Architecture

Yumen Pass

Fri, December 24, 2021 at 5:00 AM

On the way to Dunhuang Yadan, you will pass by Yumen Pass.

In the Han Dynasty, this place was the boundary of the Han Empire, named because the jade from the Western Regions was transported through this place. However, the name "Yumen Pass" has referred to multiple checkpoints throughout history; now it specifically refers to the Yumen Pass of the Han Dynasty.

From a contemporary perspective, it might seem strange to establish a checkpoint in such an extremely desolate place. Could it serve its purpose?

In fact, during the Han Dynasty, the southern route of the Silk Road had not yet become desertified, and Loulan still existed at that time. The location of Yumen Pass was on the Shule River, essentially guarding the water source.

1. #Han Dynasty
2. #Silk Road
3. #boundary
4. #Western Regions
5. #checkpoint
6. #desolate place
7. #Loulan