| Dunhuang Yumen Pass |
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The Yumen Pass, 101 kilometres northwest
of Dunhuang,  was
once one of two critical defensive passes protecting Dunhuang
from invasion from the West about two thousand years ago.
At that time, anyone in China wishing to take the Silk
Road west (or east into China through Dunhuang) had to
pass through this spot. Those familiar with ancient Chinese
poetry, may recall a poem written by the renowned Tang
Dynasty poet, Wang Zhihuan, describing the unique scenery
and atmosphere here.
The pass has also been known as Little Square City,
named after a rare square piece of jade that was sent
from the west to the Han emperor. Today, there are two
gates at the western and northern sides of the pass
built with yellow clay. Owing to severe erosion, some
parts of the walls have collapsed, forming huge holes.
On the northern side, there is a road leading west towards
the ancient village of Hechang (15km away), which used
to be the granary for the pass garrison
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