The main reason for visiting this remote outpost in Gansu for most tourists is a visit to the Fort which guards the pass (Jiayuguan), that gives this city its name. This bastion was the last main fortification of the western end of the Great Wall and is strategically located at a crucial section for those travelling the Silk Road. This was the last major stop for merchants and travellers wishing to move on to Dunhuang, the wilder recesses of Xinjiang and beyond.

Aside from Beijing, Jiayuguan is one of the best places to visit the Great Wall, especially interesting here for its percipitousness and cold, winding beauty. The best place near the city is the Overhanging Great Wall, a section of both comfortable flat and tiringly oblique surfaces, a mere 8 kilometers from the city centre. For those really interested, there is also a Great Wall Museum in town that provides a fairly comprehensive look at the history and development of the wall through pictures and documents, unfortunately all in Chinese. This is still a good way to get a look at the town, with some great views to be had from the roof of the museum.

For a more ancient historical visit there are a few more sights that are less visited and maybe just as interesting. For those art or culture orientated, the Xincheng Wei-Jin Art Gallery, just 20km from the city, contains many murals in the familial tombs of ancient Wei and Jin dynasties (between 220 and 419). For those more interested in scenery, head to the ancient July 1st Glacier, 130km southwest of the city proper.

Sight Index
Gold Medals or silver Medals indicate Sights recommended by Lonelychina.