Jiayuguan

Jiayuguan has a noticeable temperature difference between day and night, so it is recommended to keep a windproof jacket with you.

Jiayuguan is known as the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven” and marks the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall. Here you can see the wide-open scenery of the desert and Gobi, as well as well-preserved historical remains of China’s frontier past. The information below is organized by sights, itinerary, and transport to help you plan your trip.

• Jiayuguan Pass: Located at the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall, the pass has a carefully planned and orderly architectural layout. After climbing the gate tower, you can look out toward the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and the vast Gobi. Plan for 2–3 hours, and consider using a guide or audio explanation to learn historical stories such as the “Fixed City Brick.”

• Overhanging Great Wall: This section of the Great Wall was built along a 45-degree steep slope of Heishan Mountain, making it look as if it is hanging from the cliff. There are 498 steps in total. From the top, you can overlook the full panorama of the Heishan Gobi. The climb is fairly physically demanding, so wear non-slip shoes. Allow about 1.5 hours for the visit.

• First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall: This is the westernmost first beacon tower of the Ming Great Wall, next to the Taolai River Grand Canyon, which is 56 meters deep. The free glass viewing platform offers views over the river valley and the Gobi. Visiting in the evening also lets you enjoy the sunset. Plan to stay for about 1 hour.

Tickets and Opening Hours

• Combo ticket price: 110 yuan per person in peak season (May–October), 90 yuan per person in the off-season (November–April of the following year).
• Includes: Jiayuguan Pass, Overhanging Great Wall, and First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall.
• Validity: The combo ticket is valid for 3 days. Each attraction can be entered once, so you do not need to visit them all on the same day.
• Opening hours: 08:30–18:00 in peak season, 09:00–17:30 in the off-season.

Itinerary Planning

• One-day trip (short version): Visit Jiayuguan Pass in the morning and spend about 2.5 hours climbing the city wall; return to the city at noon to try sand onion beef pancakes; visit the Overhanging Great Wall in the afternoon for about 1.5 hours; head to the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall in the evening and spend about 1 hour watching the sunset over the Taolai River. The three attractions are about 10–15 km apart, and you can hire a car or take taxis for the full route.
• Two-day trip (in-depth version):
  • Day 1: Visit Jiayuguan Pass and the Great Wall Museum in the morning, then go to the Overhanging Great Wall in the afternoon. In the evening, visit Datang Food Street or Fuqiang Market for the night market and dinner.
  • Day 2: Go to the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the underground gallery of the Wei and Jin Dynasty Mural Tombs, or go to Fantawild Silk Road Dreamland theme park. Return to the city in the evening.

Transport Guide

• Getting there: If taking the high-speed train, get off at Jiayuguan South Railway Station. The station is 8 km from the city center, and a taxi costs about 20–30 yuan. If taking a regular-speed train, you can arrive at Jiayuguan Railway Station, which is located within the city and is more convenient for getting around.
• Transport between scenic areas:
  • Self-driving: Navigate to “Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Area Visitor Service Center.” There is a large parking lot on site, with parking costing about 10 yuan per day. You can drive between the three attractions, with each leg taking about 15–20 minutes.
  • Bus: From the city, take Bus No. 4 to reach the Guancheng Visitor Center.
  • Scenic area shuttle: At the Guancheng Visitor Center, you can buy shuttle tickets between the three attractions. A round trip costs 20 yuan per person. The vehicles run on fixed circular schedules, making this a good option for visitors who are not driving.

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Travel Tips and Practical Information

• Sun and wind protection: UV rays are strong in the Gobi region, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The temperature difference between day and night is noticeable, and the wind can be strong in the evening, so also carry a windproof jacket.
• How to buy tickets: Do not buy “split tickets” or “internal tickets” promoted at the scenic area entrance. It is recommended to buy the combo ticket through official platforms or ticket windows to avoid unnecessary losses.
• Drone management: Drones are prohibited throughout the core scenic area of Jiayuguan. Aerial photography without permission may be stopped by staff and could even result in penalties. If you need to take aerial shots, go to an open area outside the scenic area.
• Scenic shuttle information: There is still some distance between the entrance of the Guancheng scenic area and the ticket checkpoint. You can take an electric cart for 10 yuan one way or 20 yuan round trip. If you do not take it, set your destination to near “Changchengyao Homestay,” then walk about 10 minutes to enter through the north gate.
• Prepare drinking water: Drinking water is relatively expensive in the scenic areas and Gobi areas, so prepare enough water, snacks, and fruit in advance, and rehydrate regularly during your visit.