City
Jiayuguan
The last fortress at the western end of the Great Wall
Jiayuguan Fort (western terminus of the Great Wall)Overhanging Great Wall section (Xuanbi Changcheng)Gobi Desert dramatic landscapesGateway to Northwest China explorationFirst Beacon Tower of the Great Wall
Best Time to Visit:April–June and September–October for mild desert temperatures and clear skies; avoid winter extreme cold
Asia/Shanghai
CNY
Mandarin Chinese
About Jiayuguan
The Jiayuguan Fort, built in 1372, is the most complete and best-preserved ancient military fortress in China — its three concentric walls, watchtowers, and massive gate complexes have stood for over 650 years. The surrounding Gobi Desert landscape is as much of the draw as the fort itself: wild, unrestored sections of Great Wall at Overhanging Wall are awe-inspiring. Jiayuguan also makes a natural stopover on the way to the legendary Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains (3 hrs east), one of China's most vivid geological spectacles.
Highlights
1
Jiayuguan Fortress complex tour
2
Overhanging Great Wall hike
3
First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall
4
Gobi Desert night sky photography
5
Day trip to Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains (3 hrs east)
6
Sand dune exploration at the desert's edge
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Arid desert climate. Very dry year-round with less than 100mm annual rainfall. Summers hot (avg 28°C in July), winters brutally cold (-15 to -20°C in January). Temperature swings between day and night can exceed 15°C.
Getting There
Jiayuguan Airport (JGN) has connections to Lanzhou, Urumqi, Beijing, and Xi'an. High-speed rail (Lanxin HSR Line) connects Jiayuguan to Lanzhou (~4 hrs), Zhangye (~1.5 hrs), and Urumqi (~6 hrs). From Xi'an by high-speed rail via Lanzhou (~6 hrs).
Practical Tips
The Fort and Overhanging Wall can be combined in a half-day excursion
Desert nights are cold regardless of season — always carry a warm layer
Combine with Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains for a stunning northwest China circuit
Water and sunscreen are essential given intense desert sun and dry air
Photography of the fort against the desert sunset is spectacular from the east gate
Quick Facts
Best Time to Visit
April–June and September–October for mild desert temperatures and clear skies; avoid winter extreme cold
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
Currency
CNY
Language
Mandarin Chinese