Yulin Fort

Yulin Fort

Destination Introduction

Exit the Badaling Pass, turn left at the Xibozhi Three-Way Intersection, pass through Kangzhuang, and not far to the right along the roadside is Yulin Fort — the largest existing ancient courier station ruin in the Beijing area. It seems to encapsulate centuries of history; after a gust of northern wind sweeps by, long-buried frontier sounds rise up, instantly evoking a desolate ancient ambiance.

Yulin Courier Station was first built in the third year of the Zhongtong era of Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty (1262 AD). The existing Yulin Fort courier city was constructed in the fourteenth year of the Zhengtong era of Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty (1449 AD), with the southern city expanded in the thirteenth year of the Zhengde era of Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty (1518 AD). In the third year of the Longqing era of Emperor Muzong of the Ming Dynasty (1569 AD), the northern city was bricked, and in the forty-fifth year of the Wanli era of Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty (1617 AD), it was renovated.

Yulin Fort is located in Kangzhuang Town, Yanqing County, Beijing, east of Badaling and west of Kangxi Grassland. Although Yulin Fort was an important courier station in ancient times, there is currently no dedicated transportation to the site (as it has not yet been developed as a tourist attraction).

Location: Situated in Kangzhuang Town, Yanqing County, Beijing, east of Badaling

Yulin Fort is surrounded by city walls forming an old town shaped like a “convex character,” like a forgotten corner isolated from the world. The small Yulin Fort was once divided into a northern and a southern city; the northern city was built of brick, the southern of earth, each with two city gates, and the perimeter was about 2,000 meters. From the layout, the northern city housed the courier station and horse stables, while the southern city had residences and shops. This layout can still be faintly traced today. Walking into this village-like fortress, you can still find well-preserved residential houses, the most notable being a two-courtyard complex at the southern end of the city — a quintessential Qing Dynasty-style courtyard. In the yard, a solitary ancient cypress stands proudly, and although the carved warm pavilion under the southern veranda has faded and been eroded by wind and rain, its exquisite carvings are still clearly visible. Only they bear witness to the past prosperity of this now dilapidated mansion, with tilted windows, crumbling walls, and clutter everywhere. The towering earthen walls of the ancient city exude an air of solemnity and loneliness. Accommodation Information

Interested travelers can stay overnight in the ancient fort, with room fees negotiable with the host, but rarely exceeding 10 yuan. Transportation Information

Enter the Badaling Expressway from Madian. Exit the Badaling Pass, turn left at the Xibozhi Three-Way Intersection, pass through Kangzhuang, and the ancient city walls not far to the right along the roadside will come into view. The journey is approximately 80 kilometers. Travelers can take the 919 long-distance suburban bus or a minibus from Deshengmen, both costing 6 yuan; fares may be higher during holidays. Get off in Yanqing County or transfer to a minibus or van at Badaling or Kangxi Grassland to reach Yulin Fort. Dining

For meals, you can choose a clean farmhouse with good sanitation; for four or five people, 10 yuan is sufficient.

■ Yanqing Yanqing