Loulan Ruins is on the west bank of Lop Nur. Loulan City served as the capital and economical, political and cultural of Loulan Kingdom, one of the 36 kingdoms in the Western Region during the Han Dynasty. Loulan used to be a major point of the interchange between China and outside world and a stopping-off post for both incoming and outgoing trading caravans. The weary trade caravans plodding on the trade route would have a short refreshing stay and exchanged their merchandise with the local products in this oasis.

Loulan Kingdom was built in 176 BC and abandoned in 630 BC, exiting only around 800 years. At its zenith, the state ruled over a vast region to the Yangguan Pass in the east, reached the Yani Ancient City in the west, stretched to Aerjin Mountain in the south and Hani in the north. However, the prosperous city was waned into history as times passed by. No convincing evidence has been found on how the city declined and vanished so far.

The most visible structure in the ruins is the Three Houses in the middle of the city. The walls of the rooms were built with adobe which is the only of its kind there. The houses faced the South Gate.

Buildings at the west and east sides of the city were built with wood. Remains of red paint can be discerned on the remnants of the timber. According the complex’s location and layout, archeologists believe that it may be the palace of the Loulan rulers.