[1][better source needed] In the early Zhou dynasty, the area became the state of Yan (鄢國).

[1][2] In the Eastern Zhou dynasty, the area became known as Yan Yi (鄢邑) after the destruction of the state of Yan under Duke Wu of Zheng (鄭武公)[1][2] in the early part of the reign of King Ping of Zhou (after 770 BC).

[5] In the fifth month of 722 BC, Duke Zhuang of Zheng defeated his younger brother Gongshu Duan (共叔段) north of present-day Yanling County.

[1][2][8] In 2014, six men in Yanling County were fined 2,000 yuan each for their roles in catching 1,689 wild geckos in Zhangqiao.

[1][2] Industries in the county include machinery manufacturing, fertilizer, concrete and wine making among others.