Located in Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province, the Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. As the western starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, it was first built in 1372 (the 5th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty). Known as the "Greatest and Most Majestic Pass Under Heaven" and the "First Pass of Hexi," it features a strategic location and magnificent architecture. The scenic area consists of the Guancheng (Pass City), First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall, Hanging Great Wall, and Wei-Jin Tomb Complex, forming an ancient military defense system with "cities within cities, walls outside cities, and trenches beyond walls." The perimeter of Guancheng is approximately 733 meters, the total length of the Great Wall is about 60 kilometers, while the exact total area of the scenic area remains undisclosed.
History and Culture
The history of Jiayuguan can be traced back to the Qin and Han dynasties, successively serving as activity areas for ethnic groups such as the Xirong, Wusun, and Xiongnu. It was incorporated into the Central Plains territory during the Han Dynasty, when the four commanderies of Hexi were established and the Great Wall was built. In 1372, General Feng Sheng began constructing an earthen city. Through multiple expansions—including the construction of the pass tower in 1495, the completion of auxiliary buildings in 1506, and the reinforcement of wings in 1539—it took 168 years to form a complete defense system. In the Qing Dynasty, Jiayuguan gradually lost its military function and became a tax checkpoint, undergoing multiple renovations. During the Republic of China period, administrative offices were still established, with the existing Guancheng layout largely preserving the Ming Dynasty style.
Main Attractions
Jiayuguan Guancheng (Pass City)
Located 6 kilometers southwest of the urban area, it is the first pass at the western end of the Ming Great Wall and a strategic fortress on the "Silk Road". The pass city is composed of the Outer City, Inner City, Weng City, Luo City, and moats, covering a total area of approximately 33,500 square meters. The Inner City houses structures such as the Youji Jiangjun Mansion (Garrison Commander's Mansion), Guandi Temple (Temple of Lord Guan), and Rouyuan Tower. The Guanghua Tower, Rouyuan Tower, and Jiayuguan Tower all feature double-eaved Xieshan roof structures. The Great Wall extends from both wings of the pass through the Gobi Desert, connecting the Hanging Great Wall in the north and the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall in the south.
Hanging Great Wall
Situated on the eastern slope of Heishan (Black Mountain), 8 kilometers north of Guancheng, it was built in 1540. Named for its "hanging" appearance on a 45-degree mountain ridge, the original wall was 4 meters wide at the base and 2 meters at the top. The existing 750-meter section, reconstructed in 1987, together with the "Dark Wall" on the western side, forms a complete defense at Shiguansia Gorge.
First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall
Built in the 18th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1539), it stands on a 56-meter-high cliff by the Taolai River and serves as the westernmost beacon tower of the Ming Great Wall. The scenic area includes landscapes such as the Underground Valley, Sky-risk Suspension Bridge, and Ancient-style Military Barracks. A historical and cultural experience hall was added in 2013, with a total area of approximately 32,000 square meters.
Wei-Jin Tomb Complex
Located 20 kilometers northeast of the urban area in the desert, this complex contains over 1,400 brick tombs from the Wei and Jin dynasties (220–419 AD), known as the "Largest Underground Gallery in the World." Distributed between Guoyuan Township and Xincheng Township, the tomb murals depict scenes of farming, animal husbandry, and banquets.
Cuisine
Jiayuguan Gluten
A local specialty made from wheat gluten, known for its chewy texture. Popular dishes include cold gluten salad (with cucumber and sesame paste) and gluten stir-fry, offering a tangy and refreshing flavor, commonly found in street food stalls.
Grilled Lamb Skewers
Made with lamb from Qilian Mountain, marinated in onion and cumin, and grilled to perfection. Served with local beer, these skewers are a night market staple, priced at 3–5 RMB per skewer.
Hand-Pulled Lamb
A traditional famous dish, it is made by blanching and boiling castrated lamb in plain water, and served with salt or mashed garlic. The meat is tender and fresh, fatty but not greasy. Paired with highland barley cakes or steamed flower rolls, the average consumption per person is about 60-80 yuan.
Apricot Skin Tea
Boiled from dried Liguang apricots, this sweet-and-sour beverage is rich in vitamins. Available at shops around the scenic area, bottled tea costs 5–8 RMB, best served chilled.
Tickets
The scenic area implements seasonal pricing:
Peak season (May 1–October 31): 120 RMB (full price), 60 RMB (half price)
Off-season (November 1–April 30): 90 RMB (full price), 45 RMB (half price)
Free admission: Children under 6, seniors over 70, active-duty military, and persons with disabilities (valid ID required)
Combo ticket policy: Guancheng ticket includes free access to Hanging Great Wall and First Beacon Tower; individual tickets for Hanging Great Wall or First Beacon Tower cost 21 RMB (full price), 11 RMB (half price).
Opening Hours
Daytime: 8:30–19:30 (ticket sales close at 18:00)
Nighttime: 19:30–23:00 (ticket sales close at 22:00)
Large groups are required to make reservations in advance, and the opening hours during special holidays shall be subject to the announcements of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
Classic one-day route:
Morning: Guancheng Scenic Area (Inner City → Rouyuan Tower → Great Wall Museum, ~2 hours) → Jiuyan Spring Lake photography
Afternoon: Take scenic area shuttle to Hanging Great Wall (climbing experience, ~1.5 hours) → Visit First Beacon Tower (cliff views + experience hall, ~1.5 hours)
Transportation tip: Purchase the 35 RMB full-course shuttle ticket to cover all three core attractions and avoid parking hassles.
Transportation
- Bus: Take routes 4 or 6 in the urban area to "Guancheng Scenic Area" stop, fare 1–2 RMB
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Jiayuguan Guancheng," ~15 minutes from the urban area, parking fee 5–10 RMB/day
- Scenic area shuttle:
- Route 1: Guancheng West Gate → Hanging Great Wall → Guancheng East Gate, round-trip 20 RMB, 16 km
- Route 2: Guancheng West Gate → First Beacon Tower → Guancheng East Gate, round-trip 20 RMB, 16 km
- Full-course combo ticket 35 RMB, daily departures 8:30–17:00 - Taxi: ~15 RMB from urban area to Guancheng, ~30 RMB to First Beacon Tower
Must-See Attractions
- Jiayuguan Guancheng: The quintessential section of the Ming Great Wall, offering panoramic Gobi views and free access to the Great Wall Museum for military history insights.
- Hanging Great Wall: Experience the "Badaling of the West" on its steep slopes, with panoramic views of the pass and Heishan Gorge from the summit.
- First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall: Visit the "source of the Great Wall," walk the sky-risk suspension bridge, and explore the VR-powered historical experience hall.
Tour Tips
- Attire: Windproof jacket, comfortable sneakers (slippery stone paths in Guancheng); sunscreen and sunglasses in summer
- Timing: Avoid midday heat; arrive at 8:30 AM for off-peak touring
- Guiding: Rent an audio guide (20 RMB) or book a private tour (100 RMB/group)
- Dining: Limited options inside the scenic area; visit the "Food Plaza" at Guancheng East Gate for local snacks
Notes
- Real-name ticketing: Bring ID for face recognition upon entry
- Cultural relic protection: No climbing on walls or graffiti; steep sections at Hanging Great Wall require caution
- Environmental hygiene: Use designated trash bins; no smoking in non-smoking areas
- Drone restriction: Prohibited along the pass and Great Wall; advance approval required for photography
- Child supervision: Minors must be accompanied by adults, especially at the cliff area of the First Beacon Tower