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Dunhuang Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Dunhuang: History, Culture, and Geography of a Silk Road Oasis

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Dunhuang: History, Culture, and Geography of a Silk Road Oasis Study Guide

Geographical Context and Climate

Dunhuang is located in southeastern Gansu Province.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dunhuang is a county-level city situated in northwestern Gansu Province, not southeastern.

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The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park is located in the city's southwest suburbs.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gansu Dunhuang Solar Park is indeed located in the southwest suburbs of the city, designed to utilize the region's abundant solar energy.

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Dunhuang's climate is characterized by high annual precipitation and mild winters.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dunhuang has a cool arid climate with low annual precipitation (44.6 mm) and long, freezing winters, not high precipitation and mild winters.

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Dunhuang is administratively part of the prefecture-level city of Jiuquan.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dunhuang is a county-level city that is administratively part of the prefecture-level city of Jiuquan in northwestern Gansu Province.

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Dunhuang's annual mean temperature is approximately 16.1 °C (29.0 °F).

Answer: False

Explanation: Dunhuang's annual mean temperature is 9.48 °C (49.1 °F). The value 16.1 °C (29.0 °F) refers to the average annual diurnal temperature variation.

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The Qinghai Petroleum Authority Life Base is one of the nine towns administered by Dunhuang.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Qinghai Petroleum Authority Life Base is the sole other township-level division administered by Dunhuang, separate from the nine towns.

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Dunhuang's record low temperature for July is -0.8 °C (30.6 °F).

Answer: False

Explanation: Dunhuang's record low temperature for July is 10.7 °C (51.3 °F). The temperature -0.8 °C (30.6 °F) is the record low for May.

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Which of the following natural features are characteristic of the oasis where Dunhuang is located?

Answer: Crescent Lake and Mingsha Shan

Explanation: Dunhuang is situated within an oasis that features Crescent Lake and Mingsha Shan, also known as 'Singing-Sand Mountain'.

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What is the average annual precipitation in Dunhuang?

Answer: 44.6 mm (1.76 inches)

Explanation: The average annual precipitation in Dunhuang is 44.6 mm (1.76 inches).

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What is the highest recorded temperature for Dunhuang?

Answer: 43.1 °C (109.6 °F)

Explanation: The highest recorded temperature for Dunhuang is 43.1 °C (109.6 °F), recorded in July.

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Which of the following is *not* one of the nine towns administered by Dunhuang as of 2020?

Answer: Yangjiaqiao

Explanation: Yangjiaqiao was a former township from which Yueyaquan was established in 2011, and is not listed among the nine towns administered by Dunhuang as of 2020.

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What is the lowest recorded temperature for Dunhuang?

Answer: -30.5 °C (-22.9 °F)

Explanation: The lowest recorded temperature for Dunhuang is -30.5 °C (-22.9 °F), recorded in December.

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Ancient History and Early Development (Pre-Han to Tang)

The ancient Greek name Throana, used by Ptolemy for Dunhuang, is believed to have an Iranian origin suggesting a 'fortress for tax collecting.'

Answer: True

Explanation: Ptolemy's Geography referred to Dunhuang as Throana, which Mair (1977) suggests derives from the Iranian term Druvana, meaning 'fortress for tax collecting.'

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Dunhuang's strategic importance on ancient trade routes was due to its location at the intersection of the Southern Silk Route and a main road connecting India to Mongolia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dunhuang was strategically located at the intersection of the Southern Silk Route and a main road connecting India to Mongolia, and later served as the intersection point for all three main Silk Routes during the Sui and Tang dynasties.

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The name 'Dunhuang' was interpreted by McGraw-Hill in 1963 as 'honest + shining'.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1963, McGraw-Hill indeed offered a simplified interpretation of 'Dunhuang' as 'honest + shining'.

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The Xiongnu dominated the Dunhuang area after Emperor Wu defeated them in 121 BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Xiongnu dominated the Dunhuang area *before* Emperor Wu defeated them in 121 BC, after which it came under Chinese rule.

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Dunhuang served as the primary communication link between ancient China and the rest of the world during the Sui and Tang dynasties.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Sui and Tang dynasties, Dunhuang indeed functioned as the primary communication link between ancient China and the rest of the world, serving as a major commercial hub and intersection point for all three main Silk Routes.

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The Dunhuang Commandery was likely established shortly after 104 BC, holding military importance.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Dunhuang Commandery was likely established shortly after 104 BC, serving as a crucial frontier garrison town with significant military importance.

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The Dayuezhi, Wusun, and Saizhong peoples inhabited Dunhuang during the Warring States period.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Warring States period, Dunhuang was indeed inhabited by the Dayuezhi, Wusun, and Saizhong (Scythians) peoples.

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What was the proposed Iranian origin for Ptolemy's Greek name 'Throana' for Dunhuang?

Answer: 'Fortress for tax collecting'

Explanation: Mair (1977) suggests that Ptolemy's Greek name 'Throana' for Dunhuang may derive from the Iranian term Druvana, potentially meaning 'fortress for tax collecting'.

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Which ancient people are possibly associated with habitation in the Dunhuang area as early as 2,000 BC?

Answer: Qiang people

Explanation: Evidence suggests habitation in the Dunhuang area as early as 2,000 BC, possibly by the Qiang people.

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How did Dunhuang come under Chinese rule during the Han dynasty?

Answer: After Emperor Wu defeated the Xiongnu in 121 BC.

Explanation: Dunhuang came under Chinese rule during the Han dynasty after Emperor Wu defeated the Xiongnu in 121 BC.

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By the 2nd century AD, what was the approximate population of Dunhuang?

Answer: Exceeding 76,000 people

Explanation: By the 2nd century AD, Dunhuang had a population exceeding 76,000 people.

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What was Dunhuang's unique role during the Sui and Tang dynasties regarding the Silk Road?

Answer: It served as the intersection point for all three main Silk Routes.

Explanation: During the Sui and Tang dynasties, Dunhuang uniquely served as the intersection point for all three main Silk Routes: north, central, and south.

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Which of the following is a historical alternative name for Dunhuang and its surrounding region, meaning 'prefecture of sand'?

Answer: Shazhou

Explanation: Historically, Dunhuang and its surrounding region were known as Shazhou, meaning 'prefecture of sand'.

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What was the primary purpose of the warning beacons associated with Dunhuang's Han dynasty name 'Blazing Beacon'?

Answer: To warn against nomadic attacks

Explanation: During the Han dynasty, Dunhuang's name 'Blazing Beacon' referred to the warning beacons used against nomadic attacks.

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Medieval and Late Imperial History (Post-Tang to Qing)

During the Guiyi Circuit era, Sogdians in Dunhuang were notable for writing their Chinese documents vertically from right to left.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Guiyi Circuit era, Sogdians in Dunhuang notably wrote their Chinese documents horizontally from left to right, which was a departure from the typical vertical, right-to-left Chinese writing style.

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The Ming dynasty saw Dunhuang flourish as China prioritized the Silk Road for international trade.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Ming dynasty, Dunhuang experienced a significant decline because China shifted its focus to sea trade routes and officially abandoned the Silk Road.

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Dunhuang was retaken by China during the Yuan dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dunhuang was conquered by the Mongols in 1227 and became part of the Yuan dynasty. It was later retaken by China around 1715 during the Qing dynasty, not the Yuan.

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The Western Liang dynasty was established in Dunhuang in 400 AD by Li Gao.

Answer: True

Explanation: Li Gao established the Western Liang dynasty in Dunhuang in 400 AD during the Sixteen Kingdoms period.

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The present-day city of Dunhuang was established in 1725 to the west of the original ruined city.

Answer: False

Explanation: The present-day city of Dunhuang was established in 1725 to the *east* of the original ruined city, not to the west.

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Who established the Western Liang dynasty in Dunhuang in 400 AD?

Answer: Li Gao

Explanation: Li Gao established the Western Liang dynasty in Dunhuang in 400 AD.

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What happened to Dunhuang during the Song dynasty?

Answer: It was captured by the Tanguts, who founded the Western Xia dynasty.

Explanation: During the Song dynasty, Dunhuang was captured by the Tanguts in 1036, who subsequently founded the Western Xia dynasty.

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What was a notable characteristic of Sogdians in Dunhuang during the Guiyi Circuit era?

Answer: They wrote Chinese documents horizontally from left to right.

Explanation: During the Guiyi Circuit era, Sogdians in Dunhuang were notable for writing their Chinese documents horizontally from left to right, a unique practice for the time.

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When was Dunhuang conquered by the Mongols?

Answer: 1227

Explanation: Dunhuang was conquered by the Mongols in 1227, subsequently becoming part of the Mongol Empire under the Yuan dynasty.

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What was a primary reason for Dunhuang's decline during the Ming dynasty?

Answer: China's shift to sea trade routes and abandonment of the Silk Road.

Explanation: Dunhuang's decline during the Ming dynasty was primarily due to China's strategic shift to sea trade routes and the official abandonment of the Silk Road.

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When was the present-day city of Dunhuang established?

Answer: 1725

Explanation: The present-day city of Dunhuang was established in 1725, after China retook the area during the Qing dynasty.

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Which dynasty saw Dunhuang fall outside of Chinese borders and captured by the Tanguts?

Answer: Song Dynasty

Explanation: During the Song dynasty, Dunhuang fell outside of Chinese borders and was captured by the Tanguts in 1036.

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Cultural Heritage: Mogao Caves and Buddhist Art

Dunhuang is primarily known today for its extensive coal mining operations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dunhuang is primarily known in the modern era for the nearby Mogao Caves and as a significant tourist attraction, not for coal mining operations.

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The first Buddhist caves in the Dunhuang area were carved during the Sui dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first Buddhist caves in the Dunhuang area were carved in 353 AD, well before the Sui dynasty (581–618).

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The Mogao Caves are also known as the Dunhuang Grottoes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mogao Caves are indeed also known as the Dunhuang Grottoes, a name that emphasizes their carved nature.

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The Dunhuang manuscripts found in the Mogao Caves included excerpts from a Christian Bible.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Dunhuang manuscripts, a hoard of texts discovered in the Mogao Caves, included excerpts from a Christian Bible.

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What is Dunhuang primarily known for in the modern era?

Answer: The nearby Mogao Caves

Explanation: In the modern era, Dunhuang is primarily recognized for the nearby Mogao Caves, a renowned Buddhist cave complex.

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How many caves comprise the Mogao Caves complex?

Answer: 735

Explanation: The Mogao Caves complex is comprised of 735 caves, renowned for their Buddhist art.

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Which of the following is *not* listed as another Buddhist cave site in the Dunhuang region?

Answer: Longmen Grottoes

Explanation: The Western Thousand Buddha Caves, Eastern Thousands Buddha Caves, and Yulin Caves are listed as other Buddhist cave sites in the Dunhuang region. The Longmen Grottoes are not mentioned in this context.

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What cultural artwork, inspired by the Mogao Caves, is found as a sculpture in Dunhuang?

Answer: An Apsara playing the pipa behind her back

Explanation: A sculpture in Dunhuang depicts an Apsara playing the pipa behind her back, an artwork inspired by a mural found in the Mogao Caves.

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Modern Demographics, Economy, and Infrastructure

Dunhuang's population in 2019 was estimated to be less than its population recorded in the 2010 Chinese census.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dunhuang's population was 186,027 in the 2010 census, and estimated to be approximately 191,800 in 2019, indicating an increase, not a decrease.

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The Dunhuang railway, also known as the Liudun Railway, was completed in 2019.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Dunhuang railway (Liudun Railway) was constructed between 2004 and 2006. An *extension* of this railway was completed in 2019.

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The population of Dunhuang is predominantly composed of various ethnic minorities, with Han Chinese forming a small percentage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The population of Dunhuang is predominantly Han Chinese, comprising 97.8% of residents, with ethnic minorities forming a smaller percentage.

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In 2019, the tertiary sector contributed the least to Dunhuang's GDP compared to the primary and secondary sectors.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2019, the tertiary sector contributed the most to Dunhuang's GDP (¥5.312 billion), significantly more than the primary (¥0.994 billion) and secondary (¥1.872 billion) sectors.

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The Dunhuang Mogao International Airport provides both road and air travel connections.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Dunhuang Mogao International Airport provides air travel connections, while China National Highway 215 provides road travel connections.

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According to the 2010 Chinese census, what was the population of Dunhuang?

Answer: 186,027

Explanation: According to the 2010 Chinese census, Dunhuang had a population of 186,027.

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What was Dunhuang's urbanization rate in 2019?

Answer: 69.45%

Explanation: In 2019, Dunhuang had an urbanization rate of 69.45%.

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What was the annual per capita disposable income for urban residents in Dunhuang in 2019?

Answer: ¥36,215

Explanation: In 2019, the annual per capita disposable income for urban residents in Dunhuang was ¥36,215.

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What is the name of the railway connecting Dunhuang to Liugou Station on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang railway?

Answer: Liudun Railway

Explanation: The railway connecting Dunhuang to Liugou Station on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang railway is known as the Dunhuang railway or Liudun Railway.

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What was the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Dunhuang in 2020?

Answer: ¥7.778 billion

Explanation: In 2020, Dunhuang's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was ¥7.778 billion.

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Notable Sites and Environmental Concerns

The Dunhuang Night Market is primarily a wholesale market for agricultural products.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Dunhuang Night Market is popular with tourists and offers a variety of souvenir items, not primarily agricultural products.

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The spreading Kumtag Desert is an environmental concern for Dunhuang, exacerbated by overgrazing.

Answer: True

Explanation: The spreading Kumtag Desert, exacerbated by long-standing overgrazing, is a current environmental concern for Dunhuang, having reached the city's edges.

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The Yumen Pass, a notable historical site near Dunhuang, was built in 111 AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Yumen Pass, a significant historical site near Dunhuang, was built in 111 BC, not 111 AD.

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The Dunhuang Limes is a significant historical fortress mentioned in the source.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Dunhuang Limes is listed as one of the notable historical sites in and around Dunhuang.

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The International Dunhuang Project is focused on digitizing retrieved manuscripts and artifacts.

Answer: True

Explanation: The International Dunhuang Project is an ongoing archaeological project focused on digitizing retrieved manuscripts and artifacts from the region.

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What is a current environmental concern affecting Dunhuang?

Answer: The spreading Kumtag Desert due to overgrazing.

Explanation: A current environmental concern for Dunhuang is the spreading Kumtag Desert, which has reached the city's edges, exacerbated by long-standing overgrazing.

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What type of ancient structure, dating to the Han dynasty, is depicted in the source material's gallery?

Answer: A rammed earth watchtower

Explanation: An image in the source material depicts the rammed earth ruins of a Chinese watchtower at Dunhuang, dating back to the Han dynasty.

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