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Yumen Pass

Introducing Yumen Pass
Yumen Pass, also known as Jade Gate or Pass of the Jade Gate, is the name of a pass located west of Dunhuang. In ancient times, this was a pass through which the Silk Road passed, and was the one road connecting Central Asia and China, the former called the Western Regions. Just to the south was the Yangguan pass, which was also an important point on the Silk Road.

Yumen Pass Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Yumenguan 玉门关
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 hour
• Things to Do: Photography, Hiking, Archaeology
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Entrance Fee: ¥40
• Address: 90 km Northwest of Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu Province

What to expect at Yumen Pass

"Travellers to ‘The Western Regions’ left China through the famous Yumenguan, or ‘Jade Gate Frontier-post,' named for the many jade caravans that passed through it. The original Jade Gate was erected by Emperor Wudi (Emperor Wu of Han) soon after 121 BCE and its ruins may still be seen about 80 kilometers (50 miles) to the northwest of Dunhuang which was, until the 6th century, the final outpost of Chinese territory for caravans on their long caravan journeys to India, Parthia, and the Roman Empire."

The remains of these two important Han-dynasty gates are about 68 kilometres (42 miles) apart, at either end of the Dunhuang extension of the Great Wall. Until the Tang dynasty, when the gates fell into disuse, all caravans travelling through Dunhuang were required to pass through one of these gates, then the westernmost passes of China. Yumenguan lies about 80 kilometres (50 miles) northwest of Dunhuang. It was originally called the ‘Square City,’ but because the great jade caravans from Khotan entered through its portals, it became known as the Jade Gate Pass. In the third and fourth centuries, turmoil swept through Central Asia, disrupting overland trade, and the sea route via India began to supplant it. By the sixth century, as caravans favored the northern route via Hami, the pass was abandoned. In 1907, Sir Aurel Stein found bamboo slips naming the site as Yumenguan, and in 1944 Chinese archaeologists discovered relics that confirmed this. With its 10-metre-high (32 foot) mud walls pierced by four gateways, the square enclosure covered more than 600 square metres (718 square yards) in the midst of unbounded desolation.

How to get to Yumen Pass
• Take a Tourist Bus from Dunhuang Hotel (North Section) to Yumen Pass. The bus stops at Dunhuang Tourist Center, Western Thousand Buddha Caves, Yanguan Pass, Yumen Pass and Yadan Geological Park. The bus departs at 08:30 every day. Visitors can book the tickets at Dunhuang Tourist Center, each Tourist Information Center in Dunhuang and the Tourist Hall of Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake Scenic Area.
• Rent a vehicle to the pass is more convenient.

Additional travel advice on Yumen Pass
• Please prepare a scarf to cover your face in case there are sandstorms.
• Please wear sunscreen creams.

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  1. Tour Highlights
    • Admire the scenery along the Gobi Desert, changing from bustling city to desolate Gobi
    • Get a close-up look at Yumen Pass, named for the many jade caravans passing through
    • Visit Great Wall of the Han Dynasty, built with a mixture of sand, dirt, rose willow, reed and apocynum
    • Explore Yadan National Geological Park, be intrigued by the phenomena of rocks in shapes like lion, peacock & etc
    • Experienced English speaking tour guide.
    • Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments.

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Dunhuang
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Dunhuang
    • Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Tour Itinerary at a Glance
    • Pick up from your accommodation in Dunhuang
    • Drive to Yumen Pass (2 hours)
    • Visit Yumen Pass & Han Dynasty Great Wall of China
    • Lunch on your own
    • Drive to Yadan National Geological Park (1 hour)
    • Visit Yadan National Geological Park
    • Transfer back to your accommodation in Dunhuang (3 hours)

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $488 $278 $198 $178 $168 $138 $128 $118 $110 $108


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions
    • Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

    Additional Info
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    • IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

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