Exploring the Loulan Milan Ruins: A Glimpse into a Millennium, Encountering the Silk Road Legend

If the Silk Road is a cultural link connecting ancient and modern times, then the Loulan Milan Ruins are a dusty pearl on this ribbon, quietly telling the story of past prosperity and vicissitudes. Stepping onto this mysterious land, I felt as if I had traveled through time, engaging in a deep dialogue with a thousand years of history. Tracing History: Echoes of the Silk Road Through the Millennia The Milan Ruins are located in Ruoqiang County, Xinjiang, founded during the Han Dynasty. It was once Yixun City of the Shanshan Kingdom and held a crucial position on the southern route of the Silk Road. During the Western Han period, it served as a Han military agricultural base where advanced farming techniques from the Central Plains took root; in the Wei and Jin periods, Buddhism flourished with numerous temples and pagodas, and the chanting of Sanskrit filled the air; during the Tang Dynasty, it was occupied by the Tubo Kingdom and integrated unique Tubo cultural elements. Walking through the ruins, one can almost see the bustling scenes of camel caravans passing by and merchants gathering, hear the sounds of different languages, the gentle jingling of camel bells, and the murmurs of monks chanting sutras. This site is not only a witness to history but also a crystallization of multicultural integration. Site Features: Historical Fragments Carved by Time The Tang Dynasty fortress is particularly striking. The square city walls, though weathered by wind and rain, still retain a majestic outline, and the watchtowers at the four corners seem to steadfastly guard their former mission. Standing atop the fortress, imagining soldiers standing guard and defending against invaders a thousand years ago, one cannot help but admire the wisdom and perseverance of the ancients. Although most of the Buddhist temples and pagodas remain only as ruins, the surviving architectural structures and exquisite mural fragments still reveal the brilliance of Buddhist art at the time. The most famous is the "Winged Angel" mural, which blends Greek, Persian, Indian, and Chinese artistic styles, showcasing a unique exotic charm and confirming the great achievement of the Silk Road in promoting cultural exchange. The remains of the Han Dynasty military agricultural irrigation system are further proof of the diligence and wisdom of the ancients. The orderly irrigation channels testify to the agricultural prosperity of the time and correspond with the records of military farming in the "Book of Han," evoking admiration for the vitality that once flourished on this land. Travel Tips: Unlocking the Right Way to Explore • Transportation: The Milan Ruins are about 70 kilometers from Ruoqiang County. It is recommended to drive or hire a car. Along the way, you can enjoy the vast desert scenery and unique Gobi landscape, which is a visual feast in itself. • Tickets and Opening Hours: Admission is 25 yuan per person, shuttle bus 10 yuan per person (round trip), open all year round. However, considering the desert climate, it is recommended to visit in spring or autumn when the weather is more comfortable and the lighting is better for photography. • Visiting Route: After entering the scenic area, take the sightseeing bus to the core area. You can visit in the order of Tang Dynasty fortress - Buddhist temples and pagodas - Han Dynasty military agricultural irrigation system to better understand the historical context of the ruins. During the tour, be sure to follow the guide or audio guide to learn the stories behind each relic to truly appreciate the charm of the site. • Precautions: The desert area has strong sunlight, so be sure to take sun protection measures and carry enough drinking water. The cultural relics in the ruins are very fragile; do not touch or climb on them. Visit respectfully to help preserve these precious historical sites for a long time. The Loulan Milan Ruins are a treasure lost in history, with every brick and every inch of land carrying profound cultural heritage. Stepping onto this land is like opening an ancient book, with every page filled with legends. If you have reverence for history and a special affection for the mysterious culture of the Western Regions, this place is definitely worth exploring in person to unveil its mysterious veil.