Jiayuguan Travel Guide: Plan Your Ultimate Trip to Jiayuguan

Nestled in the Gansu Province of China, Jiayuguan is the westernmost outpost of the Great Wall and a key point on the ancient Silk Road. It played a very important role in ancient Chinese defense, and many ancient Chinese writers and poets praised the strategic location of Jiayuguan Pass in their works. Visiting Jiayuguan of Gansu in China, you will marvel at the magnificent fortress and the beautiful landscapes it presents.

Chinese: 嘉峪关 jiā yù guān

Location: Northwest Gansu

Population (urban area): 316,000

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Why Visit Jiayuguan

Historical buildings: Jiayuguanboasts many intricately designed buildings, including the Jiayuguan Fort, the Great Wall, and the Wei-Jin tombs, through which you can understand the history of this place and the relations between ancient China and other countries.
Unique landscapes:Surrounded by the Gobi desert, Jiayuguan greets visitors with magnificent views of the Great Wall and Taolai River. Besides, when standing on the Jiayuguan Fort, you will see the snow-capped Qilian Mountain in the distance.
Folk activities:Jiayuguan City welcomes visitors with a lot of folk activities, including Shehuo and shadow play, and you can join the activities in person.
Delicious food:Jiayuguan treats tourists with a wide range of delicious food, especially in Gansu flavors. Never miss the Jiayuguan grilled lamb, which is scrumptious and mouth-watering.

Location of Jiayuguan

Jiayuguan is in the northwest of Gansu Province, with Qilian Mountain on the south and Heishan Mountain on the north. It is also the westernmost pass on the Hexi Corridor, the golden path on the ancient Silk Road, thus regarded as the throat. Once you exit Jiayuguan, you already enter the West Regions. Its distance to Dunhuang, Zhangye and Wuwei along the Silk Road is 370, 220 and 430 km, respectively.

The Jiayuguan Pass in the city is the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall and is known as “The First Pass Under Heaven”. In Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was the first and most important defense line for the Central Plains against the invasion of the nomadic people of Western Regions. It is also the critical pass on the Silk Road. All the merchants, envoys and monks must pass through this customs and undergo inspection.

Top Jiayuguan Tourist Attractions

The major attractions in Jiayuguan gather in Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Area, where the Jiayuguan Fort is situated. The other two famous scenic spots Overhanging Great Wall and The First Strategic Post are in west and northwest of the city with a distance of 9 and 15 kilometers respectively. All the three attractions are the important composition of Great Wall of Ming Dynasty. There are also some cultural attractions like Wei-Jin Tombs and Great Wall Museum and some other modern leisure tourists scenic spot such as Fangte Theme Park.

Jiayuguan Fort

As the throat of Hexi Corridor, Jiayuguan Fort covers an area of 33,500 square meters with magnificent buildings. It consists of an inner city, a moat, and an outside fort, presenting an ingenious design of architecture.

Overhanging Great Wall

Built in the Ming dynasty, the overhanging Great Wall is an integral part of the Jiayuguan ancient defense system. Its body extends from mountains with the iron walls hanging at the ridge, hence the name.

Wei-Jin Tombs

The tombs exhibit a wide range of murals, which show the farming, hunting, and cooking culture of the noble class in the Wei and Jin dynasties. Visiting there, you will get more insight into the history of it.

The First Strategic Post

This is an iconic site of Jiayuguan and is the starting point of the Great Wall. There you can discover the relics of the beacon tower, marvel at the Taolaihe River, and walk across the hanging bridge.

Top Things to Do in Jiayuguan

Marvel at Jiayuguan Fort

Jiayuguan Fort has a great historical significance in ancient China, especially in defending against invasion. It centers the inner city, which stretches 640 meters long and spans 25,000 square meters, protected by barbicans to the east and west gates. Visiting there, you will marvel at the architecture of the fortress and the wisdom of people in ancient times.

Hike the Overhanging Great Wall

Located 8 kilometers from the Jiayuguan Fort, the overhanging Great Wall in Jiayuguan presents stunning views of the desert and Black Mountain, and it offers a hiking trail for visitors to explore. Take a stroll for about half an hour, you will reach the highest point where the beacon tower is located.

Explore the Great Wall Museum

It is the first museum that features the history and culture of the Great Wall of China Jiayuguan. There are 7 exhibition halls with 2,252 collections, among which 295 are rare relics. You can go inside and gain a deeper understanding of the structure of the Great Wall as well as the history of Hexi Corridor and the Jiayuguan Pass of Gansu.

Visit the Wei-Jin Tombs

Wei-Jin Tombs at Jiayuguan is recognized as the world’s largest underground gallery with a large number of murals. These murals reflect the politics, economics, culture, and customs of the Wei and Jin dynasties. By exploring there, you will be amazed by the exquisite paintings on your Silk Road tours to Jiayuguan.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Jiayuguan of Gansu is a city with rich culture and customs. It greets visitors with many activities and performances, including dragon and lion dance, land boat rides, equestrian activities, and shadow play. If you are interested in traditional Chinese culture, never miss this place.

Taste Local Delicacies

When you visit Jiayuguan, don’t hesitate to taste the local cuisine. Beef noodles, mutton soup, grilled lamb, crispy pancakes, and steamed twisted rolls with chicken are the must-try foods on your trip to Jiayuguan. You can go to Zhenxing Market or Jingtie Market where there are dazzling restaurants.

Jiayuguan story / legend

City Brick

During the construction of fort in Ming Dynasty, a total of 99,999 bricks were needed based on the precise calculation by the craftsman Yi Kizhan. However, upon completion, an extra brick was found on the eaves of the western gate tower. The official wanted to punish him, but he explained that it was a city brick put here by a deity. If moved, the tower would collapsed. So the brick was kept in the original place.

Song of Swallowsafter Stone Hitting

After striking specific positions of the city wall, it would produce “chirping” sound resembling the song of swallows. It was said to be the spirits of soldiers who were died in the guard of the pass. So before the soldiers went to the war, their family member would strike the stone. If they heard the song of swallows, it indicated triumphant return. Till now, the city walls still bear the indentations of stone strikes, and an experience zone has been established to continue this folk custom.

Site of Nine-Eyed Spring

In the first time the general Fngsheng surveyed the site of fort, the nine-eyed spring was suddenly appeared in the Gobi dessert, which resembled the stars in the sky. Regarding this as a heavenly blessing, he decided to built the fort next to it. Later, it became the stream of life for the soldiers. The ancient spring remains still exist in the scenic area now.

Jiayuguan History

Located in the valley between Qilian Mountain and Black Mountain, Jiayuguan Fort is the narrowest place in Hexi Corridor. So in Ming Dynasty, it was chosen as the site of fort. After 168 years of construction, it formed a depth defense system with fortress and the northern and southern wings of the Great Wall.

While in Qing Dynasty, with the expansion of the territory, the number of soldiers was decreased and the fortress became desolated gradually. But it turned to be the main trade route between Central China and Xinjiang. And the government established a customs post to collect taxes. In 1888, Jiayuguan was opened as a trade port when the treaty between China and Russia was signed.

In 1987, Jiayuguan was listed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. And 200 million yuan was invested in 2005 to restore the Jiayuguan Fort, Overhanging Great Wall and The First Strategic Post. Now, it has been famous for “The Greatest Pass of the Great Wall”.

Jiayuguan Weather & Best Time to Visit

Jiayuguan in China belongs to the temperate continental climate zone with large temperature variations, and the weather is dry throughout the year. Therefore, the best time to visit there is from May to October. During these months, Jiayuguan greets visitors with the most beautiful scenery and relatively comfortable climate.

Accommodation in Jiayuguan

The accommodation in Jiayuguan is sufficient with various kinds of hotels. And about 60% are economy hotel with an average price of CNY 250. Around the scenic areas, guesthouse are densely distributed, which focus on a courtyard-style experience.

Top recommended hotels

Far East Hualun Hotel

Address: No. 653, Yuquan Middle Road, about 3 kilometers away from fortscenic area.
Feature: The hotel offers themed suites such as B.Duck and the Octonautsand is near the food street, so it is suitable for families.
Price: CNY 400 – 600

Bailu Hidden Holiday Hotel

Address: No. 1022, Shuangyong Road, inside the Jiayuguan Fort scenic area.
Feature: This hotel is featured by snow-capped mountain view room, hot spring pool, quiet ecological courtyard, and a children’s club. It also offer free pick-up service.
Price: CNY 300 – 800

Jiugang Hotel

Address: No.2, Xiongguan West Road, in the city center
Feature:The rooms in the west building of the hotel offer a distance view of Qilian Snow Mountain and fort. And room in the east building are in the theme of Silk Road. The restaurants offer local cuisines.
Price: CNY 200 – 600

Jiayuguan Transportation

How to Get to

By air: Jiayuguan Airport is located 9 kilometers from downtown Jiayuguan. You can take a plane to Jiayuguan Airport from major cities in China, including Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and more. From the airport, take an express bus to the Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Area, which costs CNY 15.

By train: You can also take a train to Jiayuguan Railway Station or Jiayuguan South Railway Station from many cities in China. Afterwards, take Bus No. 4, 6, or 9 to the Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Area.

By bus: If you find yourself in nearby cities in Gansu, such as Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Dunhuang, you can take a bus to Jiayuguan City. After you arrive there, take Bus No. 5, 6, or 9 to the scenic area.

How to Travel Around Jiayuguan

The transportation to the three Great Wall sites is the part that tourists care about the most. Though they are not in the same location, all are not far from the downtown area. And to facilitate tourists, a dedicated tourist direct bus with a loop travel route is opened to connect them. It is the most economical and common way. Another popular way is to take a taxi or online hailing car.

To travel around the downtown area, the bus network is well-developed, by which you can reach most places inside the city, including the train station and bus station. Taking a taxi is also cheap and convenient, because the downtown area is not big and the main business area and hotels are concentrated.

Tips for Traveling in Jiayuguan

The ticket covers three sitesof Jiayuguan, including the Jiayuguan Fort, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Strategic Post. Besides, the ticket will be valid for three days.
The three scenic points are located distant from each other, and you can take a sightseeing bus to shuttle to them, which costs CNY 15.
Book a hotelin Jiayuguan City in advance, especially during peak seasons.
You can store your luggage atJiayuguan Fort Customer Service Center, which is convenient.
Wear sun-proof clothing and sunglasses as the UV level is high.

How Many Days to Stay in Jiayuguan & Recommended Itineraries

Jiayuguan is not in a large area and the attractions are in close distance, so 1 – 2 days is already enough for a complete tour. The difference is that a one-day tour mainly covers the three major scenic spots. It is more suitable for tourists with a tight schedule and it is highly recommended to charter a car. While two-day tour offers a slow travel pace and covers more attractions.

One-day Tour Route:

08:30 – 12:00: Jiayuguan Pass

12:00 – 13:30: lunch and transfer

13:30 – 15:00: Overhanging Great Wall

15:00 – 16:30: The First Strategic Post

Two-day Tour Route:

Day 2:

08:30 – 12:00: The Great Wall Museum

12:00 – 13:30: lunch and transfer

13:30 – 17:00 Wei-Jin Tombs

FAQs about Jiayuguan

What is Jiayuguan City best known for?

Jiayuguan is best known for the Jiayuguan Fort, Overhanging Great Wall and The First Strategic Post.

What local transportation options are available within the city?

Public bus, taxi and tourist direct bus are all available in the city.

Besides the Great Wall sites, what cultural attractions does Jiayuguan City offer?

Tourists can also visit Wei-Jin Tombs, Great Wall Museum and Donghu Ecological Tourist Scenic Area.

What are the most popular markets or food streets for sampling local Gansu cuisine?

Tang Dynasty Food Street is the most famous place to taste the local cuisines. Besides, People’s Mall also gathers various restaurants.

Is there a reliable public transportation system connecting the city center to the tourist sites?

Yes, there are tourist direct buses from the city center to the three major tourist sites.

Explore Jiayuguan with China Xian Tour

During a Jiayuguan Tour, the most important way to enrich the travel experience is to join a tour group. Because all the scenic spots are historic attractions, which boast abundant historical stories and architectural wisdom. Without the explanations, you will just feel like watching the ancient walls and wooden buildings. China Xian Tour can arrange a guide and a driver for you. Our local guide will introduce the cultural background in a way you can understand easily and you travel will be more meaningful and unforgettable. What’s more, we can tailor a trip to meet all your other needs. So contact us right now.