Jiayuguan Pass is located about 6 km west of Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province. It is the westernmost pass of the Ming Great Wall and the most well-preserved, largest ancient military fortress along the Wall. Known as "The First Pass Under Heaven" and "The Key to the Frontier," it was designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1961.
Jiayuguan was first built in 1372 during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. General Feng Sheng chose this strategic location — "snow mountains ahead, grasslands behind, two mountains facing each other with only a narrow passage between" — for its formidable terrain. The fortress consists of three defensive lines: the inner city, outer city, and moat, forming a "city within a city, moat within the moat" layered defense system. Its sophisticated fortification is a masterpiece of ancient military architecture.
Inside the fortress, you can find the Guerrilla General's Residence, Guan Yu Temple, Opera Stage, and Wenchang Pavilion. From the city walls, you can gaze at the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and overlook the vast Gobi desert. Jiayuguan was not only a military stronghold but also a crucial pass on the Silk Road, through which countless caravans, envoys, and monks passed — witnessing the history of East-West cultural exchange.
Practical Information
Tickets: 110 yuan per person (includes Great Wall First Beacon Tower and Overhanging Wall combined ticket).
Opening Hours: Peak season (May–October) 08:30–20:00, off-season (November–April) 08:30–18:00.
Transportation: Jiayuguan City is about 380 km from Dunhuang. Tuodada's Hexi Corridor 6-Day Tour includes a visit to Jiayuguan Pass.
Best Time to Visit: May to October. On clear days, the panoramic view of snow-capped Qilian Mountains is most spectacular.
Recommended by Tuodada Travel
Jiayuguan Pass is a key stop on Tuodada's Hexi Corridor 6-Day Tour and Gansu-Qinghai 8-Day Grand Loop. Small groups of 1–8 people, pure sightseeing with zero shopping stops, for an immersive experience of the Silk Road's magnificent fortress. Hotline: 0937-8839685 / 133-0937-2188 / 133-0937-3667.
