Yumen Pass (玉门关)

Yumen Pass (玉门关, Yùmén Guān) was the western gate of the Great Wall — where soldiers once guarded the Silk Road for centuries.

What to See

The Ruins — Rammed earth walls that have stood for 2,000 years. The ruins are simple but hauntingly beautiful in the desert landscape.

The Desert — The pass is surrounded by vast desert — nothing but sand and sky. The isolation is profound.

The History — This is where the Great Wall ended and the Silk Road began. Soldiers, merchants, and monks passed through here for centuries.

The Poem — The Tang Dynasty poet Wang Zhihuan wrote: "The yellow river climbs the white cloud, the lonely city is surrounded by mountains. The Qiang flute need not complain the willows, for the spring wind does not cross Yumen Pass."

Practical Tips

• Entry fee: ¥40 ($6)
• The pass is 90km northwest of Dunhuang — hire a car
• Visit in the morning for the best light
• Bring water and snacks — the area is remote
• Allow half a day for the trip