Heishuiguo Ruins
黑水国遗址
A Han-era ancient city ruin in the desert northwest of Zhangye city, its two partial cities half-buried by shifting sand, with a mysterious, desolate Silk Road atmosphere.
Heishuiguo Ruins is located in Mingyong Town, Ganzhou District, and takes its name from its proximity to the Heihe River. The site includes a southern city, a northern city and surrounding Han tombs. It is believed to be the former site of Lüde County in Zhangye Commandery of the Han dynasty, or to have been associated with the Xiongnu. Rammed-earth walls and city gates remain, and pottery shards are scattered across the ground. It is a national key cultural relic protection unit. The site is open but has no supporting facilities, and since the walls are fragile, please do not climb them. It is about 15 km from Zhangye city center, roughly 20 minutes by taxi, and can be combined with the wetland park on the same day. Take precautions when winds are strong and sand is blowing.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Zhangye National Wetland Park
- Muta Temple (Wooden Pagoda Temple)
- Zhangye Drum Tower (Zhenyuan Tower)
- Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
- Zhangye Shanxi Guild Hall
- Ganzhou Market (Night Food Market)
- Zhangye Danxia Landform
- Danxiakou Town & 'Back to Zhangye' Show