Dunhuang

city · earth

Oasis town in the Hexi Corridor at the western edge of Han China, established as a commandery in the late second century BCE under Emperor Wu. Beyond it lay the Jade Gate (Yumen Pass) and the Yang Pass, the frontier gates where travellers chose between the northern and southern routes around the Taklamakan. Its position as the last garrison before the desert made it a customs point, a garrison town and a religious centre. The Mogao Caves lie about 25 km to the south-east; the Sogdian Ancient Letters were found in a ruined watchtower west of the town.