【Jiayuguan Ultimate Guide】The Greatest Pass Under Heaven! A Must-Visit on the Northwest Grand Loop!

🏰【Must-See Attractions】 ✅ Jiayuguan Pass - Highlight: Gaze at the Qilian Mountains + Gobi Desert from the watchtower, feeling the grandeur of the "Throat of the Hexi Corridor"! - Hidden Gem: Fewer crowds after 6 PM—golden sunset on the earthen walls makes for stunning photos (closes at 8 PM in summer). - Pro Tip: Skip paid guides! Free audio tours are available (scan QR codes). ✅ Overhanging Great Wall - Thrill: Near-vertical steps (climb hands-and-knees) with unbeatable views at the top. - Photo Spot: Capture the "Great Wall snaking into the Gobi" from the beacon tower halfway up (wide-angle recommended). - Warning: Bring enough water—no supply points along the way. ✅ First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall - Must-See: Tala River Canyon + glass viewing platform (not for the faint-hearted), embracing the desert’s vastness. - Save Money: Skip the shuttle! A 15-minute walk offers more dramatic Gobi views. --- 🍢【Foodie Heaven】 🔥 Must-Try: - Glasses BBQ (locals’ late-night haunt: lamb skewers ¥2/stick, ribs ¥50/jin). - Datang Food Street (huguo stew + apricot juice + cuoyu noodles, ~¥20/person). - Jiayuguan Liangpi (chewier than cold noodles—try "Old Liu’s"). 💣 Avoid: - "Camel milk" in scenic areas (¥30/cup, tastes like watered-down powder). - "Silk Road Banquet" near the pass (¥288/person, poor value). --- 🚗【Transport Tips】 ✔️ Drive: Lianhuo Expressway direct; parking ¥10/day (navigate to "Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Area"). ✔️ Train: From Jiayuguan South Station, taxi to the pass for ¥25 (ignore "¥50 package" scams). ✔️ Bus: Take Bus #4 (¥2/person, every 30 mins). ⚠️ Hard Lessons: - Overhanging Wall is 8km from the pass—taxi ~¥30 (insist on meter!). - Avoid "combo tickets" from scammers—free shuttles run between sites (limited schedule). --- 📸【Photo Secrets】 - Best Pass Angle: Low-angle shots of watchtowers + blue sky from the inner courtyard (morning light). - Overhanging Wall: Drone shots of "coiling dragon" formations (permit required). - Outfit Tip: Red/orange clothing pops against yellow-earth walls. --- 🏨【Stay Smart】 ✔️ Budget: Downtown hotels (¥100–200/night, easy dining). ✔️ Unique: Farm stays near the pass (kang beds + stargazing). ✔️ Luxury: Jiayuguan Hotel (¥300+/night, includes pass tickets). --- 💰【Savvy Hacks】 1. Buy the "Pass + Overhanging Wall + First Tower" combo ticket (¥110, saves ¥30). 2. Bring empty bottles—free water stations throughout. 3. Souvenirs at "Jiayuguan Market" (50% cheaper than scenic spots). --- 💡【Pro Tips】 1. Best Time: May–June/Sept–Oct (avoid July–Aug scorch). 2. Essentials: Sunglasses + face cover (Gobi sand) + grippy shoes. 3. Hidden Perk: 20% off with Dunhuang/Zhangye tickets. 👇 Burning Question: How will you conquer Jiayuguan? 👉 Pass time-travel 👉 Overhanging Wall challenge 👉 Gobi stargazing