Echoes of the Lost Legion: A Journey Through the Living History of Yongchang Ancient City

A Sentinel of the Hexi Corridor

1.Located in the heart of the Hexi: Corridor within Yongchang County, Jinchang City, Yongchang Ancient City is a remarkable historical site where the whispers of the Silk Road still resonate through its rammed-earth walls. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters, the ancient city covers an area of about 0.5 square kilometers. As a vital component of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Silk Road: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor," it serves as both a provincial-level cultural relic and a living record of China’s frontier evolution. Unlike many commercialized ancient towns, Yongchang remains a "living ancient city" where local residents continue their daily lives within the historic layout, creating a unique atmosphere where antiquity and modernity coexist.

The Legend of the Lost Roman Legion

2.One of the most captivating aspects of: Yongchang’s history is its purported connection to the "Lost Roman Legion". According to historical theories and local lore, a group of Roman soldiers who disappeared after the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BC eventually wandered into the Western Regions and were resettled by the Western Han government in a place called Liqian (now Liqian Village in Yongchang). This fascinating blend of Eastern and Western history has left a permanent mark on the region’s identity, with local festivals and architectural features often reflecting this unique cultural intersection,.

A Bastion of Military and Cultural Heritage

3.Historically known as Fanhe: County during the Western Han Dynasty, the city rose to prominence as a critical military hub. During the Ming Dynasty, it was a central part of the "Gansu Town" defensive system, with its massive city walls serving as a testament to the military might required to protect the Silk Road trade routes. The city's center is marked by the majestic Bell and Drum Tower, originally built during the Ming Dynasty and meticulously rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. This three-story wooden structure stands as the symbolic heart of Yongchang, offering panoramic views of the distant Qilian Mountains and the ancient alleyways below.

Natural Oases and Modern Remembrance

Beyond its military fortifications, Yongchang is home to the Beihaiyan Wetland Park, a serene natural sanctuary featuring clear springs and historic temples like the Jinchuan Temple. This area offers a refreshing contrast to the arid Gobi landscape and showcases the traditional "Jiangnan-style" gardens adapted to the high-altitude Northwest. Furthermore, the city honors its modern history at the Red West Army Yongchang Museum, which documents the heroic struggles of the Red Army in the Hexi Corridor during the 1930s, adding a layer of "Red Tourism" to the city's diverse cultural landscape,.