Jiayuguan嘉峪关

Overview

Located in northwest Gansu, Jiayuguan is the western terminus of the Ming Great Wall, known as the 'First Pass Under Heaven.' Built in 1372, this fortress sits in the narrowest canyon of the Hexi Corridor, guarding the Silk Road passage to the Western Regions. Today, Jiayuguan City is both a major steel industrial base and an essential destination for experiencing Great Wall and Silk Road culture.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Jiayuguan Pass

The western starting point of the Ming Great Wall, comprising inner and outer cities with walls 11.7 meters high, hailed as the 'First Pass Under Heaven.'

Overhanging Great Wall

Located 8 km north of the pass, the wall winds steeply up the mountain ridge like an overhanging structure, a key part of the Ming defense system.

First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall

The westernmost beacon tower of the Ming Great Wall, standing on a cliff above the Taolai River canyon, marking the western starting point.

Jiayuguan Fantawild Adventure

The largest high-tech theme park in northwest China, themed around Silk Road and Great Wall culture with attractions like 'Fly Over Silk Road.'

Wei-Jin Tomb Murals

Wei-Jin tomb cluster 20 km northeast of the city, yielding over 600 brick murals vividly depicting society in the Hexi region 1,700 years ago.

Food & Snacks

Jiayuguan Barbecue

Fresh local lamb marinated with cumin and chili, grilled over charcoal until crispy outside and tender inside — the most iconic northwest delicacy.

Cuo Yuzi Noodles

A traditional Hexi Corridor pasta dish, dough is rolled into fish-shaped noodles and stir-fried with shredded meat and vegetables.

Lamb Vermicelli Soup

Fresh lamb bone broth with vermicelli, sliced lamb, and cilantro — a favorite breakfast and winter tonic for locals.

Niang Pizi (Cold Noodles)

Northwest-style cold noodles made from washed flour gluten, served with chili oil, garlic, and vinegar — refreshingly sour and spicy.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• The Great Wall (Jiayuguan Section) (1987) — Jiayuguan is the westernmost starting point of the Ming Great Wall, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.
• Jiayuguan Pass Construction Craftsmanship (2014) — The Jiayuguan Pass construction craftsmanship is a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Gansu Province, embodying ancient builders' wisdom in military defense engineering including wall masonry, watchtower construction, and gate design.
• Jiayu Inkstone Making Technique (2014) — The Jiayu inkstone making technique is a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Gansu Province, crafted from local Jiayuguan stone with fine texture and smooth ink production, a treasure among the four treasures of the study.

Practical Tips