Who buried this pearl of a city?

## Loulan Ancient City Exploration Guide: A Desert Mystery Through Time

**I. Preparation before Departure**

* **Best time to travel:** Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October) offer mild weather and less wind and sand, making them ideal for travel.
* **Transportation:**
* **Airplane:** Fly to Urumqi or Korla, then transfer to a car to Ruoqiang County.
* **Train:** Take the train to Korla or Ruoqiang, then transfer to a car.
* **Self-drive:** Depart from Urumqi or Korla and drive along the desert highway. The scenery along the way is magnificent, but pay attention to safety.
* **Accommodation:** It is recommended to stay in Ruoqiang County, where there are more hotel options and relatively better conditions.
* **Supplies:**
* **Sun protection:** Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, scarves, etc.
* **Sand protection:** Masks, sand-proof shoe covers, etc.
* **Drinking water:** Sufficient drinking water.
* **Other:** Camera, binoculars, flashlight, common medicines, etc.
* **Documents:** ID card, border defense permit (if required for certain areas).

**II. Visiting Loulan Ancient City**

* **Scenic spot introduction:** Loulan Ancient City is located in Ruoqiang County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It was an important city on the ancient Silk Road and was gradually abandoned due to the drying up of Lop Nur. Now, only ruins remain, telling the story of its former glory.
* **Opening hours:** Open all day, but daytime visits are recommended.
* **Tickets:** Need to apply in advance and pay cultural relic protection fees.
* **Tour route:**
* **Ancient city ruins:** Visit the city walls, houses, Buddhist pagodas, and other relics to experience the vicissitudes of history.
* **Three Rooms:** Relatively well-preserved house ruins, a landmark of Loulan Ancient City.
* **Buddhist pagoda:** Buddhist architectural ruins, witnessing the religious beliefs of Loulan Ancient City.
* **Ancient tombs:** Learn about the burial customs of the Loulan people.
* **Precautions:**
* **Protect cultural relics:** Do not touch, climb, or engrave on cultural relics.
* **Environmental protection:** Do not litter and protect the fragile ecological environment.
* **Safety first:** Pay attention to heatstroke prevention, sand prevention, and preventing getting lost.

**III. Recommended nearby attractions**

* **Lop Nur:** The largest desert in China, known as the "Sea of Death," with magnificent and mysterious scenery.
* **Miran Ancient City:** Another ancient city ruin on the Silk Road, as famous as Loulan Ancient City.
* **Altun Mountain Nature Reserve:** A paradise for wildlife, where you can see rare animals such as Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks.
* **Taklamakan Desert:** The world's second-largest shifting sand desert, experience the fun of desert exploration.

**IV. Travel tips**

* **Language:** Uyghur and Chinese are mainly used locally. It is recommended to learn some simple Uyghur greetings in advance.
* **Currency:** RMB. It is recommended to carry cash, as electronic payment may not be available in some areas.
* **Food:** Local food is mainly halal. You can try local specialties such as kebabs, hand-pulled rice, and Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken).
* **Safety:** Xinjiang is safe, but you still need to take care of your personal belongings.
* **Cultural respect:** Respect the local ethnic customs and religious beliefs.

**V. Special reminders**

* Loulan Ancient City is located in a remote area with harsh conditions. Be prepared.
* To visit Loulan Ancient City, you need to apply to the relevant authorities in advance and abide by the relevant regulations.
* Protecting cultural relics and the ecological environment is everyone's responsibility.

Loulan Ancient City, a place full of mystery, awaits brave explorers to unveil its secrets. I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable journey and experience the profound history and magnificent nature in the vast desert.