Jiayuguan Travel Guide

Jiayuguan is a city located in the northwestern part of Gansu Province, China. It is best known for the Jiayuguan Pass, a fortification that served as the western terminus of the Ming Dynasty's Great Wall of China. The pass is a popular tourist destination and an important piece of China's cultural and historical heritage. The city of Jiayuguan has a rich history, and visitors can explore museums, ancient temples, and other historical sites. The city is also surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including deserts and mountain ranges, which make for a unique and memorable visit.

What to visit and things to do

Jiayuguan is famous for its historical significance as the end of the Great Wall of China. Some of the must-visit attractions in Jiayuguan are:

The Jiayuguan Pass: a fortress and military stronghold that marked the westernmost point of the Ming Dynasty's Great Wall.

Overhanging Great Wall: a unique section of the Great Wall that juts out from a cliff and extends over the desert.

Weijin Tombs: a large cemetery that dates back to the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316 AD), featuring many well-preserved clay figures and pottery.

First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall: the first of many beacon towers along the Great Wall, used for communication and military surveillance.

Western Xia Imperial Tombs: a series of large, intricate tombs from the Western Xia Empire (1038-1227 AD), located just outside of Jiayuguan.

Jiayuguan Museum: a modern museum showcasing the history and culture of Jiayuguan and the surrounding area, including exhibits about the Great Wall and Silk Road.

Visiting these attractions will provide a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Jiayuguan and the surrounding area.

Hand-on activities

During a trip to Jiayuguan, there are several cultural hand-on activities that visitors can participate in to immerse themselves in the local culture and history. Some of these activities include:

Create your stone art - Stone art in Gansu is a traditional art form created by combining rocks, stones, gravels and sand collected from the Gobi Desert. These raw materials collected from the desert have bizarre shapes, thus, requiring ones imagination to put them into an art work. 

Visit the Jiayuguan Fort – This ancient fort was built in the Ming Dynasty and is an important symbol of Chinese military architecture. Visitors can take a tour of the fort to learn about its history and significance.

Try traditional food – Jiayuguan is famous for its traditional food, including spicy noodles and dumplings. Visitors can sample these local dishes and experience the local cuisine.

Watch a performance of the local dance – The local dance in Jiayuguan is called the "Jiayuguan Dance." Visitors can watch a performance of this dance and learn about its cultural significance.

Visit a traditional Chinese workshop – Visitors can observe traditional Chinese artisans as they work on their crafts and learn about the techniques and processes involved in making traditional Chinese goods.

Try on traditional clothing – Visitors can try on traditional Chinese clothing, such as the Hanfu, and learn about the history and cultural significance of these garments.

Overall, participating in these hand-on cultural activities in Jiayuguan will give visitors a deeper understanding of the local culture and history.

Top activitie in Gansu »

Soft adventures

If you're looking for outdoor adventures during your trip to Jiayuguan, consider the following activities:

Hiking: There are many trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding desert and mountain landscapes, including the Great Wall of China.

Camel Riding: Experience the desert like the Silk Road traders did, by riding a camel through the sand dunes.

Rock Climbing: Climb the towering cliffs and rock formations in the area, including the famous First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall.

Star-Gazing: The clear night skies in Jiayuguan make it an ideal place for stargazing, with no light pollution to interfere.

Hot Air Ballooning: Take a hot air balloon ride to see the desert and the Great Wall from a different perspective.

These activities are sure to provide an adventurous and unique experience during your trip to Jiayuguan. Just be sure to check local weather conditions and bring appropriate gear for your chosen activities.

Luxury hotels, where to stay

Here are a few luxury hotels in Jiayuguan that you may consider for your stay:

• Sheraton Jiayuguan Hotel
• Crowne Plaza Jiayuguan
• Howard Johnson Plaza Jiayuguan
• Jinchang Jiayuguan Hilton Hotel
• Golden Palace Hotel

These hotels offer comfortable rooms, fine dining restaurants, spas, and other amenities for a luxurious stay in Jiayuguan.

What and where to eat

The local cuisine in Jiayuguan is influenced by the surrounding regions, such as Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, as well as the local Hui and Dongxiang minority groups. Some popular dishes include hand-pulled noodles, lamb hot pot, and various types of kebabs and roasted meat dishes. Additionally, due to the city's location along the Silk Road, there are also some Middle Eastern and Central Asian influenced dishes available.

Some of the top restaurants in Jiayuguan include:

Xi Wei Guan - a popular local restaurant that specializes in traditional Gansu-style dishes.

Ma La Tang - a spicy hot pot restaurant that is popular among locals and tourists.

Shi Wei Guan - a traditional Chinese restaurant that offers a variety of dishes from all over China.

Lu Dou Guan - a restaurant that serves delicious noodle dishes and other local specialties.

Wei Dao Yuan - a vegetarian restaurant that is popular among those who follow a plant-based diet.

These are just a few of the many dining options available in Jiayuguan. It's always a good idea to ask locals for recommendations and to try new restaurants to experience the local cuisine.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Jiayuguan, is in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these seasons, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring the Great Wall of China and other historical sites, and visiting the famous Jiayuguan Pass. The summer months can be very hot, while the winter is cold and dry, so these seasons may not be ideal for travel.

The climate in Jiayuguan is characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions with large temperature fluctuations between day and night. Here's a brief guide to visiting Jiayuguan based on the four seasons:

Spring (March to May):

The temperature starts to rise and it is a good time to visit the famous Jiayuguan Pass and the Great Wall of China. The weather is comfortable and it's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's scenic spots.

Summer (June to August):

The weather is hot and dry with temperatures reaching as high as 40°C. It is best to avoid visiting during this time, unless you are well prepared for the heat.

Autumn (September to November):

The temperature cools down and it is an ideal time to visit. The autumn scenery is beautiful and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

Winter (December to February):

The temperature can drop as low as -20°C, and the weather is dry and windy. It is best to avoid visiting during this time, as the weather can be extremely harsh.

Regardless of the season, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Pack appropriately for the weather and don't forget to bring sunscreen and a hat if you're visiting during the hot and sunny months.

How to plan a Jiayuguan trip

2-day itinerary for Jiayuguan

Day 1: Visit the Jiayuguan Pass, an important fortification on the ancient Silk Road, Explore the First Pass Under Heaven Museum, which provides insight into the history of the pass, Visit the Western Han Dynasty Stone Pillar Sculpture Group, a collection of ancient sculptures, Walk along the Great Wall of China at Jiayuguan, Enjoy a performance of traditional Chinese music and dance at the Cultural Heritage Park.

Day 2: Visit the Overhanging Great Wall, a section of the Great Wall that extends over a cliff, Explore the Weijin Tomb, an ancient burial site dating back to the Western Han Dynasty, Visit the Jianshan Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple with a history dating back over 1,000 years, Enjoy a scenic drive to the nearby Crescent Lake and take in the beautiful natural surroundings, Visit the Zhangye Danxia Landform, a unique geological formation with rainbow-colored rock formations.

Note: This itinerary assumes you have transportation arranged and adequate time to travel between destinations.