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. Now, more than 22,000 tourists visit here every day, standing here, we seem to see the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road.
Quick Facts About Jiayuguan Pass
- Name in Chinese: Jiā yù guān 嘉峪关
- Opening Hours: 8:00-20:00
- Ticket Price: RMB 108 for adults; RMB 55 for students and elders
- Location: Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province
Where is the Jiayuguan Pass
Jiayuguan is located in the narrowest valley about 5, 000 meters west of Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province. The city walls on both sides of the gate are built in the desert, connected to the Heishan Cliff Wall in the north and the Taolaihe Fort in the south, the westernmost gateway of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.
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
Jiayuguan is a crucial transportation hub on the ancient Silk Road, serving as a vital link between Chang'an (the ancient capital of China) and the Western Regions. It facilitates the transmission of ancient Chinese culture and commodities to the Western Regions, while also providing a convenient gateway for the cultures and goods of the Western Regions to enter China.
Learn more about the history of the Great Wall.
Best Time to Visit the Jiayuguan Pass
The best time to visit Jiayuguan Pass is from May to October every year. Jiayuguan Pass belongs to a temperate arid climate, with the lowest temperature in winter reaching -28.6℃ and the highest temperature in summer up to 38℃. October is a good time for glacier climbing. But you should take sunglasses, apply sunscreen and put on hiking shoes to have a good experience.
Read more on the best time to visit the Great Wall.
Tips for Traveling in Jiayuguan Pass
- In the summer, the sun in Jiayuguan is intense, so be sure to wear sunscreen and sunglasses. In spring and autumn, the wind and sand are strong, so be prepared with anti-wind and anti-sand equipment such as goggles and face masks.
- It is necessary to take a panoramic photo of Jiayuguan Pass. The photo taken by a drone from the sky must be spectacular. The best time for taking photos is at sunrise and sunset.
- 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.
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.
How to Get to the Jiayuguan Pass
- By bus: take Line 4 or Line 6 from downtown to the Guancheng Scenic Area. It takes about 20 minutes.
- By taxi: take a taxi from downtown to the scenic area for about CNY 15, and CNY 10 to 12 for the return trip. During the holidays, the price will rise.
- By bike: it takes about 30 minutes to cycle to Guancheng from downtown. You will pass by the 321 National Highway Bridge on the way.
- Transportation within the scenic area: bicycle rental is available at the entrance of the scenic area. The rental fee is CNY 10 per bike, without a time limit.
Arrange a Tour for Jiayuguan Pass
The Great Wall is a place worth visiting, but it's difficult to buy tickets, especially during holidays. You can customize your trip with China Travel. We will arrange your trip according to your interests and budget, to make your China trip unforgettable.