Travel Through the Han and Tang Dynasties! Discover the "Hometown" of the Great Sage at Suoyang City

The Suoyang City Ruins are located in the Gobi Desert southeast of Suoyang Town, Guazhou County, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province. It is one of the best-preserved ancient city ruins from the Han-Tang to Western Xia periods along the Silk Road.

🕘【Opening Hours】
Peak Season: May 1 to October 31. 08:30-18:00
(Ticket sales stop at 17:30, last entry at 17:30)
Off-Season: November 1 to April 30. 09:00-17:00
(Ticket sales stop at 16:30, last entry at 16:30)

💴【Ticket Prices】
Admission: 70 RMB/person. Students, seniors, etc. can enjoy half-price discounts with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased on-site or booked in advance on major travel platforms.
Sightseeing Bus: 20 RMB/person.
Guided Tour Fee: 200 RMB for up to 10 people.

⛺【Attractions】
City Wall Viewing Platform: Suoyang City is divided into inner and outer sections. The outer city covers 800,000 square meters, while the inner city spans 280,000 square meters. The site features numerous earthen platforms, house ruins, and other architectural remains. From the viewing platform, visitors can observe the distinct layouts of the inner and outer cities and their vegetation distribution. The city walls remain well-preserved, with clear outlines of both sections.
Ta'er Temple: This was once a large Buddhist monastery. Its most famous claim is that the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang (Tripitaka) stopped here during his westward journey to obtain Buddhist scriptures, preaching for several days. It was here that he accepted the disciple Shi Pantuo, a Hu (foreign) disciple, who is considered the prototype for Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) in *Journey to the West*.

🚌【Transportation Tips】
The Suoyang City Ruins are located 70 km southeast of Guazhou County. There is no direct public transportation, so self-driving or hiring a private car is recommended.

👉【Itinerary Suggestions】
A visit to Suoyang City Ruins typically takes 1-2 hours. It can be combined with nearby attractions like the Yulin Caves and the Gobi Desert Sculpture Art Corridor for a fuller itinerary.

🧡【Preparation Tips】
Sun and Sand Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, hats, and scarves to guard against the sun and sand.
Food and Water: There are no restaurants in the scenic area, so pack your own snacks and water to stay energized.
Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes for walking. As temperatures vary greatly between day and night, bring a warm jacket.