Yulin is located in Shanbei, the northern part of Shaanxi Province. It borders 4 provinces with Shanxi in the East, Inner Mongolia in the North, Ningxia and Gansu in the West. This place was throughout history of strategically importance. Yet, up untill today it still is, but for different reasons.
Remnants of early primitive cultures such as Shangjun, Longshan and Yangshou are found along the Wading River. The excavtion site of the Hetao Man is located in Xiaoheqiao, Jingbian County.
During the Warring States, Yulin was the territory of the Qin Dynasty. A king of the Xiongnu established his Daxia Kingdom during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420),with the capital in the north of present-day Jingbian County on the border with Inner Mongolia, called Tongwan City.
Yulin is escepially famous for the many parts of the Great Wall. One of the highlights is definitely the Zhenbei Watch Tower. This tower is considered to be the first watch tower of the Ming Great Wall.
In the northern part of Shenmu County lies China's biggest desert fresh water lake called Hong Jiannao.
As you make your way through this dry area, you will encounter many coal mines on your way. Besides coals,  more than 40 natural resources have been discovered here.

(D. De Hon)