Jiayuguan Pass
Jiayuguan is the starting point of the western section of the Ming Dynasty's Great Wall, and it is the best preserved ancient fortress. It is the great gateway of the Silk Road in ancient China and an important military defense facility of the Ming Dynasty.
Quick Facts About Jiayuguan Pass
- Name in Chinese: Jiā yù guān 嘉峪关
- Opening Hours: 8:00-20:00
- Ticket Price: CNY108 for an adult
- Location: Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province
Note: the tickets for the three scenic spots of Jiayuguan Pass, the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall, and the Overhanging Great Wall are bundled. You can't buy a ticket for just one of them.
Where is the Jiayuguan Pass
Located 5 kilometers west of Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province, Jiayuguan Pass is the first major pass at the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and a strategic transportation hub of the ancient Silk Road. The Jiayuguan Fort is located 7 kilometers from the city of Jiayuguan and takes 15 minutes by car.
Highlights of Jiayuguan Pass
Hanging Great Wall
Hanging Great Wall is built on the ridge of Heishan Mountain, serving as the end of the Great Wall. Although this section is 700 meters, its steep slope of 45 degrees makes the steps built on it appear almost vertical, high, and steep, resembling arms hanging on the mountain.
In 1987, a tourist trail was constructed during renovations. With just over 400 steps, it is still challenging to climb. The gateways are very low and difficult to pass through, while the city walls are towering high, offering no broad views. The wall allows for one-way progression, and a separate path is provided for descending the mountain.
It is located 8 kilometers away from Jiayuguan Fort, with a 15-minute drive in between. There are vehicles available at the gate of Jiayuguan Fort for the trip to the Hanging Great Wall, costing CNY10 for a one-way trip and CNY20 for a round trip. This section of the Great Wall is a one-way path, and a separate route is taken for descending the mountain.
The First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall
The First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall is the westernmost part of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. After being washed by nature, the First Beacon Tower that can be seen now is a 10-meter stone. It is 8 kilometers away from Jiayuguan Pass, a 15-minute drive. There are buses at the gate of Jiayuguan Pass to the First Beacon Tower costing CNY10 for one way and CNY20 for a round trip.
The Structure of Jiayuguan Pass
Jiayuguan Pass is mainly composed of three parts: the inner city, the outer city (Wengcheng), and the rampart city (Luocheng).
Inner city
Jiayuguan Pass is primarily centered around the inner city, with a perimeter of 640 meters. The main building material used is loess. There are two gates in the inner city, respectively named Guanghua Gate on the east and Rouyuan Gate on the west.
Outer City
The outer city gates on the east and west sides of Jiayuguan Pass do not directly connect to the inner city, but form a right angle with the inner city gates. After the enemy breaks through the city gates, they will face a wall.
Rampart City
The rampart city is entirely constructed with brick-covered walls, making them extremely sturdy. The walls of the rampart city are also not directly connected to the inner city walls, so even if the enemy breaches the rampart city, they will not be able to attack the inner city.
What is the Jiayuguan Pass on the Silk Road
The Hexi Corridor is an important part of the ancient Silk Road, connecting China with the Western Regions. Jiayuguan Pass, located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor, served as a crucial starting point. In the past, caravans frequented Jiayuguan, transporting Chinese goods such as silk, tea, and porcelain to the Western Regions and Central Asia. At the same time, they brought foreign goods like horses, pearls, and spices into China.
Best Time to Visit the Jiayuguan Pass
The best time to visit Jiayuguan is from May to October each year, when the climate is mild and pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. Although the highest temperature in summer may reach 38℃, thanks to the dry climate, it is unlikely to cause heatstroke.
Meanwhile, as the temperature gradually drops, September and October become excellent opportunities for engaging in prolonged outdoor activities. However, while enjoying the beautiful scenery, you also need to take sunscreen and hydration measures and bring warm clothing to cope with the diurnal temperature variation.
How to Get to the Jiayuguan Pass
1. From Jiayuguan Railway Station
By bus: take bus 1 to get off at Renmin Shangcheng Station, then transfer to bus 9 and get off at Siboyuan Station. After that, it's a 2-kilometer walk to the destination. This journey takes 90 minutes and costs CNY2.
Take a Taxi: takes 20 minutes and costs CNY22.
2. From Jiayuguan Airport
Take a Taxi: takes 40 minutes and costs CNY70.
The most recommended way: private transfer can take you directly from the train station or airport to Jiayuguan Pass without any stops, and there is no need for any waiting. There will also be a tour guide on the vehicle to provide you with services.
Attractions Near Jiayuguan Pass
Jiayuguan Gliding Base: it is located in the Civil Aviation Airport, 12 kilometers northeast of Jiayuguan City, and it is an ideal place for China to carry out gliding sports. The base has become a comprehensive aviation club mainly focusing on gliding, hosting the International Gliding Festival every July. Its opening hours are from June to October.
Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum: it is located in Jiayuguan Village, Yuquan Town, Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province. It is the first museum with the theme of displaying the history and culture of the Great Wall and first opened to tourists in October 1989. You can visit the museum for free, and the opening hours are 9:00-17:00.
Plan a Jiayuguan Pass Tour
The Jiayuguan Fort is located 7 kilometers away from the downtown area, while the Hanging Great Wall sits to the north of Jiayuguan Pass, and the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall is situated 8 kilometers south of the Jiayuguan Fort.
Although there are shuttle buses within the scenic area, visitors may have to wait for a long time during peak periods. You can book a tour with us, and our driver and tour guide will pick you up and drop you off at the attractions you wish to visit.