Jiuquan Travel Guide: The Legendary Spring, Dunhuang Arts & Aerospace City
Jiuquan, the "Spring of Wine," is a legendary node on the Silk Road in the Hexi Corridor. It is the administrative home of the world-famous Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, the historical Yumen Pass, and the cradle of China's aerospace industry, blending ancient history with modern frontiers.
About Jiuquan - City Guide & Travel Information
1.Introduction: The Throat of the Hexi Corridor Jiuquan is a prefecture-level city located in the northwest of Gansu Province, situated at the western end of the Hexi Corridor. To its south rise the majestic Qilian Mountains, and to its north lie the vast Gobi deserts. Historically, it was a vital transportation hub connecting the Central Plains of China to the Western Regions (Xiyu), Central Asia, and Europe. It served as a strategic military stronghold and a flourishing trading post on the ancient Silk Road. Today, Jiuquan is a massive administrative region that encompasses the famous tourist city of Dunhuang, the oil city of Yumen, and the county of Guazhou, forming a cultural and industrial corridor of immense significance.
2.The Legend of the Wine Spring: The name "Jiuquan" literally translates to "Wine Spring." This poetic name stems from a legendary event involving the famous Western Han Dynasty general, Huo Qubing. According to historical records and local lore, after General Huo Qubing defeated the Xiongnu tribes and achieved a great victory in the Hexi Corridor, Emperor Wu of Han awarded him a jar of imperial wine. However, Huo Qubing believed the victory belonged to his entire army. Since there was not enough wine for everyone, he poured the jar into a local spring, allowing all his soldiers to drink from the "wine-infused" water to celebrate. This spring, located in what is now the West Han Jiuquan Park (in Suzhou District), gave the city its enduring name. The park remains a classic Chinese garden featuring lakes, pavilions, and the legendary spring itself, preserving the spirit of the Han Dynasty.
3.Dunhuang: The Cultural Crown Jewel While the municipal government sits in Suzhou District, the cultural soul of Jiuquan lies in Dunhuang, a county-level city under its administration. Dunhuang is home to the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest treasure house of Buddhist art. South of Dunhuang city lies the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring (Mingsha Shan and Yueya Quan). Mingsha Mountain is famous for the singing sound the sand makes when the wind blows or when visitors slide down its slopes. Nestled within the embrace of these sand dunes is the Crescent Spring, a desert oasis shaped like a crescent moon. This natural wonder has coexisted with the shifting sands for millennia without being buried, a geological miracle often described as a "symbiosis of sand and spring".
4.The Ancient Passes: Yumen and Yangguan Jiuquan is the site of the most evocative borders in Chinese poetry. Yumen Pass (Jade Gate Pass), located northwest of Dunhuang, was the strategic entry point for jade from Khotan entering central China and a critical military fortress on the Silk Road. Tang Dynasty poets immortalized it with lines like "The spring wind does not cross Yumen Pass," symbolizing the desolation of the frontier. Nearby is Yangguan Pass, marking the southern route of the Silk Road. These sites offer visitors a chance to stand amidst the ruins of the Han Great Wall and gaze out at the vast Gobi, imagining the camel caravans of the past.
5.Modern Frontiers: Aerospace and Wind Power Jiuquan is not only about ancient history; it is also a symbol of modern China's technological prowess. It is home to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (often referred to as Dongfeng Aerospace City). Although geographically located in the Ejin Banner of Inner Mongolia, the center is historically and logistically tied to Jiuquan. It is the cradle of China's aerospace industry and the site of China's first manned spaceflight. Furthermore, the regions of Guazhou and Yumen within Jiuquan are known as the "World Wind Warehouse." Driving through this area, travelers are greeted by forests of massive wind turbines stretching to the horizon, harnessing the fierce winds of the Gobi to power the nation.
In summary, Jiuquan is a city of vast contrasts—from the snowy peaks of the Qilian Mountains to the singing sands of Dunhuang, and from the ancient echoes of General Huo Qubing to the roaring rockets of the space age. It is a destination where history is etched into the earth and the future is written in the sky.
Local Cuisine in Jiuquan - Food & Dining Guide
Jiuquan's cuisine is heavily influenced by the flavors of Northwest China, featuring wheat-based dishes, mutton, and spices that provided energy for travelers on the Silk Road.
1.Donkey Meat Yellow: Noodles (Lvrou Huangmian) A specialty particularly famous in Dunhuang. It is often said, "Dragon meat in heaven, donkey meat on earth." This dish consists of a plate of rich, savory donkey meat served alongside a plate of handmade, chewy yellow noodles. The noodles are often topped with a mushroom and tofu sauce, making for a hearty meal.
2.Jiuquan Paste: Pot (Hulo Mian) Also known as the "Fenghe Pot," this is a local comfort food. It typically resembles a stew or a thick soup containing chicken, pork ribs, or meatballs, cooked with vegetables and flat noodles. It is savory, warming, and perfect for the dry, cool climate of the region.
3.Apricot Peel: Water (Xingpishui) The signature drink of the Jiuquan and Dunhuang region. Made from dried apricots (a local specialty, particularly the Li Guang Apricots), rock sugar, and water, it is sweet, sour, and incredibly refreshing. It is the best remedy for the dry desert heat and a perfect palate cleanser after a meal of roasted meat.
4.Guazhou Melons: Guazhou (formerly Anxi) is known as the "Hometown of Melons." Due to the intense sunlight and large temperature difference between day and night, the honeydew melons and watermelons grown here are exceptionally sweet.
Hand-Grabbed Mutton Like much of Gansu, premium mutton is a staple. Boiled simply to retain its natural flavor and served with salt and garlic, it reflects the nomadic heritage of the region.
Accommodation Tips in Jiuquan - Hotels & Lodging Guide
Jiuquan is a large prefecture, so accommodation choices depend heavily on which specific area you are visiting.
Suzhou District (Jiuquan City Center)
- 1.Overview: This is the political and administrative center.
- 2.Recommendation: Stay near the Drum Tower (Gulou) or the Municipal Square.
- 3.Why: This area offers convenient access to the West Han Jiuquan Park and plenty of dining options. Hotels here range from standard business hotels to 4-star establishments like the Jiuquan Hotel, offering modern amenities and convenient transport links to the airport and train station.
Dunhuang City (The Tourist Hub)
- 4.Overview: Most tourists visiting Jiuquan Prefecture will spend their nights here.
- 5.Downtown: Staying in the city center near the Shazhou Night Market is highly recommended. It allows for easy access to food and evening entertainment.
- 6.Mingsha Mountain Area: For a more scenic experience, there are numerous guesthouses and "desert camping" bases located right at the foot of the Mingsha Mountain dunes. This is ideal for those who want to watch the sunrise or sunset over the desert without a long commute.
Guazhou and Yumen
- 7.Overview: These are typically transit stops for travelers driving the Silk Road loop.
- 8.Tips: Accommodation options are fewer and simpler compared to Dunhuang or Suzhou District. Standard business hotels near the bus or train stations are the safest bets for a clean, comfortable night's sleep during a road trip.
General Advice
- 9.Peak Season: July to October is the peak tourist season (especially for Dunhuang). It is essential to book hotels well in advance during this period, as prices can double.
- 10.Climate Control: Ensure your hotel has air conditioning for the hot summers and good heating for the cold winters.
