The impressive Overhanging Great Wall (Xuanbi changcheng), linking Jiayuguan with the Black Mountain (Hei Shan), lies 8 km northwest from the Jiayuguan Fort. This part of the Great Wall was first built in 1539 during the reign of the Ming Dynasty emperor, Jiajing. It was designed as an additional military defense for the fort.
Originally this section was 1.5km in length, but it was shortened to the current 750m due to frequent battles by armies to conquer the fort. The existing wall was rebuilt in 1987.
The Overhanging Wall gets its name because there is a 231 meter long section, with an obliquity of 45 degrees, built onto a 150m high ridge. From a distance, it is said to resemble a dragon about to extend its body towards the ground.
Walking along the stairs leading to the city walls, you will find that some parts are flat as plain, while others steep as a precipice. From the top of the Wall you may get a bird’s eye view of the desert stretching before you, the oasis of Jiayuguan in the near ground, and the snow-capped mountains far away in the distance.
How to get there: You may hire a taxi there and back for about RMB60 on the surface road. You may also try asking the driver to take the shortest route, which is a rough road leading north towards the mountains.
Opening hours: 8am-6pm daily
Cost: RMB8.
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