The First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall (长城第一墩), also known as the “First Pier of the Great Wall,” “The First Beacon Under Heaven,” or “Taolai River Beacon,” marks the most southern point of the western end of the Jiayuguan Great Wall. It stands as the westernmost beacon of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall and was a crucial node on the ancient Silk Road, responsible for relaying military information from the southern pass and various points in the Qilian Mountains.
Constructed in 1539 during the 18th year of Emperor Jiajing’s reign by Li Han, the military governor of Suzhou, the First Beacon Tower is located 7.5 kilometers north of the Jiayuguan Pass. This beacon tower stands on a cliff over 56 meters high by the Taolai River. In the grand expanse of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall, stretching over 5,000 kilometers, the First Beacon Tower and Laolongtou (Old Dragon’s Head) in Hebei Province form the symbolic “head and tail” of the dragon that the Great Wall is often likened to.
The First Beacon Tower rises to a height of approximately 10 meters, with an irregular square base measuring 14 meters in width. The interior remains a perfect square, with each side measuring 6 meters. Constructed from rammed earth, the layers are 10 to 20 centimeters thick. The inscription “长城第一墩 (First Beacon of the Great Wall)” was penned by the late Xilu Army general Wei Chuantong, whose calligraphy is elegant and fluid.
The surrounding tourist area developed around the First Beacon Tower offers breathtaking natural scenery. To the east lies the bustling city of Jiayuguan, while the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert stretches to the west. The north is connected to the majestic Jiayuguan Pass, and to the south, the snow-capped Qilian Mountains provide a stunning backdrop. The Taolai River, originating from the Qilian Mountains, flows below, adding to the picturesque landscape. Looking south, the white peaks contrast against the blue sky, creating a fresh and idyllic scene.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 22 RMB (1st May – 31st October) 11 RMB (1st November – 30th April) |
| Combined Ticket | The First Beacon Tower, Jiayuguan Pass, and Overhanging Great Wall: 120 RMB (1st May – 31st October) 100 RMB (1st November – 30th April) |
| Electric Shuttle | 12 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0937-6396110 |
Location and Transportation
The First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall is located 7 kilometers south of Jiayuguan Fortress. The site is accessible only by hiring a private car. Typically, hiring a car to visit Jiayuguan Fortress, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Beacon Tower costs between 150 and 180 RMB. If you prefer to visit only the First Beacon Tower, the cost is approximately 50 RMB.