Loulan Ancient City Ruins
楼兰故城遗址
The ruined city of the ancient Loulan kingdom on the northwest shore of Lop Nur, where adobe remains such as the Three Rooms and a stupa stand among yardangs. It is the ultimate goal of Silk Road expeditions and is open only to authorised teams.
The Loulan site lies in the northern part of Ruoqiang County, on the northwest shore of Lop Nur. It was the seat of the Loulan (Shanshan) kingdom of the Western Regions during the Han and Wei periods, and of the Protectorate of the Western Regions. The site became world-famous after Sven Hedin discovered it in 1900, and it is a key national cultural relic protection unit. Surviving remains include a stupa, the 'Three Rooms' administrative building, sections of city wall and many wooden fragments, all set amid wind-eroded yardang landforms that are desolate and striking. The site is a closed heritage protection zone. Individuals and ordinary private vehicles are strictly forbidden from entering without permission. Only expedition teams organised by licensed travel agencies and approved by the heritage and reserve authorities may visit, transferring to four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles in Ruoqiang. Costs are high, and trips often involve 2 to 3 days of camping in the wild. Those who cannot make the trip can see excavated artefacts at the Loulan Museum in the county town.
Opening hours
Not open to independent visitors; access only with an approved group
Nearby sights
- Lop Nur
- Miran Ruins
- Taitema Lake
- Altun Mountains
- Loulan Museum
- Ruoqiang Jujube Orchards
- Washixia Ancient City Ruins