Dunhuang Great Wall of Han Dynasty

When talking about the Great Wall, people will immediately think you are referring to the wall in Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Actually, north to the Ming's Great Wall in Hexi Corridor, lies a wall built in Han Dynasty (206BC - 220), which is more than 1,000 years earlier than the Ming's wall.The Great Wall ends at the West Lake of Dunhuang, Gansu Province, over 311 miles west to Jiayuguan Pass. It was built by Han Wudi as a defense wall against Western Region. It is considered one of the oldest sections of Great Wall.

In history, the Han Dynasty built many walls to consolidate the safety of the frontier region as well as exploring ways to do business with western region. Instead of piling up stones or bricks layer upon layer like other dynasties' walls, Materials used for building the walls are: earth, clay, gravel, red and poplar. Beacon towers were dotted on every 5 km in order protect against the enemies. On average, every layer measures 12 to 15 centimeters (4.7 to 5.9 inches). The present remains of the wall measure from 1.6 feet tall to over 6.6 feet tall. It was built much earlier compared with other great walls in China. It has a history of more than 2000 years old. Since it has long history, most sections of the great wall are completely gone due to erosion. The remaining still reflects the traces of the original great wall.

Many centuries later, the only remains of Dunhuang Great Wall of Han Dynasty are a few broken sections and several towers distorted beyond recognition standing in the lonely desert. It is like an aged man watching the surrounding changes calmly after experiencing a lot. Listen carefully as he tells us that this place of desolation was once a fierce battlefield which was soaked by soldiers' blood. The path was stepped to and fro by the busy Persian and Han's business men as well as their camels carrying silk, china, carpet and food.

Dunhuang Great Wall of Han Dynasty is dwindling day by day because of natural disasters and human destruction. If we don't save it right now, it will finally disappear together with its glorious historical memories. The rescue work is very urgent. The temperature difference during the day and night is big therefore it is recommended to bring enough warm clothes. Climate is dried therefore recommended to bring enough drinking water and sunglass.