Jiayuguan Great Wall
The Jiayuguan Great Wall, nestled in the valley west of Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province, serves as the western starting point of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) Great Wall. It stands as the largest and best-preserved military defense complex among all surviving Great Wall ruins. Unlike the renowned Great Wall segments built with stone or brick, the Jiayuguan Great Wall is constructed from rammed earth, displaying a dominant yellow hue that seamlessly blends with the surrounding desert landscape. Behind it rises the grand snow-capped Qilian Mountains, offering visitors a breathtaking view where the Great Wall and the mountains complement each other in perfect harmony.
Note: Admission tickets remain valid for three days after purchase, while shuttle bus tickets are valid for one day after purchase.
Visitors can purchase tickets in advance via the Jiayuguan Great Wall WeChat mini-program or directly at the Tourist Center. It is important to note that only 3,000 tickets are available daily for the Jiayuguan night tour; advance booking is highly recommended to avoid disrupting your itinerary.
- By bus: Take bus No. 4, 6 or 9 to reach the Jiayuguan Tourist Service Center.
- By taxi: It usually takes less than 30 minutes and costs less than CNY 50 to take a taxi from the center of Jiayuguan City to the Jiayuguan Great Wall.
- By bus: Take Bus No. 4 and it will take you to the Jiayuguan Tourist Service Center. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
- By taxi: It takes about 15 - 20 minutes to get to the Tourist Service Center by taxi from Jiayuguan Railway Station, and the cost is around CNY 20 - 30.
- By bus: Take bus No. 18 or 10 from Jiayuguan South Railway Station to Longwangtan Station, then transfer to bus No. 9 to the Tourist Service Center. The whole journey takes about 1.5 hours.
- By taxi: It takes about 40 minutes by taxi and costs CNY 50 to 60.
1. Jiayuguan features a dry climate with significant day-night temperature variations. It’s advised to bring an adequate supply of drinking water and prepare warm clothing for night visits.
2. Summer days are characterized by intense sunlight and strong ultraviolet radiation; visitors should wear sun hats, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
3. The Overhanging Great Wall is quite steep; it is recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip hiking shoes.
 |
| Jiayuguan Pass |
Basic Facts of Jiayuguan
The Jiayuguan Great Wall was first built in 1372 and has a history of over 650 years.
Stretching approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) in length and covering an area of 33,529 square meters (40,100 square yards), it features a sophisticated and comprehensive defense system, including the inner city, the outer city, and a moat. The wall still retains typical military installations such as watchtowers, corner towers, and cannons.
Jiayuguan also functioned as a crucial transportation hub along the ancient Silk Road.
Must-See Attractions in the Jiayuguan Great Wall
1. Jiayuguan Pass
Hailed as the “First and Most Majestic Pass under Heaven,” Jiayuguan Pass ranks among China’s best-preserved and most magnificent ancient city towers. It assumes a square shape, standing 22.5 meters (74 feet) tall, with a base width of 25.5 meters (84 feet) and a top width of 17.6 meters (58 feet). It is a three-story wooden structure that gradually narrows from bottom to top, typical of ancient pagoda-style towers. From the top of the tower, visitors can overlook the grandeur of Jiayuguan Fortress and take in a panoramic view of the walls, leaving an indelible impression.
|
|
2. Jiayuguan Fortress
Jiayuguan Fortress is composed of an inner city and an outer city.
The inner city, as the heart of the Jiayuguan Fortress, has a circumference of approximately 640 meters (2,100 feet) and features two gates: the eastern “Guanghua Gate” and the western “Rouyuan Gate,” each surmounted by an imposing watchtower. Inside the inner city, structures such as the General’s Mansion, the Ancient Well, and the Guandi Temple house a wealth of military and daily-life relics from the Ming dynasty.
 |
| Inner City of Jiayuguan |
Encircling the inner city, the outer city spans a circumference of about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet), primarily consisting of walls, a moat, and a barbican. The barbican’s design reflects exceptional military ingenuity - once enemies entered the barbican, defending soldiers could launch attacks from the wall. The outer city also includes auxiliary facilities like a drill ground, stables, and granaries, providing ample logistical support for the inner city and further reinforcing the stability of the entire defense system.
 |
| Outer City of Jiayuguan Pass |
3. Night Tour of Jiayuguan Fortress
In contrast to its majestic and solemn daytime demeanor, the night tour of Jiayuguan Great Wall commences with a moment of admiration for the spectacular Gobi Desert sunset from the wall. As night falls completely, a light-and-shadow show and stage performance depicting the Great Wall’s history unfold. The towering Great Wall walls are adorned with vibrant light projections, and vivid historical figures and scenes seem to transcend a millennium to narrate that grand history face-to-face. Additionally, during the tour, visitors can interact with NPCs dressed in historical costumes for a more immersive experience.
4. Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum
Situated within Jiayuguan Fortress, the Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum was completed in 1989 and holds the distinction of being China’s first museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Great Wall. Boasting six exhibition halls, it houses 2,252 cultural relics, including 297 national treasures. The collection primarily features Great Wall-related artifacts and relics unearthed within the Jiayuguan region.
|
|
Approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Jiayuguan Fortress, the Overhanging Great Wall derives its name from its construction on a mountain ridge at an approximately 45-degree angle, giving it the appearance of hanging upside down in mid-air. Stretching about 750 meters (2,500 feet) in length, it features steep, straight walls that present a breathtaking spectacle, earning it the title of the “Western Badaling.” From the top of the Overhanging Great Wall, visitors can take in the unique landscape where the Gobi Desert and oases intertwine.
 |
| Overhanging Great Wall |
As the westernmost fire tower of the Ming Great Wall, the First Fire Tower was initially built in 1539 AD and stands on a cliff beside the Taolai River. This square rammed-earth tower stands about 10 meters (30 feet) tall, with a base circumference of approximately 36 meters (120 feet). In ancient times, it played a crucial role in transmitting military information. Standing beside the First Fire Tower, visitors can gaze down at the rushing Taolai River and out at the vast Gobi Desert in the distance, creating a powerful visual impact. Additionally, a viewing platform and a historical and cultural exhibition hall are available here, allowing tourists to easily learn about the tower’s historical background.
 |
| First Fire Tower |
How to Tour the Jiayuguan Great Wall
The Jiayuguan Great Wall Scenic Area comprises three core parts: Jiayuguan Fortress, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Fire Tower of the Great Wall. Visitors need to take shuttle buses to travel between these parts, following the recommended route: Jiayuguan Fortress → the First Fire Tower of the Great Wall → the Overhanging Great Wall.
Upon arriving at the Jiayuguan Great Wall Tourist Center, take a sightseeing bus to the entrance of Jiayuguan Fortress. After ticket checking, hike to the summit of the Great Wall, walk along the main path to explore the ancient buildings and museums within the fortress, then return to the tourist center. This segment takes approximately 2.5 hours.
|
|
Next, take a 15-minute shuttle bus near the tourist center to the First Fire Tower of the Great Wall. Upon arrival, transfer to another sightseeing bus to reach the First Fire Tower Exhibition Hall, where detailed introductions about the tower are on display. After visiting the exhibition hall, walk or ride a camel to the First Fire Tower site, where attractions such as thrilling suspension bridges, ancient battlefields, and a film and television set await. This part of the tour takes about 1.5 hours, after which you can take the sightseeing bus back to the entrance.
|
|
Subsequently, take a 30-minute shuttle bus from the First Fire Tower entrance to the Overhanging Great Wall. Walk for 5 minutes from the entrance to the starting point of the Great Wall climb, then hike for approximately 30 minutes to reach the top of the wall. After enjoying the spectacular view from the summit, descend via the convenient path adjacent to the Great Wall. This section takes about 2 hours.
|
|
Finally, return to the entrance and take the shuttle bus back to the Jiayuguan Great Wall Tourist Center, concluding this unforgettable desert Great Wall tour.
When Is the Best Time for a Visit?
May, June, September and October are the best months to visit the Jiayuguan Great Wall. During these periods, the temperature remains comfortable and mild, making it ideal for outdoor excursions.
Opening Hours:
| Daytime | May to Oct.: Jiayuguan Fortress: 08:00 - 18:30 Overhanging Great Wall: 08:00 - 20:00 The First Fire Tower of the Great Wall: 08:00 - 20:00 |
|---|---|
| Nov. to Apr.: Jiayuguan Fortress: 9:00 - 18:00 Overhanging Great Wall: 9:00 - 19:30 The First Fire Tower of the Great Wall: 9:00 - 19:30 | |
| Nighttime (Jiayuguan Fortress only) | May to Oct.: 19:30 - 24:00, last entry at 23:00 |
| Oct. to Apr.: 19:30 - 23:00, last entry at 22:00 |
Sightseeing bus service time:
| Daytime | From the tourist center: 08:00 - 18:30 Return to tourist center: 08:00 - 19:00 |
|---|---|
| Nighttime | From the tourist center: 19:30 - 23:00 Return to tourist center: 19:30 - 00:30 |
Shuttle bus service time:
| From the Jiayuguan Fortress: | 09:00 - 17:30, every 30 minutes |
| From the Overhanging Great Wall: | 09:30 - 19:00, every 30 minutes |
Tickets:
| Admission fee | Daytime | May to Oct.: CNY 110 Nov. to Apr.: CNY 90 This fee covers entry to Jiayuguan Fortress, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Fire Tower of the Great Wall. 50% discount for visitors aged 6 - 18 and 60 - 69 Free entry for children under 6 and seniors over 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Nighttime | CNY 128; 50% discount for ages 6 - 18 and over 60; Free entry for children under 6 | |
| Shuttle bus | Single-way | CNY 10 |
| Round-way | CNY 20 | |
| Sightseeing bus | In Jiayuguan Fortress | Free |
| In the First Fire Tower | CNY 12 for a round-trip |
Note: Admission tickets remain valid for three days after purchase, while shuttle bus tickets are valid for one day after purchase.
How to buy the tickets?
How to Get to Jiayuguan Great Wall
 |
| Jiayuguan South Railway Station |
1. From Downtown Jiayuguan City
- By taxi: It usually takes less than 30 minutes and costs less than CNY 50 to take a taxi from the center of Jiayuguan City to the Jiayuguan Great Wall.
2. From Jiayuguan Railway Station
- By taxi: It takes about 15 - 20 minutes to get to the Tourist Service Center by taxi from Jiayuguan Railway Station, and the cost is around CNY 20 - 30.
3. From Jiayuguan South Railway Station
- By taxi: It takes about 40 minutes by taxi and costs CNY 50 to 60.
Tips
2. Summer days are characterized by intense sunlight and strong ultraviolet radiation; visitors should wear sun hats, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
3. The Overhanging Great Wall is quite steep; it is recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip hiking shoes.
Further Reading:
Legends of Jiayuguan Pass
6 Best Places to See Great Wall of China
Recommended Tours
- Last updated on Dec. 31, 2025 by Sherry Xia -