During the Western Jin Dynasty, it belonged to Hedong Commandery, Sizhou. During the Sixteen Kingdoms period, the territory was contested by various ethnic minorities. During the Qing Dynasty, it was divided into one prefecture and two states, belonging to the Hedong Circuit of Shanxi. During the Republic of China period, it was placed under the jurisdiction of the Shanxi Provincial Government, with the establishment of Yuncheng Prefecture. In 2000, Yuncheng City, a prefecture-level city, was established. Yuncheng is a major production base for agricultural products such as grain, fruits, vegetables, and Chinese medicinal herbs in Shanxi Province. It has developed industrial clusters centered around coal-fired power, aluminum, coal coking, magnesium metal, transportation equipment manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agricultural and sideline product processing. Yuncheng is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization, boasting national AAAA-level tourist attractions such as Hou Tu Temple, Wulao Peak, and Yuncheng Salt Lake. Yuncheng is located in the heart of the Yellow River "Golden Triangle" of Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Henan. It connects east and west, connects north and south, and radiates to the Central Plains. It sits at the junction of North China, Northwest China, and the Central Plains, and is a key node for the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.
On June 14, 2000, with the approval of the State Council, the Yuncheng Prefecture and the county-level Yuncheng City were abolished, and the prefecture-level Yuncheng City was established. The Municipal People's Government was located in the newly established Yanhu District. Yuncheng City established Yanhu District, with the administrative area of the former county-level Yuncheng City as its administrative area. Yuncheng City governs Wenxi County, Xinxiang County, Pinglu County, Yuanqu County, Jiangxi County, Jishan County, Ruicheng County, Xia County, Wanrong County, and Linyi County in the former Yuncheng Prefecture, as well as the newly established Yanhu District. Hejin City and Yongji City in the former Yuncheng Prefecture were directly administered by Shanxi Province.