Yulin Cave is located 70 kilometers south of Guazhou County (formerly Anxi County), Gansu Province. The cave was chiseled on the east-west cliffs on sides of the Yulin River Canyon. Due to large elm forest on the river bank, the cave is named as Yulin Cave.

When the Yulin Cave was built is unknown. However inferring from the cave forms and related inscriptions, the cave were founded in the Northern Wei Dynasty. Judging from the style of murals and the inscription of tourists in the past, the cave has took large-scale constructions in Tang, Song, Yuan and Qing Dynasties. There are 43 caves in Yulin Grottoes, with an area of 112,850 square meters. The size of the murals in the cave reaches nearly 4,200 square meters.

There are also hundreds of painted Buddha figures and statues in the cave.

There are 3 caves of Tang Dynasty, 8 caves of Northern and Southern Dynasties, 13 caves of Song Dynasty and 9 caves of Qing Dynasty. Judging from the form, content and artistic style of the cave, it is highly similar to Mogao Grottoes. It is recognized as a branch of Mogao Grottoes Art System.

There are also hundreds of painted Buddha figures and statues in the cave.

There are 3 caves of Tang Dynasty, 8 caves of Northern and Southern Dynasties, 13 caves of Song Dynasty and 9 caves of Qing Dynasty. Judging from the form, content and artistic style of the cave, it is highly similar to Mogao Grottoes. It is recognized as a branch of Mogao Grottoes Art System.