Called Shazhou in
ancient times, Dunhuang is one of China's famous historical and cultural cities.
Dunhuang lies at the western end of the Hexi Corridor in Gansu Province in
Northwest China. Situated in the 40o10' of the north latitude and the 92o48' of
the east longitude, Dunhuang connects Gansu, Qinghai provinces, and Xinjing
Uygur Autonomous Region. With the Qilian Mountains to the south, the Takli-makan
Desert to the west, Beisai (north area beyond the Great Wall) Mountain and
Sanwei Mountain to the east, Dunhuang is an oasis surrounded by mountains,
deserts and Gobis in the north edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The oasis area
accounts for 4.5% of the land area with an average altitude of 1,100
meters.
Being one of the four
cities west of the Hanhe River in ancient times, Dunhuang was established as a
prefecture in the sixth year (111BC) of the Yuanding reign in the Western Han
Dynasty (206BC-8AD). It was once called Sanwei or Guazhou. The ancient town used
to be an important stopover point on the Silk Road. Dunhuang is the starting
point of all the three routes to Xinjiang. Since the Han and the Tang Dynasty
(618-907), Dunhuang became a metropolis and the communication center of
politics, economy and culture between the East and the West.
With a long history and
a splendid culture, Duhuang has an album including the best works representing
different historical periods with brief introductions. There are a great many of
places of interest and scenic spots, 241 of which are famous ones such as the
relics of the grottos, the group of tombs, the great wall of the Han Dynasty
(206BC-220AD), the ancient city, the beacon fair and the relay stations. The
world famous places are the Mogao Grottos, the Yumenguan Pass, ruins of Yangguan
Pass, Wuwa Pond, Sanwei Mountain, Ringing-Sand Hill, Crescent-Moon Pool and the
many grotto carvings and murals. The Ringing-Sand Area is one of China's key
tourist attractions.
In 1986, the State
Council proclaimed Dunhuang a Chinese historical and cultural city. The UNESCO
put the Mogao Grottos on its list of world natural and cultural heritages in
1987. It was approved as an excellent tourist city of China in 1998. The melted
snow water moistens the fertile land, and the forest prevents the sand and wind.
Endowed by nature so much convenience, Dunhuang has good harvests of various
kinds of fruits. With marvelous desert scenery and prestigious relics, Dunhuang
is the homeland of the flying Aparas and the bright pearl of art in the world.
It is a land of fertility and miracle.