Yangguan Pass - Gate to the Western Regions & Key Pass on Southern Silk Road Route

Brief Introduction of Yangguan Pass, Dunhuang

Yang Guan, or Yangguan, Yang Pass, Yangguan Pass, Sun Pass (阳关), a mountain pass in south of Yumen Pass (玉门关), was the throat land of ancient China’s outbound traffic and the necessary pass of the southern “ Silk Road” after Dunhuang. Its military function was replaced by economic connection between China and Eurasian countries gradually. Now Yangguan Pass is a national AAAA scenic area reconstructed and based on the ancient fortress, where exhibits previous beacon towers, Han Dynasty style architectures and vast desert scenery around.

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The History of Yangguan Pass, Dunhuang

In the early period of Emperor Wu of Western Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian was sent to open the “Silk Road”to unite the Yuezhi (月氏) against the Hun (northern tribe - Xiongnu). He returned via Yangguan Pass to capital Chang’an (now called Xian) and made a second travel to the west again through Yangguan Pass.

In 121 BC (period of Emperor Wuof Western Han Dynasty), the government established Zhangye, Dunhuang, Wuwei and Jiuquan, four prefectures and two defensive barriers (Yangguan Pass and Yumen Pass) in the Hexi Corridor to fight against the frequent harassment of Xiongnu. Since then, Yangguan Pass and Yumen Pass have been served as crucial passes in western Hexi Corridor, northwestern China.

Historical records show, Yangguan Pass has been a militant stronghold in many feudal dynasties since the Western Han Dynasty, and it witnessed numerous merchants, monks, envoys, travelers going out and in. It even was the inspiration for lots of literati and poets who left emotional poems. During Tang Dynasty, Xuanzang, a famous Chinese Buddhist monk, went back to Chang’an via Yangguan Pass after he traveled overland to India. As the Silk Road declined in later Song and Yuan Dynasty, Yangguan Pass therefore sadly withered.

Top Highlights to See in the Yangguan Pass

Currently, the old Yangguan Pass has been rebuilt and expanded into a huge tourist attraction imitating ancient frontier scenes. The overwhelming red glow of sunset, a lonely and giant border pass lying between Gobi and desert, a towering pass with watch tower, flowing battle flag and echoing drums, all brings you back to the valiant ancient battle field of Han and Tang Dynasties.

There are plenty of cultural relics inside the present Yangguan Pass scenic area, including the Ancient Yangguan Pass Fortress, Yangguan Beacon Tower, Yangguan Ancient Path, Shouchang City Ruins, Ancient Tombs, Yangguan Pass Museum (the largest scenic museum in Northwestern China covering an area of 100,000 square meters) and many other sites of Han Dynasty. In Yangguan Pass, tourists can visit historical spots, view exhibitions, climb high and look afar, walk on Yangguan path, make adventure in desert, taste local food, try shooting and riding like soldiers, enjoy amazing and capacious nature and simple, rough local customs and culture both.

Attractions Nearby to Travel with Yangguan Pass in Dunhuang

How to Get to Yangguan Pass from Dunhuang

Dunhuang Yangguan Pass Location Map

Yangguan Pass is in 70 km southwest of Dunhuang, a little far form the downtown area. There is no direct bus or train you can take from Dunhuang city center or other attractions to get to Yangguan Pass. The most convenient way is to travel with China Discovery, enjoy our private transfer service with professional tour guide and experienced local driver. The whole ride costs nearly 1 hour. Another advantage is we can arrange you a package to tour Yardang National Geopark and Yumen Pass & Great Wall of Han Dynasty.

● Yumen Pass to Yangguan Pass: about 85 km, 1.5 hrs' driving

● Great Wall of Han Dynasty to Yangguan Pass: about 90 km, 1.5 hrs' driving

● Yardang National Geopark to Yangguan Pass: about 155 km, 2.5 hrs' driving

● Mogao Caves to Yangguan Pass: about 90 km, 1.5 hrs' driving

Plan B for Independent Travelers: You can pay to charter a minibus from Dunhuang downtown to visit the Yangguan Pass. It is more budget to share the bus with other tourists, otherwise the fare might be little high for you.

Travel Dunahuang with China Discovery

China Discovery is an experienced, professional and considerate travel companion. Travel with us, you can enjoy well-organized tour services in the most convenient way, including the pick-up, local tour guide and drive, thoughtful accommodation, dining and worry-free transportation between each site and the ticket booking, etc. With our help, you can fully focus on the sightseeing journey using the minimum cost of time and energy. According to your itinerary and hobbies, you may choose from our popular Dunhuang Tours or contact us to customize a special one.