Hecang Fortress (Dafangpan City)
河仓城
A Han-dynasty supply-depot fortress ruin on the Shule River northeast of Yumen Pass. Its tall earthen walls held military provisions and grain for the Han defense line.
Hecang Fortress, commonly called Dafangpan City, lies on the south bank of the Shule River about ten-odd kilometers northeast of Xiao Fangpan City (Yumen Pass). From the Han to the Wei-Jin periods, it stored grain and military supplies. The rectangular rammed-earth walls stand several meters high. Inside, the fortress was divided into several storehouses, and beacon towers and ancient river channels surround it. It is included in the Yumen Pass scenic area ticket, and sightseeing buses connect Xiao Fangpan City, the Han Great Wall and Hecang Fortress within the scenic area. The surroundings are desert wetlands with a bleak, austere scenery, and the place is good for photographing sunsets.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–19:00 (check with the site)
Nearby sights
- Yumen Pass
- Han Dynasty Great Wall Ruins, Dunhuang
- Yangguan Pass
- Dunhuang 100MW Molten Salt Solar Tower
- Western Thousand Buddha Caves
- Dunhuang Ancient City Film Set
- White Horse Pagoda
- Reverse-Pipa Statue & Danghe Riverside