Yangguan

Chinese: 阳关
Pinyin: Yáng guān
English: Sunny pass
Coordinates: 39°55'38"N 94°3'33"E

Yangguan is located at Nanxiang, about 56 kilometers (35 miles) southwest of the city of Dunhuang.

Like Yumenguan, Yangguan was built during the early years of the Han Dynasty.

When you arrive at Yangguan, you will first enter a large fortress which is interesting but was built in modern times. There is a museum with interesting exhibits and a variety of other attractions.

Adjacent to the fortress on the right (south) side is a ridge of sandstone hills that have a noticeable red color. At the top of the highest hill is the original Han Dynasty tower of the Yangguan pass. You can pay a small fee for a ride in a cart or you can walk about 0.8 kilometers (half a mile) to get a closer look. It is a large but decaying tower of about 4.7 meters (15.4 feet) in height and about 8 meters (26 feet) on each side. The tower is built atop a hill that affords an excellent view of a vast area. Other than this single tower, all other traces of the original structures at Yangguan have more or less vanished.

Just to the south of the tower is a viewing area that provides a view to the south. It's a beautiful and memorable scene from there. I went to Yangguan late one September evening and remained up at the tower until sunset. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.

Yangguan

Location summary: Yangguan is about 1902 kilometers (1182 miles) west of downtown Beijing. It is about 56 kilometers (35 miles) southwest of Dunhuang.

Driving directions: From Dunhuang, drive southwest on G215 for 38 kilometers (24 miles) from the river. Turn right and drive 22 kilometers (14 miles) to Yangguan.

Yangguan Great Wall map

Yangguan tower

Yangguan fortress

Yangguan