Traversing the Hexi Corridor: A journey to experience the vicissitudes and splendor of a millennium

Stepping onto this ancient land, I followed the Hexi Corridor section of the Silk Road carved out by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, traveling eastward from Dunhuang, through Guazhou and Jiayuguan, and finally arriving at Zhangye. The scenery along the way was like a series of flowing paintings, utterly intoxicating. 🏺🎨 At the Mogao Caves, I witnessed the grottoes that have weathered over a thousand years. From the 4th century (Sixteen Kingdoms period) to the 14th century (Yuan Dynasty), this place has witnessed the hard work of countless artists. During the Tang Dynasty, the Mogao Caves reached their peak in both scale and artistic achievement, which is breathtaking. 🏰🔔 Jiayuguan, as the westernmost pass of the Great Wall, was founded in the fifth year of Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1372). It consists of an inner city, outer city, barbican, Wengcheng (defensive towers), moat, and the Great Wall sections extending to the north and south, with a total length of about 60 kilometers. In May 1880 (the 6th year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty), the famous Qing official Zuo Zongtang left Jiayuguan with his coffin to reclaim Xinjiang, a journey that took three years and became a legendary story. When he returned to Jiayuguan, he personally inscribed 'The First and Greatest Pass under Heaven', highlighting the importance of this pass. 🏯🕉️ The Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye, founded in the first year of Yong'an of Chongzong of the Western Xia (1098), is a landmark of Jin Zhangye and was a royal temple of the Western Xia. Inside the temple is an enshrined reclining Buddha statue of Sakyamuni, also known as the 'Sleeping Buddha Temple'. It is the largest indoor reclining Buddha in China, measuring 34.5 meters in length, which is awe-inspiring. 📸📝 During this trip, I deeply felt the historical significance and cultural heritage of the Hexi Corridor. Each site is a testament to history, and every landscape tells the story of the wisdom and courage of ancient people. If you are also interested in this history, why not come and experience the millennia of vicissitudes and splendor for yourself.