Jiayuguan Private Guided Day Tour | Explore the Three Scenic Spots of the Great Pass and Witness the Grandeur of the Western End of the Great Wall
Itinerary sequence:
Jiayuguan City Hotel - Jiayuguan Pass - Overhanging Great Wall - First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall - Jiayuguan City Hotel
Attraction introduction for the itinerary:
Jiayuguan Pass
Construction began in the fifth year of Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1372). After 168 years, it was completed as a full pass, serving as the core of the western end of the Ming Great Wall and known as "The First Pass Under Heaven." Located in the narrowest valley of Jiayuguan, it consists of an inner city, outer city, barbican, and moat, forming a five-layered defense system. The Guanghua Gate and Rouyuan Gate of the inner city are magnificent, and ancient sites such as the General's Mansion and Wenchang Pavilion are well-preserved. The city walls on both wings of the pass stretch across the Gobi Desert, connecting to the Overhanging Great Wall in the north and the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall in the south. It was both a vital route on the Silk Road and a formidable barrier for ancient northwestern frontier defense.
Hanging Wall Great Wall
Located on the northern slope of Heishan Mountain at Shiguan Gorge, 8 kilometers north of Jiayuguan Pass, this section was constructed in 1539 during the Ming Dynasty under the supervision of Li Han, the military defense official of Suzhou. It served as a "hidden wall" in the pass's defensive system. Built with locally sourced materials like gravel, stone slabs, and rammed earth, the 750-meter-long surviving section features a remarkable 231-meter stretch ascending a 45-degree ridge, resembling an "inverted Great Wall" or "hanging iron wall," earning it the name "Hanging Wall" and the reputation as the "Western Simatai." Climbing its steps offers both gentle walks on flat sections and thrilling cliffside ascents. Reaching the summit rewards visitors with sweeping views of the vast Gobi Desert and the distant snow-capped Qilian Mountains, showcasing the grandeur of the frontier.
First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall
Also known as Taolai River Beacon, it was constructed under the supervision of Li Han in 1539 during the Ming Dynasty, located 7.5 kilometers north of the fortress. This beacon tower marks the westernmost end of the Ming Great Wall. Standing on a 56-meter-high cliff by the Taolai River, the 8.3-meter-high earthen structure is renowned as the "Most Perilous Beacon Under Heaven" for its treacherous terrain. Once a critical military outpost for relaying intelligence from the Qilian Mountain passes, it connects to the fortress walls in the north and overlooks the snow-capped Qilian peaks in the south, with the winding Taolai River canyon below. Today, visitors can experience the desolate grandeur of the Gobi canyon and ancient beacon through glass viewing platforms and zip-lining.
Friendly reminder:
Pick-up and drop-off service coverage:
We provide complimentary shuttle service for customers in Jiayuguan city proper. Additional charges will apply for destinations outside these areas, with specific fees to be confirmed by our customer service after your booking is finalized.
Schedule:
The standard departure time is around 8:00 AM, with the itinerary typically concluding around 5:00 PM including return transportation to your hotel. Your preferences are our top priority - the schedule can be flexibly adjusted. After booking, please contact customer service to arrange the most suitable departure time. During peak holiday periods, we recommend departing earlier to avoid crowds and ensure a more pleasant travel experience.
Service Duration Notice:
Please note that the total service duration is approximately 9 hours. Overtime fees will apply for any additional time required, and we will communicate and confirm the specific details with you in advance.
