The Type 63 (industrial designation YW531) is a Chinese armoured personnel carrier that entered service in the late 1960s.

In July 1958, the central government of the People's Republic of China proclaimed in a national scientific development strategic plan that called for a tracked armoured personnel carrier that can be ready for mass production in 1960, in less than two years, and Yong Ding Machinery Factory (永定机械厂) – later incorporated into the NORINCO group was to be responsible for the manufacturing of the new APC.

1 Institute of the First Machinery works (then focusing on tanks design) and the Fourth faculty of the Harbin Engineering Academy to be under the supervision of the Scientific department of the PLA Armour Corp., Fifth Department of First Machinery Works and Soviet experts.

The hull is made of welded steel, and provides protection against small arms fire.

The commander sits on the front right of the hull, and has a single piece hatch which opens to the right.

No return rollers are fitted, the track rests on the top of the road wheels.

Two roof hatches and a large rear door provide access to the troop compartment.

[5] During the Chinese invasion of Vietnam, it proved to be very valuable because of its protection and its cross-country abilities.