The First Pass Under Heaven, the Magnificent Jiayuguan Pass

There are three main places to visit in Jiayuguan: the Jiayuguan Fortress, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Pier of the Great Wall. The Overhanging Great Wall is about 7 km from the Jiayuguan Fortress, and is the furthest of the three must-see attractions. It hangs in the air on the ridge and was restored in 1987. The wall is narrow (like an ancient stockade gate) and the mountain is not high, so you can enjoy a panoramic view of the northwest. The First Pier of the Great Wall is the starting point of the Ming Great Wall. After years of weathering, only a mound of earth remains. Next to it is the Taolai River Valley, where the desert, canyon, and river are all spectacular. The Jiayuguan Fortress is located between the two attractions and is the most popular of the three. With the Qilian Mountains to the left and the Heishan Mountains to the right, the fortress is surrounded by a vast desert. The gate stands alone, facing northwest towards Chang'an. [Jiayuguan Fortress Tour Route] Enter through the East Gate → Stele Gallery → City Wall → Wenchang Pavilion → Guandi Temple → Theater → Chaozong Gate → General's Mansion → Yanshi → Horse Road → Climb the City Wall → Guanghua Tower → South Enemy Tower → Corner Tower → Huiji Gate → Jiayuguan Gate → Xiongguan Stele. [Jiayuguan Fortress Photo Spots] 1. Xiongguan Octagonal Pavilion. 2. Rammed Earth Wall (on the wall and in the pavilion). 3. Guanghua Tower. 4. Rouyuan Gate. 5. Jiayuguan Gate. 6. Jiayuguan Fortress at sunset. 7. The Great Wall of China - Jiayuguan Stele outside the fortress. 8. 200 meters to the right (towards the North Gate) after exiting the West Gate (Snow Mountain Fortress). [Travel Tips] 1. Tickets are CNY 110 (including Jiayuguan Fortress, Overhanging Great Wall, and First Pier of the Great Wall). If you are short on time, choose between the Overhanging Great Wall and the First Pier of the Great Wall. 2. If you are not driving, it is recommended to take a taxi. A car for four people to visit the three attractions costs CNY 200 per day, which is very cost-effective. You can also take the direct bus to the scenic area, which costs CNY 35 and must be purchased separately. The bus runs every half hour and includes round-trip transportation to the three attractions. 3. You need to take a shuttle bus (CNY 12 per person) to the First Pier of the Great Wall. Visit the underground museum first, then go to the viewing platform to see the Taolai River Canyon, where the snowmelt from the Qilian Mountains still flows. 4. If you have time, it is recommended to visit the Jiayuguan Xincheng Wei-Jin Tombs (tickets are CNY 31). There are more exhibits than in Dunhuang. The Postman Picture (the earliest image of a postman) is the symbol of China Post (the statue in front of Jiayuguan Railway Station). Take public transportation from the city center to the bus stop opposite the Wei-Jin Tombs.