Han Great Wall ruins

In the northern region of Dunhuang lie remnants of the Great Wall of the Han Dynasty, including branches extending from Yumenguan to Yangguan and from Yangguan to the estuary of the Danghe River. Despite enduring over 2,000 years of exposure to wind, rain, and sand, some sections of the Great Wall have been reduced to rubble, while others have managed to withstand the test of time.

Among the surviving sections, the Great Wall of the Danggu Tunnel, situated on the western side of Yumenguan, stands out as one of the best-preserved segments. With a base width of 3 meters, a remaining height of 3 meters, and a top width of 1 meter, it represents the most intact section of the Han Dynasty Great Wall.

Within Dunhuang itself, most of the Great Wall’s remnants have been leveled over the centuries, with only scattered traces remaining to hint at its former grandeur. The methods employed in constructing the Han Dynasty Great Wall were diverse, utilizing materials such as clay, reeds, and the branches of red willow. Alongside the wall, ancient fire beacons were strategically placed at intervals, with large beacons erected every ten li and smaller ones every five li. Piles of firewood were stockpiled near these beacons to provide smoke signals in case of enemy intrusion.