Jiayuguan - the important pass along the Silk Road in Ancient Times
Last Update: 17th October 2020
Located in the northwest of Gansu Province, Jiayuguan is situated in the middle of the Hexi Corridor. Jiayuguan is the starting point of the western end of the Great Wall of China in the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). The city is named after the pass of Jiayuguan. Jiayuguan is situated only around 20 kilometers away from Jiuquan.
Jiayuguan Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Jiayuguanshi (嘉峪关市)
- Area: 2,935 square kilometers
- Things to do there: Photography, Silk Road History, Adventure
- Who visits: Photographers, Silk Road History and Culture Learners, Adventure Enthusiasts
- Time required: 1 – 2 x days
What to expect in Jiayuguan
In Jiayuguan, you could climb the old Great Wall at Jiayuguan Pass, the well-preserved Jiayuguan Fort originally built in 1372, Great Wall Museum near Jiayuguan Pass where you will find Ancient Chinese weapons, cultural relics discovered in Jiayuguan Pass, the painting and calligraphy by celebrities and so on, Wei-jin Tombs where you can enjoy the stunning frescos, Heishan Stone Inscriptions, etc.
If you are interested to immerse yourself in the nature, you could explore Qilian Mountains, Heishan Rock Painting, Yadan Ghost City where you will see the unique Yadan landform – the natural earth castles, sculptures, squares, streets and buildings, and Taolai River Grand Canyon.
As Jiayuguan is located between the altitude of 1,412 meters and the altitude of 2,722 meters, it is suggested that you take enough warm clothes even in summer. The temperature difference between the day and the night can be substantial.
Best time to visit Jiayuguan
The best months to visit Jiayuguan are from April to October.
How to get to Jiayuguan
There are several airplanes to Jiayuguan from the main cities around China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an. There are many trains to Jiayuguan from Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xining, Lanzhou etc. Please get to Jiayuguan by air or by train based on your schedule.
Additional Jiayuguan Travel Advice
- Sometimes, the power supply is cut or limited in Jiayuguan. Please ask the hotel for the supplying time of the power and the water when you check in.
- In Jiayuguan, some hotels are not qualified to host foreign tourists. Please consult the hotel you are interested to book beforehand.
- Please check out the weather forecast in advance.
- Please wear the sunscreen cream and sun glasses even in winter.
- Please take body lotion, lip balm, and hand cream as it is always dry in Jiayuguan.
- It is recommended that you take enough warm clothes to Jiayuguan even in summer as the temp temperature difference between the day and the night can be substantial.
Interested in visiting Jiayuguan on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Jiayuguan, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.