Attention, travelers planning to visit the Yangguan Scenic Area!We’ve prepared a comprehensive Yangguan Scenic Area touring guide for you.Save it now if you need it!
01. Transportation Guide
Self-Driving
Depart from downtown Dunhuang and head southwest, following road signs. The drive takes about 1 hour.
Private Car Rental
You can rent a car based on the number of people in your group. Prices vary depending on the vehicle type.
West Route Group Tour
Join a Dunhuang West Route group tour, which includes stops at the West Thousand Buddha Caves, Yangguan, Yumenguan, and the Yadan Landform.
02. Opening Hours & Contact Information
The Yangguan Scenic Area is open year-round. During peak season, opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with last entry at 8:00 PM. Note: These times may vary by season or holidays, so please check the official announcement on the day of your visit. The average touring time is about 2 hours.
Contact: 0937-8833089
03. Ticket Prices & Discount Policies
Admission Ticket: 50 RMB/person
Discounted Ticket (Half-Price): 25 RMB/person
Sightseeing Vehicle Ticket: 20 RMB/person
Discount Policies:
Free Admission: Children (under 1.2m tall), active-duty military personnel, veterans, police officers, disabled individuals, and seniors aged 70+ (with valid ID).
Free Admission for Tour Guides: Licensed tour guides with a valid team assignment document.
Half-Price Discounts:
Seniors (60–70 years old)
Minors (over 1.2m tall)
Full-time undergraduate students (under 24 years old; excludes night school, online education, adult education, etc.)
Journalists and cultural heritage staff (with valid ID)
Same Discounts for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Visitors: Valid with Home Return Permit or Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents.
Note: Discounts apply only to Chinese citizens. Valid ID must be presented when purchasing tickets. Additional seasonal discounts may apply based on local policies.
04. Guided Tour Services
Visitors needing guided tours can book at the service desk after entering the scenic area.
1. Manual Guided Tours
Electronic audio guides are provided. Fees are based on group size:
1–10 people: 150 RMB/group
11–20 people: 200 RMB/group
21–35 people: 300 RMB/group
Additional 100 RMB/group if a specific tour guide is requested.
Time Limit: Max 120 minutes per tour. Overtime charges: 50 RMB per 30 minutes.
Large Groups (35+ people): If not split, an extra 10 RMB/person applies.
2. Electronic Guide Services
QR Code Audio Guide (Mobile): 10 RMB/day
Audio Guide Rental (Device): 30 RMB/unit (200 RMB deposit required)
All guided services are optional. Self-guided tours are also available.
05. Recommended Tour Route
Suggested route:
Yangguan Scenic Area Parking Lot → Ticket Office at Visitor Center → Entrance Check → Yangguan Museum → Ancient Dunhuang Military Culture Exhibition → Two Passes & Han Frontier Exhibition → Silk Road Exhibition → Yangguan Commandery Office → Replica Han Dynasty Yangguan Gate → Shuttle to Yangguan Ruins → Explore Ruins → Return Shuttle (optional stops: Silk Road Ethnic Culture Garden, Silk Road Farming Exhibition) → Replica Ancient Military Camp → Yangguan Study & Experience Hall → Tour Ends.
This route offers a deep dive into Yangguan’s history and stunning natural scenery.
06. Must-Visit Photo Spots
NO.1: Yangguan Museum Tower
Start your journey here! Best shots are inside or atop the tower (morning light can cause backlighting).
Rating: ★★★★★
NO.2: Zhang Qian Square
Great photo ops: Zhang Qian bronze statue, Han-style gate, museum exhibits.
Rating: ★★★★★
NO.3: Yangguan Ancient Street
A quaint replica street with traditional courtyard houses—perfect for "delicate beauty" shots.
Rating: ★★★★☆
NO.4: Merit Pavilion
An underrated gem! Use the small lanterns as a backdrop for stunning photos.
Rating: ★★★★☆
NO.5: Yangguan Commandery Office
Where officials once worked—visitors can get a "customs pass" here.
Rating: ★★★★★
NO.6: Replica Han Dynasty Yangguan Gate
A landmark based on historical records. Guards stand watch, reenacting ancient border checks.
Rating: ★★★★★
NO.7: Wang Wei Square
Recite frontier poems by the Wang Wei statue. The Gobi desert backdrop with carved stones makes for epic photos.
Rating: ★★★★☆
NO.8: Yangguan Ruins
See the beacon tower ("Yangguan’s Eyes"), the relic-filled "Antique Beach," and the symbolic "Yangguan Grand Road."
Rating: ★★★★★
NO.9: Silk Road Cultural Corridor
A 2.4 km path blending history and nature, featuring pavilions, sculptures, and themed zones (military, ethnic, religious, farming).
Rating: ★★★★☆
NO.10: Yangguan Post
Try ancient tools, archery, or rent armor for fun military-themed photos!
Rating: ★★★★☆
NO.11: Replica Ancient Military Camp
Includes tents, training grounds, and archery ranges showcasing frontier life.
Rating: ★★★★☆
NO.12: Study & Experience Hall
Try pottery, beacon fire signaling, Great Wall building, rubbing art, and mural painting. Also sells Dunhuang文创 (cultural creative products).
Rating: ★★★★☆
07. Unique Activities
The scenic area offers various themed packages for diverse experiences. Purchase at the ticket office.
Traditional Transport
At the shuttle stop, ride a donkey (30 RMB), horse (80 RMB), or camel (80 RMB) to the ruins, recreating ancient Silk Road vibes.
Archery Range
After returning from the ruins, try traditional archery—1 RMB/arrow, with bonus arrows for bullseyes!
Pottery Making
At the Yangguan Kiln, craft pottery or customize Dunhuang mural-inspired art.
Beacon Fire Signaling
Try ancient fire-starting techniques using wood and straw—no modern aids!
Mural Painting
After admiring Mogao Caves, paint your own Dunhuang-inspired artwork.
Rubbing Art
Copy stone carvings onto paper—a fun cultural keepsake!
08. Food Recommendations
Inside the Scenic Area: Dicos (fast food) at the Study & Experience Hall.
Outside: Local specialties like Poplar Leaf Steamed Buns, Desert Wind Chicken, and farmhouse stir-fries at Yangguan Town’s restaurants.
09. Important Notes
Protect cultural relics—do not touch, climb, or damage them.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for long walks.
Prepare for desert conditions: Sun protection and warm layers (big day-night).
Bring water and snacks to stay energized.
