Jiayuguan Travel Guide: Plan Your Ultimate Trip to Jiayuguan
Nestled in the Gansu Province of China, Jiayuguan is the westernmost outpost of the Great Wall and a key point on the ancient Silk Road. It played a very important role in ancient Chinese defense, and many ancient Chinese writers and poets praised the strategic location of Jiayuguan Pass in their works. Visiting Jiayuguan of Gansu in China, you will marvel at the magnificent fortress and the beautiful landscapes it presents.
Chinese: 嘉峪关 jiā yù guān
Location: Northwest Gansu
Population (urban area): 316,000
Why Visit Jiayuguan
- Historical buildings: Jiayuguanboasts many intricately designed buildings, including the Jiayuguan Fort, the Great Wall, and the Wei-Jin tombs, through which you can understand the history of this place and the relations between ancient China and other countries.
- Unique landscapes:Surrounded by the Gobi desert, Jiayuguan greets visitors with magnificent views of the Great Wall and Taolai River. Besides, when standing on the Jiayuguan Fort, you will see the snow-capped Qilian Mountain in the distance.
- Folk activities:Jiayuguan City welcomes visitors with a lot of folk activities, including Shehuo and shadow play, and you can join the activities in person.
- Delicious food:Jiayuguan treats tourists with a wide range of delicious food, especially in Gansu flavors. Never miss the Jiayuguan grilled lamb, which is scrumptious and mouth-watering.
Top Jiayuguan Tourist Attractions
The First Strategic Post
This is an iconic site of Jiayuguan and is the starting point of the Great Wall. There you can discover the relics of the beacon tower, marvel at the Taolaihe River, and walk across the hanging bridge.
Top Things to Do in Jiayuguan
Marvel at Jiayuguan Fort
Jiayuguan Fort has a great historical significance in ancient China, especially in defending against invasion. It centers the inner city, which stretches 640 meters long and spans 25,000 square meters, protected by barbicans to the east and west gates. Visiting there, you will marvel at the architecture of the fortress and the wisdom of people in ancient times.
Hike the Overhanging Great Wall
Located 8 kilometers from the Jiayuguan Fort, the overhanging Great Wall in Jiayuguan presents stunning views of the desert and Black Mountain, and it offers a hiking trail for visitors to explore. Take a stroll for about half an hour, you will reach the highest point where the beacon tower is located.
Explore the Great Wall Museum
It is the first museum that features the history and culture of the Great Wall of China Jiayuguan. There are 7 exhibition halls with 2,252 collections, among which 295 are rare relics. You can go inside and gain a deeper understanding of the structure of the Great Wall as well as the history of Hexi Corridor and the Jiayuguan Pass of Gansu.
Visit the Wei-Jin Tombs
Wei-Jin Tombs at Jiayuguan is recognized as the world’s largest underground gallery with a large number of murals. These murals reflect the politics, economics, culture, and customs of the Wei and Jin dynasties. By exploring there, you will be amazed by the exquisite paintings on your Silk Road tours to Jiayuguan.
Immerse Yourself in Local Culture
Jiayuguan of Gansu is a city with rich culture and customs. It greets visitors with many activities and performances, including dragon and lion dance, land boat rides, equestrian activities, and shadow play. If you are interested in traditional Chinese culture, never miss this place.
Taste Local Delicacies
When you visit Jiayuguan, don’t hesitate to taste the local cuisine. Beef noodles, mutton soup, grilled lamb, crispy pancakes, and steamed twisted rolls with chicken are the must-try foods on your trip to Jiayuguan. You can go to Zhenxing Market or Jingtie Market where there are dazzling restaurants.
Jiayuguan Weather & Best Time to Visit
Jiayuguan in China belongs to the temperate continental climate zone with large temperature variations, and the weather is dry throughout the year. Therefore, the best time to visit there is from May to October. During these months, Jiayuguan greets visitors with the most beautiful scenery and relatively comfortable climate.
Jiayuguan Transportation
By air: Jiayuguan Airport is located 9 kilometers from downtown Jiayuguan. You can take a plane to Jiayuguan Airport from major cities in China, including Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and more. From the airport, take an express bus to the Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Area, which costs CNY 15.
By train: You can also take a train to Jiayuguan Railway Station or Jiayuguan South Railway Station from many cities in China. Afterwards, take Bus No. 4, 6, or 9 to the Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Area.
By bus: If you find yourself in nearby cities in Gansu, such as Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Dunhuang, you can take a bus to Jiayuguan City. After you arrive there, take Bus No. 5, 6, or 9 to the scenic area.
Tips for Traveling in Jiayuguan
- The ticket covers three sitesof Jiayuguan, including the Jiayuguan Fort, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Strategic Post. Besides, the ticket will be valid for three days.
- The three scenic points are located distant from each other, and you can take a sightseeing bus to shuttle to them, which costs CNY 15.
- Book a hotelin Jiayuguan City in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- You can store your luggage atJiayuguan Fort Customer Service Center, which is convenient.
- Wear sun-proof clothing and sunglasses as the UV level is high.
Our Top Jiayuguan Tours
If you are interested in Jiayuguan’s history and culture, plan a visit there. We can customize wonderful Jiayuguan tours for you, ensuring a memorable traveling experience. Besides, you can also follow the top Jiayuguan and Silk Road tours below.
