Jiayu Pass
» Jiayuguan, Gan Su

嘉峪关 天下第一雄关 河西第一隘口

Jiayuguan

Located about six kilometers (four miles) southwest of Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province, the Jiayu Pass is the western starting point of the existing Great Wall constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). The snow-covered Qilian Mountains spread for hundreds of miles to the south, and the Dragon's Head (Longshou) and the Horse's Mane (Mazong) mountains rise to its north. It takes the name from one of the surrounding mountain ranges, the Jiayu. The two Chinese words "Jia yu" literally mean "beautiful valley."

Built in 1372 during the Ming Dynasty, the Jiayu Pass is one of the best-preserved passes in China as well as the largest pass on the ancient Great Wall. It is located on a strategic passage of the ancient Silk Road at the western end of the Hexi Corridor in today's Gansu Province.

The scale of the pass

With a wall of 733 meters in circumference and 11.7 meters in height, the pass occupies an area of more than 33,500 square meters (eight acres) and lies at the base of a narrow valley. Its eastern and western gate towers both rise 17 meters, symmetrical in structure and majestic in appearance.

What to visit

The legend about "the last brick remaining"

Legend has it that the official charged with overseeing the building of the pass demanded that the foremen not squander even a single brick. The builders were for the most part successful, and the project was finished with just one brick remaining. This brick is still kept on the eaves of the gate tower of the western enceinte has become popular among the tourists visiting the area.

Other ancient buildings

Outside the eastern enceinte there are some buildings such as the Wenchang Pavilion, the Guandi Temple and the Theatre Building, and inside it there is an Office of Guerrilla Warfare, all built in the Qing Dynasty.

The three concentric layers

It is a square structure divided into three concentric layers: the central area is made up of an inner city, containing the largest of the pass' buildings; an outer city section, surrounded by a large wall dotted with watchtowers, turrets, and high-terrace pavilions; and finally, for purposes of defense, a moat. All of these features combine to make it a daunting prospect for any would-be attackers. The outer court covers an area of 33,500 square meters while the inner court covers 25,000 square meters.

Overhanging Great Wall

A number of other historical sites can be found in the Jiayuguan Pass region, including the Overhanging Great Wall in the north and the First Mound in the south.

Located four miles to the northwest of the pass city of Jiayuguan Pass, the overhanging Great Wall is an important part of the defensive work of Jiayuguan Pass. It was built in the year of 1539 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).The wall was built layer upon layer using local gravel and yellow earth. Originally, it measured 0.9 miles long. But due to natural disasters and human destruction, only 820 yards of the present wall remain with 253 yards climbing onto the north slope of Heishan Mountain, which is 492-feet high and tilts 45 degrees. When seen from a distance, the wall seems to overhang in the sky, hence its name. The wall is composed of the main path, battlements and three observation posts. Its imposing appearance and manner are very much like those of Badaling Great Wall, so it is often referred to as "the Western Badaling Great Wall."

Attractions around » Jiayuguan, Gan Su

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

Built in the Ming Dynasty, the Jiayu Pass is one of the best-preserved passes in China as well as the largest pass on the ancient Great Wall. It is the western starting point of the existing Great Wall constructed during the Ming Dynasty. Many visitors come to the Jiayu Pass to cherish the memory of the past.

Special China Tours

Tour Highlights

» 1 tourCity Tours

» 2 toursPackage Tours

»»For exploration of Jiayu Pass, check out 3 tours ...

Related Guides



Tour Searching
Tour Packages We Provide
Package Searching 101
Customized Tour Design
Tour Booking
Fill Your Cart
Travel Agreement
Order Confirmation
Deposit & Payment
Methods of Payment
Deposit
Final Payment
Cancellation
Alteration
Customer Service
Contact Us
Our Guarantees
Lodge a Complaint
Travel Tips
Sitemap
Popular China Travel Destinations & Tours
phone U.S.A. +1 (310) 997-0051 / +1 (310) 878-2934
Canada +1 (604) 998-6945
China +86 (10) 8409-8570 / +86 (10) 8409-8571
email info@yeschinatour.commsn: help@yeschinatour.com