When we went to Dunhuang, we visited the ruins of Yangguan Pass.
Tips
history
Established during the Han Dynasty (around 2nd century BCE) as the southern checkpoint on the Silk Road. Its sister pass 玉门关 (Yùménguān — Jade Gate Pass) lay to the north. Both controlled trade and military movement into the Western Regions.
culture
Immortalized by Tang poet 王维 (Wáng Wéi) in 《送元二使安西》: 劝君更尽一杯酒,西出阳关无故人 ('Drink one more cup of wine — west of Yangguan, no old friends'). The line became shorthand for poignant farewells.
