Name: Jiayuguan

Chinese name: 嘉峪关

Province: Gansu

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 160,000 inhabitants

Area: 2,935 km²

Jiayuguan is an essential stopover on the Silk Road. Located in Gansu province at the edge of the Gobi Desert amid the Hexi Corridor, Jiayuguan officially marks the western boundary of Chine through its fort—one of the endpoints of the Great Wall of Chine.

History

The city of Jiayuguan has a history stretching back more than 630 years. In 1372, during the Ming Dynasty, a fortress was constructed to defend the last frontier of the Chinese empire.

The city was completed in 1540 and became a trading hub serving the military garrisons stationed at the fort. It served as a crucial passage along the famous Silk Road and marked the western terminus of the Great Wall during the Ming Dynasty.

Today

During your journey along the Silk Road, Jiayuguan represents an essential stopping point.

In the minds of travelers, Jiayuguan embodies the symbolic end of the Great Wall and the western boundary of Chine.

The city's rich military past has left behind cultural heritage reflecting the importance of the Silk Road in antiquity and the Great Wall itself.

As an important military site, the Jiayuguan fortress has preserved its authenticity and stands as the city's defining symbol. Many travelers journey here to admire the beauty of the wall in this section. Many associate the end of the Great Wall with the edge of the world itself. It indeed offers spectacular panoramic views of the Gobi Desert.

For the curious, excursions to the Wei and Jin tombs, where frescoes depicting scenes of daily life from these eras are painted, can be arranged.

Just under 100 km from Jiayuguan, you can visit the July 1st Glacier, located at an altitude of 4,300 meters.

Climate

The city has a continental desert climate, hot and arid with a frost-free period of 160 days. The average temperature is around 6.7°C, with the lowest temperature reaching −21°C in January and the highest reaching 34°C in July. Rainfall is scarce but concentrated in summer.

From March to May, the weather brings sandstorms and strong winds from November to December.

The best time to visit Jiayuguan is May to October, when weather conditions are most favorable for exploring the region.

Airplane

Jiayuguan Airport, located 12 km from the city center, is served by flights from Beijing, Xi'an, and Lanzhou.

Train

The railway station offers daily trains connecting the city to and from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xi'an, Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Liuyuan, Turpan, and Urumqi.

Long-distance bus

The long-distance bus station is located at the intersection of Jingtiexi Road and Shenglinan Road. It is served by daily buses from Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Zhangye, Jiuquan, Hami, Urumqi, Jinchang, Yumen, Yinxia, Gaotai, and beyond.

Bus is a convenient way to get around the city. Bus tickets typically cost 1 RMB. Most attractions in the city are easily accessible by taxi. Taxi fares can be negotiated lower if your destination is quite far.

What to do in Jiayuguan?

• Discover the spectacular Jiayuguan fortress.
• Take an excursion to the Wei and Jin tombs.
• Admire views of the Gobi Desert from the walls of the Great Wall.
• Follow the trail along the July 1st Glacier.