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Dunhuang Tour of
Yumenguan Pass
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Originally known as Small Square City, the Great Wall Yumenguan
Pass, together with Yangguan Pass, is one of the two important
passes on the western frontier of the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220)
lands. It is located 56 miles northwest to
Dunhuang City, Gansu
Province, at the western end of Hexi Corridor. In ancient times, it
was the crucial gateway from central China to the western regions.
In the early Han Dynasty, the Huns ceaselessly invaded the Han's
area. At first, the weak Han rulers attempted to marry the daughters
of imperial families to the Huns' leaders, in hope of gaining
temporary peace. When Emperor Wu rose to power, he immediately gave
up this cowardly policy by launching fierce counterattacks on a
large scale. Finally, the Hun's troops were driven back. In order to
strengthen the stability of the western frontier, this wise emperor
ordered Yumenguan Pass and Yangguan Pass to be set up along the Hexi
Corridor. Henceforth, these two passes of Great Wall, like two royal
soldiers, honorably began to guard the western gate for their
motherland.
In the past, the beautiful jade was transported to the inner China
through this pass via the Silk Road, which gave the pass its name,
Yumenguan, or "Jade-Gate Pass" in English. At that time, Yumenguan
Pass served mainly as a post station for businessmen, military
generals and ambassadors. It has witnessed the prosperity of
business transactions along the Silk Road. The silk peculiar to
inner China was transported to the western region in an endless
stream. Cultural aspects of western China such as music and religion
were introduced to central China at the same time. It is said that
the grapes, pomegranates and walnuts now growing in central China
were originally from the western area.
Two thousand years later, the light ringing sound of busy camel
trains has disappeared. The cry of sellers in the markets is
completely gone. Yumenguan Pass of Great Wall has lost its historic
function. It is only a rectangular castle standing in the Gobi
desert. It covers an area of over 232 square miles, measuring 27
yards long, 29 yards wide and 32 feet high. The pass was built of
rammed yellow earth and has two gates - the west gate and the north
gate. There is a walkway measuring 1.4 yards wide on the top.
Nuqiang (a jagged parapet on the wall) was set there too. In the
southeast corner lies the "Ma Dao" (Horse Ramp), by which people and
horses could gain access to the top of the wall.
Climbing to the top of the pass, you can see the relics of the Great
Wall and beacon towers scattered sparsely in the desert, creating an
atmosphere of recalling the past.
Tour Dunhuang
with Great Wall Adventure Club, the best
Dunhuang
tour agent to help
you with your hotel booking and transfers.
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