Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Day 19, 18 June 2012 Zhang Ye to Dunhuang

Today total distance traveled 602.5km

The drive from Zhang Ye to Dunhuang was rather a pleasant one, passing newly built Chinese highway.


Our first visit of the day was to Jiayuguan or Jiayu Pass. 






Jiayuguan or Jiayu Pass (simplified Chinese: 嘉峪关) is the first pass at the west end of the Great Wall of China. Commonly referred to as the finest example of its kind on earth, the pass is the best preserved of the Great Wall's ancient military fortresses.






The structure was built during the early Ming dynasty, sometime around the year 1372. The fortress there was greatly strengthened due to fear of an invasion by Timur, but Timur died of old age while leading an army toward China.






We continued our drive to Dunhuang after Jiayuguan visits. The sights of gigantic wind farm no doubt proved China as an emerging world super power in the coming decades.




Dunhuang is a renowned tourist destination  famous for the Mogao Caves. Dunhuang, long ago referred to as 'Sha Zhou' (beautiful desert oasis), was the hub of middle and eastern silk routes in ancient times. The city landmark is an attractive statue, the idea of which comes from the mural in Mogao Caves.






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