors. A small suggestion for operators: Currently, tourism products are still somewhat monotonous, with "valley sightseeing" dominating the market. Consider combining resources such as Laoshan National Forest Park to develop in-depth products like ecological health and wellness and geological research to extend tourists' stay. There is still room for improvement in tourism infrastructure; for example, road congestion and parking difficulties still occur during holidays. The cultural significance of the valley has not yet been fully explored. Beyond the natural scenery, consider adding brief explanatory signs about the formation of Danxia landforms and the ecological protection of the canyon at suitable locations to enhance the depth of the visit. The beauty of Ganquan Grand Canyon lies not only in its breathtaking natural landscape, but also in its efforts to make this beauty more inclusive and approachable. If the attractions and experiences can be further enriched and deepened, this "Chinese Antelope Canyon" will undoubtedly offer travelers an even more profound experience.

  • Little Western Paradise
    󰺂8.2
    4.23
    Xi CountyMore than 100 km from Yulin
    Highlights:
    󰋄Check out Black Myth: Wukong
    󰀆Ancient Zen temple from Ming
    󱨠4050 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    温智翔温智翔

    Located atop Phoenix Mountain northwest of Xixian County, Linfen Xiaoxitian boasts numerous tourist attractions and delightful discoveries. Its architecture is compact, built into the mountainside, with two-thirds of the halls being double-layered structures, creating a harmonious interplay between upper and lower courtyards. The Mahavira Hall is the highlight, its interior adorned with exquisite suspended sculptures. These sculptures, themed around the "Western Paradise" of Pure Land Buddhism, utilize a wood-framed clay suspension sculpting technique, seamlessly blending religious culture and philosophical thought into a unified whole. The craftsmanship is superb, the figures lifelike, and they possess immense artistic value. Xiaoxitian also preserves the Yongle Northern Canon, a collection of 676 cases and 6752 volumes bestowed by Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty in the 26th year of his reign. Covering the Tripitaka (Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidharma), it serves as historical evidence of the Sinicization of Buddhism. Furthermore, the scenic area's natural landscape is exceptionally beautiful. Phoenix Mountain features overlapping peaks, ancient cypress trees shading red walls, and swirling mists, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland. The area surrounding the scenic spot also boasts a unique rural atmosphere and hospitable residents, allowing visitors to experience a distinctive cultural charm.

  • Luya Mountain Scenic Area
    󰺂6.4
    NingwuMore than 100 km from Yulin
    Highlights:
    󱓊Explore ancient ice cave & 8985 ft
    󰀆Geographically significant source
    󱨠391 positive reviews
    4.1/5
    liping624liping624

    The summit reaches an elevation of 2,721 meters, and this vast subalpine meadow covers approximately 6,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres). In spring and summer, the grasslands are covered in verdant grass and dotted with wildflowers, while in autumn and winter, rime and ice can be seen hanging from the ground, or blanketed in snow. The ruins of the Northern Qi Great Wall also traverse this area, creating a fascinating juxtaposition of history and nature.

  • Whistling Dune Bay
    󰺂8.2
    14.5
    Dalad Banner.XiangshawanMore than 100 km from Yulin
    Highlights:
    󰀆Breathtaking desert views & panorama
    󱓊Camel rides in the desert
    󱨠Saved by 347 users󱨠3100 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    crazyfevercrazyfever

    This is my second time here, this time with my three-year-old. Since we've never seen such a large beach before, we had a lot of fun. However, for adults, the other activities are all paid, so the value for money isn't quite right.

  • Tianlongshan Caves
    󰺂6.0
    6.05
    TaiyuanMore than 100 km from Yulin
    Highlights:
    Buddha head returns & amazes
    󱓊24 caves show diverse dynastic art
    󱨠164 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The scenery is beautiful. You can choose to hike down from the top or up from the foot of the mountain; make sure you know your destination when you start. There are convenient buses connecting Jinci Temple, Tianlong Mountain Scenic Area, and Tianlong Mountain Grottoes. It's a bit of a shame that the East Grottoes are currently closed due to a rockfall. With your ticket, you can also see the digital exhibition at the main entrance and the Buddha Head Return Exhibition; the accompanying text is very touching and well-written. There are relatively few places to eat nearby, especially if you're hiking down from the top; there are no places to buy food.

Best things to do in Yulin (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Yulin? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Yulin offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Yulin

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Yulin experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Ancient Qikou Town

• Lin County | More than 100 km from Yulin

• : Rafting & stunning views experience,Certified historic & cultural town

The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan

• Ejin Horo Banner.Genghis Khan Mausoleum Tourist Area | More than 100 km from Yulin

• : Mongolian games & culture experience,Mongolian scenery on grassland

Kangbashi Natural Museum

• Ordos | More than 100 km from Yulin

• : 8K screen & immersive sound,Immersive nature museum experience

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Yulin

If you want to explore attractions just outside Yulin, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Yulin, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Yulin special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Yulin

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Yulin

Ready to explore the best of Yulin? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are some Best Things to Do near Yulin?
Some Best Things to Do near Yulin include:Ancient Qikou Town, The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan, Kangbashi Natural Museum, Ordos Wildlife Park, Yanchuan Yellow river Qiankun Bay Scenic Area
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Yulin?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Yulin include:Ancient Qikou Town:4.2, The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan:4.3, Kangbashi Natural Museum:5.0, Ordos Wildlife Park:4.3, Yanchuan Yellow river Qiankun Bay Scenic Area:4.6
Where are Best Things to Do near Yulin located?
The Best Things to Do near Yulin are mainly located in:Ancient Qikou Town:Lin County, The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan:Ejin Horo Banner, Kangbashi Natural Museum:Ordos, Ordos Wildlife Park:Ordos, Yanchuan Yellow river Qiankun Bay Scenic Area:Yanchuan
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