Compared to Yang Pass, Yumen Pass had preserved more through the long river of time, but in terms of desolation, it was arguably even more so. Yang Pass at least had Yangguan Town, home to a fair number of people, a grape cultivation park, and a museum that was at least presentable; it was also closer to Dunhuang City. Yumen Pass, on the other hand, was situated on the latter half of Dunhuang's western tourist route, surrounded by the boundless Gobi Desert. The scenic area itself was also drab and dusty; aside from a few self-driving tourists on the western route or those on day tours making a detour, hardly anyone ever came here.
It was winter, still somewhat affected by the pandemic, and with the day growing late, there were even fewer people around.
The scenic area comprised Xiaofangpan City, Dafangpan City, and the Han Great Wall ruins. Xiaofangpan City could be reached on foot, while the latter two required taking a vehicle, and visits there were typically brief.
