The Xuanquan Posthouse was established after Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (r. 141-87 BC) secured the Hexi Corridor and initiated the Silk Road – routes for cultural and economic exchange that connected China to Persia and the Mediterranean. It provided officials, envoys and merchant caravans with rest, fresh horses and supplies, ensuring the swift delivery of imperial orders, military dispatches and diplomatic documents – much like today's highway rest area. The square posthouse takes its name from a nearby spring known as Xuanquan.

This UNESCO World Heritage site has been officially open to the public since Aug 1, 2025. When visiting, you can begin at the exhibition center to learn about its excavated Han wooden or bamboo slips, silk or paper manuscripts, and the ancient postal system through engaging films and displays. Then take a sightseeing bus to explore the remains of courtyards, stables, and administrative areas, gaining a clear view of the posthouse's original layout. The visit continues to the millennia-old Xuanquan Spring and a reconstructed fortress zone, where recreated office and living scenes bring history to life. You can take photos while experiencing the grandeur and weight of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) enduring legacy.

If you go:
Address: South of Xuanquanzhi Rest Area, Mogao town, Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu province
Opening hours:
Nov 1-March 31: 8:30 am-7:30 pm (last entry 6 pm)
April 1-Oct 31: 8 am-9 pm (last entry 7:30 pm)
Admission:
Entrance ticket: 80 yuan ($11.50), April 1-Oct 31; 40 yuan ($5.75), Nov 1-March 31
Sightseeing shuttle bus: 30 yuan/person ($4.30)
Tel: (+86-0937) 6988880