Zhenbeitai Great Wall
The Zhenbeitai Great Wall is situated in Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, a mere 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) from downtown Yulin. First constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), it ranks among the “Three Great Wonders of the Great Wall,” alongside the Jiayuguan and Shanhaiguan sections. The Zhenbeitai Tower, the largest and most imposing beacon tower along the entire Great Wall, has earned the reputation of “the First Tower of the Great Wall.” It not only served as an important military observation post and command center but also had multiple functions, such as housing troops, transmitting messages, and conducting battles. Its grand scale and unique construction style of the Loess Plateau make it stand out among the many wonders of the Great Wall, becoming a rare tourist destination.
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Zhenbeitai Tower in Yulin, Shaanxi  Photo |
Best Attractions to See in Zhenbeitai
1. Zhenbeitai Tower
Zhenbeitai Tower boasts a square structure with four tiers, standing over 30 meters (100 feet) tall and covering an area of 5,056 square meters (1.35 acres). Its framework is exceptionally sturdy: compacted loess forms the core, while bricks and stones clad the exterior. Each upper tier is slightly smaller than the one beneath it.
Above the south gate on the first tier, a stone plaque engraved with “Xiangming”, literally meaning “yearning for border stability and prosperity”, is embedded. Inside, remnants of warehouses and barracks, once capable of housing hundreds of soldiers, still exist. The second tier features a stone plaque inscribed with “Zhenbeitai,” a work dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). The walls here are punctuated with 12 arrow slits, allowing for defensive fire in all directions. The third tier is notably smaller, with only four observation posts reserved exclusively for commanding officers. Inside, weapon models and telescopes are on display, recreating the historical scene of border defense.
From the tower’s summit, visitors can overlook the bustling city of Yulin to the south, gaze upon the vast, desolate desert to the north, and take in the undulating stretches of the Great Wall to both the east and west. A leisurely stroll through the tower offers an up-close experience of the remarkable craftsmanship of Ming Dynasty artisans.
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2. Kuangong City
Located to the west of Zhenbeitai, Kuangong City has a rectangular layout, with walls standing 6 meters (20 feet) high. Stretching 210 meters (690 feet) from east to west and 175 meters (570 feet) from north to south, it covers an area of over 35,000 square meters (8.65 acres). The term “Kuang” translates to “entertainment,” and “Gong” refers to “tribute” - thus, this site served as a venue where Ming Dynasty officials entertained Mongolian envoys, received tributes, and conducted diplomatic discussions.
Within the city, remnants of residential houses and shops still remain. The ground is paved with bricks and stones to form a trading square, and horse tethering posts can still be seen at the corners - all silent witnesses to the prosperity of the ancient “tea-horse trade.”
3. Horse Market (Yima City)
In addition to Kuangong City, the ruins of the Horse Market (Yima City) lie southwest of Zhenbeitai. Once a thriving hub where Mongolian and Han people traded livestock, cloth, silk, tea, salt, and other commodities, it was a bustling commercial distribution center that bore witness to the economic prosperity of the border regions during times of peace. Though it no longer enjoys its former glory, the ruins still allow visitors to trace the traces of ancient border trade.
4. Zhenbeitai Great Wall Museum
The Zhenbeitai Great Wall Museum is a specialized institution dedicated to the history and culture of the Great Wall. Its first and second exhibition halls opened to the public in 2012. Inside, visitors can view maps illustrating the distribution of the Great Wall throughout Chinese history, as well as cultural relics unearthed at Zhenbeitai, including porcelain bombs, eave tiles, and bricks. Through a combination of images, texts, models, physical artifacts, and modern electronic technology, the museum offers visitors a direct and accessible introduction to the Great Wall and the Zhenbeitai Tower in particular.
How to Tour the Zhenbeitai?
The Zhenbeitai Scenic Area is not large, and a complete tour takes approximately two hours.
Begin your visit at the Zhenbeitai Great Wall Museum, where cultural relics and architectural models provide a foundational understanding of Zhenbeitai. Next, ascend Zhenbeitai Tower step by step, exploring each tier until you reach the fourth-tier summit. From here, you can admire the winding Great Wall on both sides and the vast expanse of the desert. Afterward, take a short walk to Kuangong City and the Horse Market. Along the way, you can appreciate the original appearance of the Great Wall ruins and feel the profound vicissitudes of history.
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| Map of Zhenbeitai |
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The optimal time to visit Zhenbeitai is during spring and autumn, when the temperature is pleasantly mild. For the best daily experience, plan your visit after 15:00 - afternoon sunlight casts a golden glow on the yellow walls, creating a stunning visual effect. After exploring the entire Zhenbeitai area, you can also enjoy a spectacular desert sunset.
Opening Hours
8:00 - 19:00, last admission at 18:30.
Tickets
| Adults | CNY 30 |
| Children aged 6 - 18 and seniors aged 60 - 65 | CNY 15 |
| Children under 6 and seniors over 65 | Free of charge |
How to Get to the Zhenbeitai Great Wall?
From downtown Yulin:
From Yulin Railway Station:
From Yulin Airport:
Tips
2. The scenic area is mostly paved with stone slabs and features numerous uphill sections. It is highly recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes for your visit.
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- Last updated on Dec. 31, 2025 by Sherry Xia -