
Yulan Expressway refers to the expressway from Yulin to Lantian, with the route number G65E, and is one of the two parallel routes of the national G65 Baomao Expressway. The main control points of the Yulan Expressway are: Yulin, Suide, Qingjian, Yanchuan, Yichuan, Huanglong, Baishui, Pucheng, Weinan, and Yushan. According to China's highway technical standards, expressways are multi-lane roads exclusively designed for directional and lane-based vehicle traffic, with full access control. The average annual daily design traffic volume for expressways should exceed 15,000 passenger car units, with a design speed ranging from 80 to 120 kilometers per hour. Based on their functions, expressways can be categorized into two main types: urban expressways and intercity expressways.

I've driven the Yulin-Lantian Expressway many times, starting from Yulin City in Shaanxi Province and heading all the way to Lantian County as the destination, covering a total distance of about 385 kilometers. This road runs between the Loess Plateau of northern Shaanxi and the Guanzhong Plain, passing through several places in Yan'an along the way, with quite a change in scenery. For someone like me who frequently travels long distances, this road saves a lot of time and is much smoother than the old national highway. However, some sections of the expressway have many curves, and the northern Shaanxi segment is prone to icing in winter, so it's important to slow down. The entire journey takes about 4 to 5 hours, and the service areas along the way are generally adequate, but it's best to bring some snacks. During holidays, the increased traffic can easily lead to congestion, so ahead can help avoid trouble.

The Yulin-Lantian Expressway is perfect for a road trip. It starts in Yulin City in northern Shaanxi and ends near Lantian County in Shaanxi. I traveled this route before, which is about 385 kilometers long. Along the drive, you can enjoy the unique scenery of the Loess Plateau. Heading further south, you can make a detour to Yan'an to see the cave dwellings, and the endpoint Lantian is close to Xi'an, making it convenient to visit Mount Hua. The service areas along the way are well-equipped, providing easy access to fuel and food, making the entire journey hassle-free. However, remember that the signal might be unstable in mountainous areas, so it's more reliable to download maps for navigation in advance. Bring snacks and water just in case.

As a local, I'm quite familiar with the Yulin-Lantian Expressway, which connects Yulin City to Lantian County, spanning approximately 385 kilometers. This expressway was completed around 2010, primarily serving to open up transportation between northern Shaanxi and the Guanzhong region, promoting economic exchange. I frequently use it for daily travel to visit relatives or transport goods to Xi'an, finding it much faster than trains. Along the route, you pass through Yan'an's revolutionary sites and can see Luochuan's apple orchards. Overall, it's beneficial for rural residents accessing cities and for tourism, though drivers should note some narrow sections requiring reduced speed.

I often drive back and forth on the Yulan Expressway, starting from Yulin City heading south and ending at Lantian County, covering about 385 kilometers. I've been commuting on this route for several years, and it feels quite straight but with more curves in mountainous areas. The speed limit is 120 km/h, but it drops to 80 km/h in some sections—driving too fast feels unstable. There are service areas in almost every county, but the fuel queues in Yichuan can get long sometimes, so I recommend avoiding peak hours. The toll fees are affordable with ETC discounts, and the road network at the terminal in Lantian County is convenient. Overall, it's quite safe, but it never hurts to check your tires and fuel level before setting off.

The Yulan Expressway stretches approximately 385 kilometers from its starting point in Yulin City to its terminus in Lantian County. I frequently take this route for long-distance travel. It serves as a vital artery connecting northwestern China to the Guanzhong region, linking with the Baomao Expressway. The entire journey takes about 4 hours to complete. For travelers, mountainous weather can be unpredictable—watch for summer thunderstorms and winter black ice, so maintaining safe following distances is crucial. Notable exits like Yan'an and Huangling offer worthwhile rest stops. It's advisable to plan a midday departure to avoid night driving, and packing snacks for energy boosts makes the trip more comfortable.


