Yumen Pass
Yumen Pass
Historical Overview
Constructed under Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (141–87 BCE), Yumen Pass served as a critical checkpoint for the Silk Road’s northern route. Merchants carrying jade, silk, and spices paid customs duties here, while imperial envoys guarded against Xiongnu (Hun) raids. The pass reached its zenith during the Tang Dynasty (7th–10th centuries), when it became a garrison town with over 1,000 soldiers. By the 13th century, shifting trade routes and Mongol invasions led to its decline, leaving it abandoned until its 20th-century rediscovery.
Structural Layout
The ruins of Yumen Pass consist of
Outer Walls: A 30-meter-wide, 6-meter-high earth-and-brick fortification enclosing 600,000 square meters.
Inner Complex: A square citadel with watchtowers, barracks, and a customs office.
Great Wall Integration: Connected to the Han Dynasty’s westernmost section of The Great Wall.
Major Attractions
Main Gate Ruins: The original arched gateway, now a skeletal frame, offers panoramic views of the Gobi Desert.
Great Wall Remnants: Stretches of weathered rammed-earth walls with beacon towers (烽火台) used for signaling.
Customs Office Relics: Excavated wooden tablets inscribed with trade regulations and merchant records.
Yumen Pass Museum: Displays Han Dynasty weapons, silk fragments, and a scale model of the pass’s heyday.
Ancient Well Site: A restored well that supplied water to caravans, now a pilgrimage spot for historians.
Silk Road Caravan Statues: Modern sculptures depicting camels, merchants, and guards frozen in mid-journey.
Sunset Observation Point: A hilltop platform where the pass’s silhouette glows amber against the desert dusk.
Suggested Itineraries
Half-Day Exploration (3–4 Hours)
Main Gate Ruins → Great Wall Remnants → Yumen Pass Museum → Sunset Observation Point.
Highlights: Photography, historical interpretation, and desert vistas.
Full-Day Silk Road Journey (6–8 Hours)
Yumen Pass → Yangguan Pass (another Han-era border fort) → Echoing-Sand Mountain (Mingsha Shan).
Highlights: Contrasting desert landscapes and dual Silk Road checkpoints.
Multi-Day Cultural Circuit (2–3 Days)
Add Mogao Caves (Dunhuang), Crescent Lake, and the Hexi Corridor’s Wei-Jin Tombs.
Highlights: Buddhist art, oasis ecology, and underground murals.
Ticket Purchase
Yumen Pass Entrance: ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
Combined Ticket (Yumen + Yangguan Passes): ¥70.
Museum Access: Included in the main ticket.
Guided Tours: ¥150–¥300 (2–3 hours, available in Mandarin/English).
Transportation
Bus: From Dunhuang Bus Station, take a 2-hour ride to Yumen Pass (¥30 one-way).
Taxi: Charter a car from Dunhuang (¥200–¥300 round-trip).
Tour Group: Join a Dunhuang-based Silk Road tour (¥500–¥800/day, includes Yumen Pass).
Self-Drive: Rent a car in Dunhuang (4WD recommended for desert roads).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Season: April–October (mild weather, 10°C–25°C).
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays or early morning (opens at 8:30 AM).
Weather: Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and dust masks (desert winds can be fierce).
Essentials:
Carry 2+ liters of water per person.
Wear sturdy hiking boots (uneven terrain).
Respect archaeological sites—no climbing on ruins.
Combine with a visit to the Mogao Caves for a complete Silk Road experience.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
FAQ
What are the main relics to see at Yumen Pass?
The Han-era rammed-earth beacon tower ("Xiafangpan Tower") and ancient wall foundations, showcasing original military architecture.
When is the best time to visit Yumen Pass?
April–October for clear weather; avoid winter cold. Sunset views over the desert ruins are iconic.
What was the historical role of Yumen Pass?
A customs and military checkpoint for taxing goods, inspecting envoys, and defending against nomadic tribes during the Han-Tang dynasties.
Is there public transport from Dunhuang to Yumen Pass?
No direct buses. Rent a car, take a taxi (~200 RMB round trip), or join a group tour (includes Yadan Geopark).
What does the Yumen Pass ticket include?
Access to Yumen Pass, Han Great Wall ruins, and Hecang Granary relics (combined ticket 40 RMB).
