The Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum (嘉峪关长城博物馆) is the first specialized museum dedicated to the historical and cultural heritage of the Great Wall. Situated within the Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Spot, it covers an area of 4523 square meters, with a building area of 3499 square meters and an exhibition area of 2700 square meters. The museum’s architecture resembles a beacon tower, reflecting the ancient and imposing style that harmonizes with the majestic Jiayuguan Pass, creating a unique scenic atmosphere within the cultural relics area.
The museum’s exhibits are centered around the theme “The Great Wall of China,” organized into four main sections: “Spring and Autumn, Warring States Great Wall,” “Qin, Han Great Wall,” “Northern Wei, Sui, Tang, Liao, Jin Great Wall,” and “Ming Great Wall.” It houses a collection of 2252 items, including 297 national treasures. Notably, the museum features the monumental oil painting “Ten Thousand Li Great Wall,” spanning 220.5 square meters, which artistically combines impressionistic and realistic styles to depict the significant landscapes of the Great Wall across northwestern China.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Exhibitions in Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum
- Unit 1: Across Thousands of Miles, Stands Tall Through Millennia – Evolution of the Great Wall
- Unit 2: Swords and Spears, Frontier Beacon – Ancient Great Wall Warfare
- Unit 3: Sunset on the River, Rain of Silk – Hexi Great Wall and the Silk Road
- Unit 4: Dust Clears Over the Northern Desert, Mountains and Rivers in Splendor – Ancient and Modern Jiayuguan
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0937-6215162 0086-0937-5051313 |
Location and Transportation
The Great Wall Museum is part of the Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Area, located at Lane 271, Jiayuguan Village, Yuquan Town, Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province. It is conveniently accessible by walking from Jiayuguan Pass.
Exhibitions in Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum
Unit 1: Across Thousands of Miles, Stands Tall Through Millennia – Evolution of the Great Wall
This unit focuses on the spatial distribution and historical evolution of the Great Wall across different dynasties, with a special emphasis on the Hexi Corridor section. Exhibits such as the “Overview of Great Wall Routes” use modern lighting and electronic displays to visually showcase the distribution of the Great Wall throughout China’s history. The “Chronology of Great Wall Construction” provides a succinct timeline of construction efforts across various dynasties, establishing a systematic understanding of the Great Wall’s historical development. Models and artifacts depicting the architectural types and strategic locations of the Great Wall’s “Eight Great Passes” offer a vivid three-dimensional representation of the Wall’s engineering prowess and strategic significance.
Unit 2: Swords and Spears, Frontier Beacon – Ancient Great Wall Warfare
This unit presents a vivid portrayal of over 2000 years of military history along the Great Wall. It combines dynamic displays of military tactics and weaponry with static exhibits categorizing artifacts under themes of defense and warfare. The exhibit features an array of ancient weapons such as swords, spears, crossbows, and artillery, strategically arranged to demonstrate the evolution of military technology and tactics along the Wall. Interactive elements like sand table models and simulated battle scenes enhance visitor engagement, providing a powerful visual and sensory experience of ancient warfare dynamics.
Unit 3: Sunset on the River, Rain of Silk – Hexi Great Wall and the Silk Road
A highlight of the museum, this unit showcases the vibrant social life and cultural exchange facilitated by the Great Wall’s protection in the Hexi region. Sculptural scenes like “Westward Through Yangguan, Spring Breeze at Yumen” vividly depict the scenes of departure and arrival at the Yangguan and Yumen Passes, illustrating the intersection of the Great Wall culture with the Silk Road. The exhibition emphasizes the intertwined history of the Great Wall and Silk Road, highlighting their mutual influence on politics, economy, military affairs, culture, and diplomacy. Themes such as administration of the Hexi Great Wall, agriculture and settlement, silk production and trade, and cultural exchanges among various ethnic groups are explored through a rich collection of artifacts and historical documentation.
Unit 4: Dust Clears Over the Northern Desert, Mountains and Rivers in Splendor – Ancient and Modern Jiayuguan
This unit focuses on the ancient and contemporary cultural landscapes of Jiayuguan. Through visual presentations and images, it showcases the profound historical and cultural heritage of Jiayuguan and its surrounding natural resources and archaeological sites. Exhibits highlight the enduring societal and historical significance of Jiayuguan, enriching the visitor’s understanding of its deep-rooted cultural legacy.