Han Dynasty Great Wall

Introducing Han Dynasty Great Wall
Han Dynasty Great Wall is the extension and fortification of the Great Wall of China during the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD). Han Dynasty Great Wall played a crucial role in defending China’s northern borders and facilitating trade along the Silk Road, contributing to the dynasty’s stability and prosperity.

Han Dynasty Great Wall Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Hàn Cháng Chéng 汉长城
• Best Time to Visit: Mar to Nov
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 – 2 Hours
• Things to Do: Culture; Architecture; Hiking
• Opening Hours: 7:00 to 19:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY40 (includes Yumen Pass, Hecang City Ruins and Han Dynasty Great Wall)
• Address: Approx. 92 km (57 miles) northwest of Dunhuang, Gansu Province

History of Han Dynasty Great Wall

Renowned for his vision, Emperor Qin Shi Huang spearheaded the monumental construction of the Great Wall around 214 BC. His primary goal was to defend the newly unified Chinese empire from constant threats posed by northern nomadic tribes, notably the Huns. His efforts involved connecting and strengthening existing defensive walls erected during the Warring States Period (476 BC-221 BC), reflecting his determination to fortify China's northern frontier.

However, it was under the subsequent Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), following the collapse of the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-207 BC), that the Great Wall reached its zenith. Han rulers, particularly Emperor Wu of Han, grasped the critical importance of the Great Wall in repelling the incessant incursions of the Huns. During Emperor Wu's reign, extensive initiatives were launched to enhance and expand the reach of the Great Wall, cementing its status as a formidable defense against external threats. Han Dynasty's commitment to fortifying the Great Wall transcended mere construction endeavors. They erected watchtowers, beacon towers, garrison stations, and barracks along its length, ensuring both its physical robustness and operational effectiveness.

Beyond its primary military function, Han Dynasty Great Wall assumed a pivotal role in fostering trade and communication along the renowned Silk Road. Serving as a conduit between China and Central Asia, it facilitated the exchange of commodities, ideas, and cultures between East and West. This integration into the broader regional network not only bolstered economic prosperity but also enriched the cultural tapestry of the Han Dynasty, contributing to its status as a golden age in Chinese history.

What to expect at Han Dynasty Great Wall

In the city of Dunhuang, remnants of the Han Dynasty Great Wall stretch across approximately 136 kilometers (84 miles), with the best-preserved sections located near the Yumen Pass. These segments, spanning about 400 meters (0.24 miles) in length, rise to a height of 3.25 meters (10.6 ft) and boast a base width of 3 meters (9.8 ft), tapering to 1 meter (3.28 ft) at the top. 

Interestingly, the construction of the Han Dynasty Great Wall deviated from the typical use of bricks and stone blocks, opting instead for locally sourced materials. Branches and twigs were woven into a lattice framework, which was then filled with sand and gravel to form the structure of the Great Wall. This resourceful approach ensured the wall's solidity while utilizing readily available materials from the surrounding environment. A visit to this place would ensure not only an appreciation of the engineering ingenuity of ancient China but also an immersion into the natural landscape where history and nature intertwine, offering a unique insight into the cultural heritage of the region.

Beacon Towers

Positioned around 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) north of the Yumen Pass, a continuous line of nearly 80 beacon towers stretches along the Han Dynasty Great Wall from east to west. Typically, Han Dynasty beacon towers were square-based, tapered structures standing over 7 meters (23 ft) high, with some reaching up to 10 meters (32 ft). They featured parapet walls and small rooms for signaling supplies, evident in the remnants of collapsed roofs and chambers. These towers served as crucial communication points, enabling rapid transmission of signals to alert defenders of potential threats. 

How to get to Han Dynasty Great Wall

• The Han Dynasty Great Wall is located 92 km (57 miles) northwest of Dunhuang.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free private transfer to the Han Dynasty Great Wall.