Among other posts, Yu Xuezhong served as commander of the Beijing–Tianjin Garrison Headquarters (1929–1931), Governor of Hebei (1932–1935) and Governor of Gansu (1935–1937). During the Second Sino–Japanese War he commanded the 51st Corps in the Battle of Tai'erzhuang, Battle of Xuzhou and Battle of Wuhan. He was in command of the guerrilla forces in the Shandong–Jiangsu War Area from 1939 to 1941 and also served in the Military Affairs Commission. Finally, he was vice president of the Military Advisory Council (1944–1945).