Jiayuguan is a remote city at the edge of the Great Wall of China in northern China. It sits in northern Gansu Province and is well positioned for forays to the Great Wall and the Hexi Corridor.
Jiayuguan is known as the ‘mouth of China’ because of its placement guarding the western boundary of the Ming Dynasty. While Jiayuguan is the ‘mouth’, the river passage is the ‘throat’ of China - the Hexi Corridor.
The Overhanging Wall is the main attraction for visitors to Jiayuguan. It is 12kms from town and the westernmost part of the Great Wall of China. There are two parts of the Overhanging Wall: the lower part with a fort and two towers and the upper part, which has great views.
In town, the Great Wall Museum is a must-see on the wall’s history, while the night market is the place to head for food.
Getting There & Away
Jiayuguan Airport is 11kms from town and received flights from Lanzhou, the Gansu capital (1 hour). Long distance trains come in from Beijing (33 hours) and Shanghai (28 hours), while buses come in from Lanzhou (14 hours).
Things to Do
Jiayuguan Attractions
- Overhanging Wall
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Just a short trip from town is where the great wall of china comes to an end and has fine views.
Side trips from Jiayuguan
- July 1st Glacier
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Daytrip tours are available from jiayuguan to trek this 500m glacier, which was discovered on july 1, 1958.
- Wei Jin Tombs
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15kms from town, wei-jin mural brick tomb is the main attraction with its 1,400-plus tombs.
Events
- Jiayuguan Pass International Hang Glider Festival
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A fun july event sees gliders from all over the world soaring over the gobi desert.