Jiayuguan Travel Guide

Jiayuguan is the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall and also the best-preserved military defense system along the Silk Road. The layout formed by Jiayuguan Pass, the Hanging Wall Great Wall, and the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall allows one to understand the true form of "a single man guarding a pass."

Key Highlights

Jiayuguan City Tower

The inner city, outer city, barbican, and rampart wall are all complete. You can overlook the entire pass city by climbing the Guanghua Tower.

The First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall

The first beacon tower at the westernmost end of the Great Wall is situated on the edge of the Taolai River Gorge, with extremely dangerous terrain.

Hanging Wall Great Wall

Climb a section of the Great Wall along the Heishan Ridge; the slope is steep, and people with average stamina may only manage half the route.

Wei and Jin Dynasty Painted Tombs

Underground galleries with brick murals depicting farming, hunting, and cooking at the time, very lifelike.

Recommended Stay and Route

• Recommended stay: 1 day.
• The city tower and the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall can be completed in one day; visit the Hanging Wall Great Wall depending on your stamina.
• Combining with other cities with the same theme is more efficient; see "Extended Routes" below for reference.

Best Season

May to October; winter is windy and cold.

How to Get There and Intercity Transport

The high-speed train from Zhangye to Jiayuguan takes about 1 hour; from Jiayuguan South Station to the city tower, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride.

Local Food

Barbecue, lamb skewers, hubo (mixed pot dish), and handmade fish noodles.

Local Tips

• There is no public bus between the city tower and the First Beacon Tower, so it is recommended to charter a car or take a taxi; the Gobi Desert is very sunny, so a hat and water are essential.

Province

This entry belongs to Gansu (2 ready-made routes available), and you can compare all routes in the province on the province page.