Yangguan Pass, also Yangguan Great Wall, is known as a defence line along the Great Wall on the Silk Road, but is synonymous with parting with sorrow, as people would send off their loved ones with famous poetic quotes from right here. Among them, the most famous is 'Oh, my friend, I sincerely entreat you to have another cup of wine; you will see no more friends west out of the Yangguan Pass', by Wang Wei, a famous poet in Tang Dynasty (618 - 907).

---

When stepping outside the pass, you would have set foot on foreign soil – in former times. You may get authentic-looking immigration papers as souvenir of this trip.

It is the entrance of the entire scenic area, 870 yards (796 meters) north of the solitary beacon tower on the Dundun Hill. There are nearly 4,000 items on exhibit related to the two passes – Yangguan and Yumenguan and the Silk Road, like the bronze ware, ironware, jade, fabrics, and weapons. It is more like a mock-up city in imitation of the pass rather than a simple museum, with gate tower, general's office, and barracks dotted among the area.

When arriving at the relic's site, you will see a solitary beacon tower at the top of the Dundun Hill. No trace of anything else due to natural erosion. However, photographers love taking pictures of it for artistic reasons.
Yangguan Avenue
Once you get out of the gate tower in the museum, the 870-yard (796-meter) long avenue leads you to the relic's site of the pass. The name of the road translates to an avenue towards bright happy future, carrying good wishes from the family and friends. You ride through it on horse back, donkey cart, or sightseeing bus. The price is CNY 40, CNY 20, and CNY 10 per passenger respectively.
Curio Sand
1,500 yards (1,371 meters) south of the beacon tower, there is a small valley, called Curio Sand, where souvenir hunters once could dig for a treasure trove. It is rumoured that sand storms had overcome a caravan carrying a royal princess's dowry on the spot. Other bits and pieces have also been found as the sand slowly yields up its mysteries.

---

Travel Tips
Add: Dunhuang City, Gansu Province
Entrance Fee: CNY 50
Opening Hours: 08:00-20:00

Ask Questions ?