Jiayuguan Pass (嘉峪关关城, Jiayu Pass Tower), located southwest of Jiayuguan City in Gansu Province, China, stands as one of the most renowned and strategic military fortifications along the Great Wall of China. Situated at the narrowest point of the valley in the towering Jiayushan Mountains, the pass is a historic marvel that has served as a gateway between the desert landscapes and the ancient Silk Road. With its awe-inspiring architecture and rich history, Jiayuguan Pass offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s past.
Jiayuguan Pass was originally constructed in 1372 during the Ming Dynasty, making it one of the oldest and most significant military defenses along the Great Wall. It took 168 years to complete the fortification, finally finishing in 1539. As the western terminus of the Ming Great Wall, Jiayuguan Pass was strategically positioned to guard the northern gateway to the Hexi Corridor, a crucial passage for trade and military movements between China and the Central Asian region.
A famous legend from the Ming Dynasty celebrates the skill of the ancient builders of Jiayuguan Pass. According to the story, the supervising official challenged the chief architect to ensure that the materials used in the construction were precisely accounted for. Remarkably, the project was completed with a single brick remaining, which was then placed on the eaves of the Xijie Gate (West Gate) as a symbol of their meticulous work. This “last brick” can still be seen today, a testament to the craftsmanship of the ancient builders.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Architectural Layout
- Best Time to Visit Jiayuguan Pass
- Vlog about Jiayu Pass
- Other Attractions in Jiayuguan City
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 110 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 20.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0937-6396110 |
Location and Transportation
Jiayuguan Pass is located 6 kilometers southwest of Jiayuguan City in Gansu Province, China. It is a strategic fortress that marks the western end of the Great Wall of China. To get there, you can take bus routes 4 or 6 to the Jiayuguan Pass Scenic Area and then walk to the site.
Architectural Layout
Jiayuguan Pass features a formidable defensive structure with three main lines of defense: the inner city, the outer city, and the moat. These layers of fortifications create a complex and impregnable military stronghold that played a crucial role in the defense strategy of the Ming Dynasty.
Inner City: The core of Jiayuguan Pass, the inner city measures 640 meters in circumference and covers an area of approximately 25,000 square meters. It is built from rammed earth and stands 10.7 meters high, with the western side reinforced with brickwork. The inner city contains two main gates:
- Guanghua Gate (光化门): The eastern gate symbolizes “the rise of the purple air from the east,” signifying the spread of light and prosperity.
- Rouyuan Gate (柔远门): The western gate represents “attaining distant goals through gentle persuasion,” reflecting the aim of stabilizing the western frontier.Both gates are flanked by gate towers with three tiers of eaves, which serve as observation and defensive positions.
Outer City: The outer city extends north and south of the inner city, featuring a wall that connects to the Black Mountain Hanging Wall of the Great Wall in the north and the First Beacon Tower in the south. This section of the fortification includes a secondary wall and a series of military structures like watchtowers and defensive bastions.
Moat: Surrounding the outer city is a broad and deep moat, adding an extra layer of protection. This water-filled trench served both as a defensive barrier and as a reservoir for maintaining the fortifications.
Best Time to Visit Jiayuguan Pass
The optimal time to visit Jiayuguan Pass is from May to October. During these months, the weather is generally more pleasant for travel and exploration. Jiayuguan features a temperate arid climate with significant temperature variations between seasons. The average annual temperature is around 6°C, with summer highs reaching up to 38°C and winter lows dropping to -28.6°C.
- July: Hosts the Jiayuguan International Paragliding Festival, offering exciting aerial displays and events.
- October: Ideal for climbing the Qiyi Glacier, a unique opportunity to experience glacier exploration.
