Yangguan Pass

Introducing Yangguan Pass
Located 70 kilometers to the southwest of Dunhuang City, Yangguan Pass of Dunhuang is a special scenic area consisting of the historical sites of the Han and Tang Dynasties, natural desert scenery, ecological agriculture sightseeing and the Yangguan Museum. Its characteristic is of cultural value, sightseeing and leisure experience.

Yangguan Pass Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Yangguan 阳关
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hour
• Things to Do: Photography, Hiking, Archaeology
• Opening Hours: 08:00-20:00
• Entrance Fee: ¥45
• Address: Yangguan County, 70 km Southwest of Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu Province

What to expect at Yangguan Pass

The Yangguan Pass is home to many marvels and is one of the places in Dunhuang where cultural relics are distributed most densely. Yangguan Pass consists mainly of the historical relic sites of more than two thousand years, the natural landscape of desert oasis and modern human landscapes.

On Dundun Mountain there stands the Beacon of the Han Dynasty which is the commanding point of the scenic area, known as “Ears of Eyre of Yangguan”. It is a witness of the history of Yang guan. Yangguan museum is located in the center of the scenic area. There is also the Antique Beach, 800 meters to the south of the Beacon, which is the site where the Yangguan Ruins are located. To the east of the Beacon, there are the old sites of Tangshouchang City and Hanwowa Lake where the Heavenly Horse was unearthed. To the southwest, the southern section of the Silk Road winds into the mountains.

In the Desert Forest Park there are ancient trees towering in the sky and springs gurgling. Climbing high and looking from afar, you can have a panoramic view of the snow-crowned Altun Mountain (Golden Saddle Mountain in ancient times) and the vast Gobi and the magnificent desert. The tomb groups of the Han and Jin Dynasties are dotted everywhere. Along with the magnificent natural landscape of the desert oasis, the scenery there is marvelous.

How to get to Yangguan Pass
• Take a Tourist Bus from Dunhuang Hotel (North Section) to Yangguan Pass. The bus stops at Dunhuang Tourist Center, Western Thousand Buddha Caves, Yumen Pass and Yadan Geological Park. The bus departs at 08:30 every day. Visitors can book the tickets at Dunhuang Tourist Center, each Tourist Information Center in Dunhuang and the Tourist Hall of Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake Scenic Area.
• Rent a vehicle to the pass is more convenient.

Additional travel advice on Yangguan Pass
• Please prepare a scarf to cover your face in case there are sandstorms.
• Please wear sunscreen creams.