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China travel and tour destination Jiayuguan

China Destination Guide - Jiayuguan 嘉峪关

Jiayuguan is the symbolic Western end of the Great Wall and so one of the defining points on the Northern Silk Road. This was where the power of Han China dissolved into what the Chinese believed were the barbarian lands to the West. To be cast out of the magnificent fort here into the unknown was considered a fate worse than death for corrupt officials and other criminals who would be leaving Chinese civilisation behind forever. This prosperous city also has a restored section of the Great Wall as well as some tombs to visit making it a worthwhile stop.

➤ TCTC Tip: Jiayuguan is usually visited by train after Dunhuang and before Lanzhou.

What there is to see in Jiayuguan:

The attraction is the Ming Dynasty fort built in 1372 in what became known as the "mouth of China" or it's Western entrance. According to legend when Jiayuguan was being planned, the official in charge asked the designer to estimate the exact number of bricks required and the designer gave him a number. The official questioned his judgment, asking him if that would be enough, so the designer added one brick. When Jiayuguan was finished, there was one brick left over, which was placed loose on one of the gates where it remains today.
The Hanging Great Wall is a restored section of the 2,000 mile Great Wall system that starts (or finishes) at Jiayuguan and stretches to the coast east of Beijing.

Best time to visit Jiayuguan

April and May as well as September and October are the best months but it is possible to visit year round although the winters are very cold and summers hot. As with most of the Northern Silk Road, rain is not a problem as this part of China is very dry.

Best reason to visit Jiayuguan

The fort is the main reason for stopping here. Historically full of significance and it is also one of the few large forts in China and so differs in design and feel to temples.

Our last word on Jiayuguan

Sometimes overlooked on Silk Road trips Jiayuguan shouldn't be as it is an essential part of this route. The Fort may be the highlight but the City itself is pleasant, prosperous and managable in size.