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The world-renowned ancient city of Loulan, a significant historical site in Xinjiang, lies west of Lop Nur, a hub in the Western Regions and held a crucial position on the ancient Silk Road. According to the "Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Dayuan" and the "Book of Han: Biography of the Western Regions," Loulan was a renowned "walled kingdom" in the Western Regions as early as the 2nd century.
In 1900, Sven Hedin led a Swedish expedition to Lop Nur and unexpectedly discovered the ancient city of Loulan. The existing ruins of Loulan are roughly square, with walls approximately 330 meters high on each side. The urban area covers approximately 1.1 square kilometers, and the city still retains ruined courtyards and towering pagodas. Numerous ancient artifacts have been recovered from the city, including various utensils and coins. The most valuable is a Jin Dynasty handwritten copy of "Strategies of the Warring States."
The Kingdom of Loulan, founded before 176 BC and extinguished in 630 AD, spanned over 800 years. Loulan served as a crucial transportation hub connecting the mainland with the Western Regions. Later, however, the kingdom rarely appeared in historical records, gradually and mysteriously vanishing. The kingdom's disappearance remains a mystery to this day.
More than ten of the walls surrounding the ancient city of Loulan have collapsed, leaving only fragmented sections standing. The panoramic view of the Loulan ruins is ancient and solemn, and the dilapidated buildings within the city are lifeless, appearing particularly desolate and tragic.
The best season is late spring and early autumn, when the climate is relatively good. The desert is hot in summer and cold in winter, with harsh environment.
Recommended play time: 1 day
Ticket price: 3,000 yuan, protection fee: 500 yuan
The Loulan area has banned tourists except for official organized inspections from entering.
Loulan Ruins is an ancient city along the Silk Road, historically significant as a trade hub and strategic settlement. It dates back over 2,000 years and provides insight into ancient Central Asian civilizations and desert trade routes.
The ruins are located in the Lop Desert, near Ruoqiang County, Bayingolin, Xinjiang. Access requires a private car, taxi, or organized tour; public transportation is very limited.
Entrance fees are modest and can be purchased at the site. Some travel agencies offer packages including tickets and guided tours.
Booking in advance is recommended for guided tours or group visits. Usually 1–3 days ahead is sufficient.
2–4 hours are recommended to explore the ruins and nearby desert scenery.
Guided tours are available in Chinese; English or other language tours should be arranged in advance.
Start at the main entrance, walk along the perimeter to see city walls and foundations, then explore the central ruins and surrounding desert areas.
Night visits are generally not permitted due to safety concerns. Special tours may be arranged through local travel agencies.
The ruins are rarely crowded; weekdays and off-season visits offer a very peaceful experience.
Accessibility is limited due to desert terrain; elderly and children should be accompanied and use caution.
Cash is preferred; card payments may not be widely accepted at the site.
Very limited; most meals should be arranged at Ruoqiang town before visiting.
Halal food is commonly available in nearby towns; vegetarian/vegan options may be limited.
Accommodations are available in Ruoqiang County, including guesthouses and small hotels.
Private car, taxi, or organized tours are recommended for traveling to nearby attractions or returning to Ruoqiang town.
