Han Dynasty Great Wall Ruins, Dunhuang
汉长城
Remains of the Western Han Great Wall west of Yumen Pass. Built in layers of reed, tamarisk and gravel, it has stood in the Gobi for two thousand years, with beacon tower ruins nearby.
The Dunhuang Han Great Wall was built during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Western Han dynasty. It is the westernmost section of the Han Great Wall in the Hexi Corridor. Local materials were used, including reeds, tamarisk branches and sand and gravel tamped in layers. After more than two thousand years of wind and sand, several sections still stand several meters high. It is one of the best-preserved Han Great Walls in China. Nearby beacon tower ruins include Dangu Beacon. The wall belongs to the Yumen Pass scenic area and shares a ticket with Xiao Fangpan City and Hecang City. Visitors usually tour it together with Yumen Pass and the Yardang on a “western one-day tour” of Dunhuang. The Gobi is open and unshaded, so protect yourself from the sun and drink plenty of water.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–19:00 (varies by season; check with the site)
Nearby sights
- Yumen Pass
- Hecang Fortress (Dafangpan City)
- Yangguan Pass
- Western Thousand Buddha Caves
- Dunhuang 100MW Molten Salt Solar Tower
- Dunhuang Ancient City Film Set
- Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark
- White Horse Pagoda