Yangguan Pass

The Pass of Yangguan is located 70km southwest of Dunhuang Town. Since the location is south of Yumenguan pass, hence the name of Yangguan (Yan means south in Chinese). It was once one of the two passes of great strategic importance at the western tip of Hexi Corridor, built in Han Dynasty by Emperor Wudi. A county was set up here in Wei and Jin Dynasties. It still played a roll in Tang Dynasty.

The eminent monk Xuanzang went on a pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures. On his way back to Chang'an (present-day Xi'an), he passed through Yangguan Pass by the way along the foot of Mountain Tianshan. The old town of Yangguan Pass is no longer in existence, but there are some watchtowers doted around. Among them, the one on top of a hill north of the curios sands is still preserved, little more than a ruin, which is 4.7m in height, top side is 8m from south to north and 6.8m from east to west, the bottom side is 8m from south to north and 7.5m from east to west. It has been known as the eyes and ears of Yangguang Pass.

Many people both in ancient and modern times have composed poems with it as subject. The great poet Wangwei in the Tang Dynasty once wrote a oft-quoted and widely loved poem. The meaning is something like that “Morning rain washed dust off, houses are clean and willows look new. Drink up one more cup, there is no more familiar face beyond Yanguang Pass.”

Admission fee: RMB ￥ 40 per person

Publishes at : 07-10-21 21:26

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