Jiayuguan Pass: The First and Greatest Pass under Heaven
Jiayuguan (also known as the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven, and the Key to the Frontier) is located in Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province. It is the westernmost pass of the Ming Great Wall and a key traffic stronghold on the ancient Silk Road. Within the Jiayuguan fortress, which covers an area of over 50 acres, every brick and tile could be written into a fascinating historical book.
As an important symbol of the Great Wall culture, China Jiayuguan Pass is the earliest built and best-preserved ancient military pass city along the Ming Great Wall. It is the western starting point of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall and the most magnificent in scale.
Jiayuguan Pass Facts
- In Chinese: 嘉峪关 jiā yù guān
- Opening Hours: 8:00 – 20:00
- Type: Historical site, ancient ruins, landmarks
- Recommended Length of Stay: 2 – 3 hours
- Best Season: May – October
- Latitude and Longitude: longitude 98 ° 17 ‘, latitude 39 ° 47’
- Location: Western section of the Hexi Corridor, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) southwest of the city of Jiayuguan in Gansu.
Jiayuguan Pass Legend
Located in the middle of the Hexi Corridor, Jiayuguan fort marks the beginning of the Great Wall and serving as a pass on the Silk Road. It strides across the Gobi Desert, leans against the Qilian Mountains, and proudly stands tall on the vast wilderness.
Here, you can find the remains of the Ming Great Wall, ancient tomb complexes from the Wei and Jin dynasties, and rock paintings etched by nomadic tribes. Oases, steles, and the sound of camel bells… everywhere sparkles with the brilliance of ancient culture. Since the construction of Jiayuguan Fort, many popular legends and stories have been passed down. These tales reflect the wisdom and achievements of the ancient working people.
A legend tells of swallows nesting in Jiayuguan’s Rouyuan Gate. The male swallow died hitting a closed gate in despair, while the female mourned till her death. Her spirit caused a “chirping” sound when the wall was struck. Tourists hit the wall to hear this, leaving marks.
To protect the wall, hitting stones was introduced, still producing chirping sounds. But architecturally, this is due to Jiayuguan pass’ special structure—tightly brick-built corners with a trapezoidal tilt and flared shape, creating echoes. In ancient times, this sound was auspicious. Generals’ wives hit the wall for blessings before war, and later, soldiers and families did the same for good fortune.
Jiayuguan Fort Construction
Jiayuguan Pass is renowned for its robust brick construction that has withstood the test of time. The pass itself is not just a single gateway but a fortress complex, encompassing a vast area of over 50 acres. This fortress complex, known as Jiayuguan Pass Fortress, is a testament to the architectural prowess of its time. Every brick on the Jiayuguan fort is meticulously laid to form a defensive stronghold.
As the westernmost point of the Ming Great Wall and a crucial node on the ancient Silk Road, Jiayuguan Pass Fortress Complex stands as a symbol of historical significance. Here, the intricate brickwork and expansive layout narrate tales of ancient trade and military strategy.
Why Visit Jiayuguan Pass
If you wonder where to experience the culture of the Great Wall in a China Silk Road travel, Jiayuguan Fort must be on the list. The distance from Shanhai Pass to Jiayuguan Pass, 2000 kilometers, is a testament to the vastness of this historical route.
In the sky of Chinese history, two brilliant rainbows shine together: one is the Great Wall, and the other is the Silk Road. They meander westward across the Chinese land, occasionally converging in a narrow strip between the Hexi Corridor and the mountains. Standing as a sentinel of the Silk Road history, Jiayuguan Pass is an important convergence points along the route, witnessing the development of social history.
During Gansu tours, Jiayuguan pass, the first strategic pass of the Hexi Great Wall, is the must-visit. It forms a defense system of a beacon tower every five miles, a watchtower every ten miles, a fortress every thirty miles, and a city every hundred miles. Jiayuguan fort is one of the most precious and brilliant cultural treasures of humanity, listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO.
Top Jiayuguan Pass Attractions
The Overhanging Great Wall
Located on the north slope of Black Mountain, 8 kilometers north of Jiayuguan fort, the Overhanging Great Wall was built during the Ming Dynasty. The theme here is the culture of the ancient Silk Road and the Great Wall, and the Ancient Silk Road Cultural Corridor running through the entire scenic area. The Great Wall is flat in some areas, which is easy in walking, while in other areas it is steep and treacherous, much like the Badaling Great Wall. From the Great Wall, visitors can enjoy the vast and desolate scenery beyond the pass.
The First Strategic Post
Marking the beginning of the ancient Great Wall, the First Strategic Post was originally a beacon tower. Today, only a single mound remains. The site features attractions such as the Taolai River slide, a hanging bridge offering views of the breathtaking canyon, a museum, and numerous sculptures depicting ancient military scenes.
Qiyi Glacier
The Qiyi Glacier is located in the Qilian Mountains southwest of Jiayuguan City. It is 116 kilometers south of Jiayuguan City and 130 kilometers from the urban area, making it the closest glacier to a city in Asia. Visitors can ascend via a dedicated mountain trail. The glacier is brilliantly white and pure. In winter, icicles hang from it, while in summer, the melting snowflakes dance in the wind. The clear, cold river water rushes down, creating a very unique landscape.
What to Do in a Jiayuguan Travel
Try Camel Riding
The camel riding project at the pass city scenic area is located outside the West Gate, with a total of 37 camels. This project has been in operation for over 20 years within the scenic area. Due to its harmonious integration with the overall style of the scenic spot, it has been favored by a large number of tourists.
Dress in Chinese Hanfu
Anyone who wants to experience Chinese culture during a China Silk Road tours must try on Hanfu. There are two self-operated Hanfu galleries in the Jiayuguan pass city scenic area, offering more than 300 sets of Hanfu in various styles, colors, and patterns from the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties. Since its opening in June 2021, it has been well-received by Hanfu enthusiasts. Professional makeup artists are employed in the galleries to provide paid exquisite Hanfu makeup and styling services for tourists.
Photograph at the Checkpoint
The Jiayuguan Pass in Gansu, China, was an important military defense facility during the Ming Dynasty and a necessary checkpoint on the ancient Silk Road. All personnel entering and exiting had to verify their identities and obtain a pass document, known as a “pass inspection certificate” or “guanzhao,” to pass through. “Guan” refers to the checkpoint, and “zhao” is the certificate, essentially a permit for crossing the checkpoint.
Jiayuguan Pass Transportation
- By Air: Jiayuguan Airport, 12km northeast of the city, has flights to major Gansu cities and direct routes to Beijing, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, and Xi’an. Shuttle buses to downtown cost CNY 15 and take 30 minutes.
- By Train: Jiayuguan has three stations. The main station offers regular trains to many cities. The south station runs high-speed trains, and Lvhua station serves Tiejinshan.
- By Bus: Jiayuguan Bus Station connects to cities like Lanzhou, Dunhuang, and Jiuquan. By bus, you can take bus no. 4 or no. 6 to the terminal station and then walk to the ticket office.
For a more comprehensive visit that includes the First Fire Tower and the Overhanging Great Wall, chartering a minibus from the city is recommended.
Tips for Jiayuguan Tours
Footwear and Conservation
When traveling to Jiayuguan, it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes like sneakers or cloth shoes. Also, be sure to protect the cultural relics.
Qiyi Glacier Trekking
October is the perfect time to climb the Qiyi Glacier. Bring sunglasses, apply sunscreen, and wear hiking shoes to fully enjoy the adventure. Don’t forget to pack rain gear and warm clothing when visiting the glacier.
Best Travel Time
The best time to visit Jiayuguan City of Gansu province is May to October each year. Jiayuguan City has a temperate arid climate with significant annual temperature differences. The average annual temperature is around 6℃, and the annual precipitation is over 80mm. The coldest month is January with an absolute minimum temperature of -28.6℃, while the hottest month is July with an absolute maximum temperature of 38℃.
