Overhanging Great Wall

Overhanging Great Wall
Overhanging Great Wall
Located about 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) to the northwest of Jiayuguan Pass, and about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from Jiayuguan City, the Overhanging Great Wall is an important part of the defense network of Jiayuguan (Jiayu Pass). It was built in the year 1539- 1540 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to strengthen the defensive capability of the Jiayuguan area.

Built on the eastern slope of Black Mountain, it is not visible to anyone looking from west to east. Enemies thought they could enter inner China from here, the Black Mountain Canyon, as long as they rounded the Jiayuguan Pass. However, they were totally mistaken. After they went over the mountain with great difficulty, they found a very firm barrier in their path that was impossible to cross.

Viewed from a distance, the Great Wall appears very like a dragon overhanging the slope, hence the name. It was built by using local gravel and yellow earth, layer upon layer, and consists of the main path, battlements and three observation posts. Originally, it measured 0.9 mile (1.5 kilometers) long. However, due to natural disasters and human destruction, only 820 yards (750 meters) remains, with 253 yards (231 meters) climbing onto the north slope of the Black Mountain, which is 492-feet (150-meter) high and tilted 45 degrees. Its imposing appearance and manner are very much like those of Badaling in Beijing, so it is reputed as the "Western Badaling".
 
Opening Hours  June to November: 8:30-20:00
December to May: 8:30-18:00
Admission Fee CNY 31

 Tip: You can buy a combo ticket to visit the Great Wall, together with the First Fire Tower and Jiayuguan. The combo tickets costs CNY 110 from May to October, and CNY 90 from November to April.
 

How to Tour Overhanging Great Wall

 Commence hiking from the Water Gate and walk northwards along the steps, you will reach the top of the Great Wall, where there is a watchtower. Some sections are quite flat, and other sections are precipitous. You need to be careful.

 There are ladders for you to climb up into the watchtower.

 Standing on the top, you can overlook the vast gobi desert dotted with oases in the distance. Also, you can look back at the part you have climbed, which resembles a golden belt on the black mountain slope.

 You can descend along the convenient footpath. At the end of the path, you can enjoy some interesting sculptures about the ancient Silk Road, such as a camel team and some historical figures. Also, there are Cliff Paintings of the Black Mountain, Huguo Temple and Haihui Pagoda nearby for you to visit. 
 

How to Get There from Jiayuguan City

There is no public transport to the scenic area, so you may take a taxi for about CNY 50.

Or, you can charter a car to tour around Jiayuguan Pass, First Fire Tower, and the Great Wall. It costs about CNY 150-180.
 

When is the Best Time for a Visit?

The best time lasts from May to October when the temperature is moderate. Try to avoid May Day Holiday (May 1st to 3rd) and National Day Holiday (October 1st to 7th) because you will meet more visitors than usual.

- Last updated on Aug. 14, 2024 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on Overhanging Great Wall
Asked by Silvia | Aug. 14, 2024 06:01Reply
Combo ticket at Jiayuguan pass? Private car?
Let me understand… I have to take taxi to arrive to Jiayunguan pass and I have to buy a combo ticket, right?
I don’t understand than if it is easy find another taxi that can take me to great Wall and first Tower or if there is a service with bus. Thanks!
Answers (1)
Answered by Emily | Aug. 14, 2024 20:59
00Reply


Yes, to visit Jiyuguan, you will have to buy the combo ticket. And if you only want to visit the overhanging great wall, you can go directly there and buy the separate ticket just for it.
You can take bus no. 4 near the Jiayuguan train station to the Jiayuguan tourist center, taking 70min and CNY 1. There are shuttle bus between the three main spots at a cost of CNY 35.
Also you can take a taxi and it is not hard to get one, especially from the train station.
Asked by Judith from SPAIN | Sep. 19, 2018 16:19Reply
How much time do I need to see the Overhanging Great Wall?
Answers (1)
Answered by Frank from CANADA | Sep. 19, 2018 19:18
00Reply


About 2 hours is enough, you can visit Jiayuguan and the Overhanging Great Wall within half of a day.
Asked by soh from SINGAPORE | Sep. 03, 2017 20:36Reply
Walking to the 3 main attractions
The admission tickets to the Jiayuguan Pass also includes admission to the Overhanging Great Wall and the First Fire Tower, can I walk from one attraction to another though I understand that the attractions may be 7-8 km apart.
Answers (1)
Answered by Cathy from DENMARK | Sep. 04, 2017 21:27
00Reply


Well, I'm afraid that you need to hire a private car to arrive at First Fire Tower. In general, the cost is CNY 150-180. :)
Ask a Question
Question Summary (100 characters)
Details (optional) (2,000 characters)
NameCountryEmail