Jiayuguan is located in the northwestern part of Gansu Province, in the middle of the Hexi Corridor, and is the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall. It has a temperate continental desert climate with four distinct seasons, dry and little rain, an average annual temperature of about 7°C, and large temperature differences between day and night.
Jiayuguan has a long history and has been a military stronghold since ancient times. The Jiayuguan Pass was first built in the fifth year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1372) and is the best-preserved pass along the Great Wall. In the Qing Dynasty, it became an important trade route, and in modern times it rose due to the Jiuquan Iron and Steel Company.
Jiayuguan's culture blends Central Plains and Western Regions characteristics, featuring Great Wall culture and Silk Road culture. Local specialties include grilled meat, liangpi (cold noodles), and cuoyu noodles (hand-rolled noodles), which are sour and spicy.
Modern Jiayuguan is an emerging industrial tourism city, based on the steel industry and vigorously developing tourism. The city has good greenery and attractions such as the Jiayuguan Pass and Fantawild Adventure, with convenient transportation.
The best time to visit 嘉峪关 is May to October.
Spring (March-May) has strong winds and sand, but temperatures rise, and there are fewer tourists.
Summer (June-August) is cool, making it a summer resort, but ultraviolet rays are strong.
Autumn (September-October) has clear skies and beautiful scenery, making it the best travel season.
In the fifth year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1372), General Feng Sheng selected the site and built the pass, making it the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall.
In 1873, Zuo Zongtang, the Governor-General of Shaanxi and Gansu, renovated Jiayuguan Pass and inscribed the plaque 'The First Grand Pass Under Heaven'.
Jiayuguan was established as a county-level city due to the development of Jiuquan Iron and Steel Company, and later upgraded to a prefecture-level city.
Recommended places to visit
The western starting point of the Ming Great Wall, the best-preserved ancient military pass, known as 'The First Grand Pass Under Heaven'.
The first beacon tower at the western end of the Ming Great Wall, located by the Taolai River with a strategic terrain.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Jiayuguan is the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall, inscribed as part of the Great Wall World Heritage Site in 1987.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
About 13 km from the city center, with flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and other cities.
Varies by route
On the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-speed Railway, connecting to Lanzhou, Urumqi, etc., about 10 km from the city center.
Second class to Lanzhou about 200 RMB
Bus routes cover major attractions and urban areas, fare 1-2 RMB, some routes go to the Pass.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Made from local lamb, charcoal-grilled until crispy outside and tender inside, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, aromatic.
Steamed noodle sheets cut into strips, served with gluten and cucumber shreds, drizzled with vinegar and chili oil, sour and spicy.
The Great Wall built on a 45-degree ridge, appearing as if hanging upside down, majestic in momentum.
A large theme park featuring sci-fi, animation, culture and other themed projects.
The city's green lung, with the Western Pearl Meteorological Tower offering panoramic views of Jiayuguan.
Hand-rolled noodles shaped like small fish, chewy texture, served stir-fried with vegetables or in soup.
Lamb broth with vermicelli and sliced lamb, topped with cilantro and green onions, delicious and warming.
A large baked bun made from fermented dough, crispy crust, soft inside, rich wheat flavor.