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Jiayuguan Fortress

Introducing Jiayuguan Fortress (from Chinaculture.org & Wikipedia)
The Jiayuguan Fortress is not only the western end of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), but also a key waypoint of the ancient Silk Road., which was first built in the 5thyear (1372) of the Hongwu reign in the Ming Dynasty. It is so called because is built at the foot of Jiayu Mountain. Along with Juyong Pass and Shanhaiguan, it is one of the main passes of the Great Wall. Among the passes on the Great Wall, Jiayuguan is the most intact surviving ancient military building. The pass is also known by the name the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven". Jiayuguan has a somewhat fearsome reputation because Chinese people who were banished were ordered to leave through Jiayuguan for the west, the vast majority never to return. Amongst those once banished in disgrace was the famous Chinese Opium War Viceroy of Liangguang, Commissioner Lin Zexu, who died in Urumqi where a statue in his honor can today be found in a local park. After three large-scale repairs and decorations in 1950, 1957 and 1973, the Jiayu Pass took on a new look as an impregnable pass. Many visitors come to the Jiayu Pass to cherish the memory of the past.

Jiayuguan Fortress Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Jia Yu Guan 嘉峪关
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Hiking, Architecture, History
• Opening Hours: 08:30-20:00 from May to Oct; 08:30-18:00 from Nov to Apr
• Entrance Fee: CNY 110 from May to Oct; CNY 90 from Nov to Apr. The entrance ticket includes the First Strategic Post and Overhanging Great Wall.
• Address: 6km Southwest of the Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province

What to expect at Jiayuguan Fortress

The circumvallation of the Jiayu Pass looks trapeziform and there is a thick wall built outside the western circumvallation, which makes the defense of the circumvallation stronger. The circumvallation is 11.7 meters high and 733.3 meters long in total. There is an area of more than 33,500 square meters of the circumvallation. Outside the northern and southern circumvallation are parallel low cob walls, which are called the additional wall built for defense.

The city walls have two gates: the eastern one named Guanghua Gate and the western one named Rouyuan Gate, both of which have gate towers, 17 meters high, three-bay wide, with three-tiered gable and hip roof and surrounded by enclosing porches, looking grand and majestic. In the northern side inside the city walls is a wide slope horse way, directly leading to the top of the city wall.

 
 

Outside the eastern and western gate, are built small enceintes of the gates. The gates of small enceintes open southwards, but are not connected with the main gates of the city walls. The eastern gate of enceinte is called Chaozong, while the western one called Huiji. More than 10 meters outside the western gate is quadrate double-barriers, side by side with the city walls, whose gate opens westwards. There is the name of the Jiayu Pass carved powerfully and vigorously on the upper part of the lintel.

Walking westwards out of the city gate, about more than 100 paces, one will see a big stone tablet on which are carved four big characters that mean impregnable pass in the world, which was set up in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). On the four corners of the city walls, there is a two-storeyed watchtower each, like a blockhouse. In the right middle of the northern and southern city walls is built a lookout tower each, which is two-bay wide with front porches. On the west, the south and the north sides of the additional walls also stands a watchtower each. It is said that when building the pass, workmen made a most precise estimation of materials and as a result only one brick was left. This brick is still kept on the eaves of the gate tower of the western enceinte. Outside the eastern enceinte there are some buildings such as the Wenchang Pavilion, the Guandi Temple and the Theatre Building, and inside it there is an Office of Guerrilla Warfare, which were all built in the Qing Dynasty.

 
 

How to get to Jiayuguan Fortress
• Jiayuguan Fortress is approximately 6 km away from Jiayuguan City.
• Take bus 4 or 6 to the Guancheng Scenic Area.
• There is no shuttle bus among Jiayuguan Fortress, the First Strategic Post and the Overhanging Great Wall. It is suggested to charter a minibus to travel between them.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Jiayuguan to Jiayuguan Fortress.

Additional travel advice on Jiayuguan Fortress
• Please wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to prevent strong sunlight.
• Please wear body lotion, lip balm and hand cream as it is always dry in Jiayuguan.
• Please prepare a scarf to cover your face in case there are sandstorms. It is better to check the weather forecast in advance when taking outdoor activities.
• The best time for photographing is during the sunset.

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  1. Tour Highlights
    • Visit Jiayuguan Pass, the first pass on the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall of China
    • Hike up Overhanging Great Wall for an excellent view of Gobi Desert & glittering snowcapped peaks of Mount Qilian
    • Visit Wei & Jin Mural Brick Tomb, renowned as the largest subterranean art gallery in the world dating back 1700 years
    • Daily round-trip transport with experienced English speaking guide and hotel pickup/drop-off service

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Jiayuguan
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Jiayuguan
    • Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Tour Itinerary at a Glance
    • Pick up from your accommodation in Jiayuguan
    • Visit Jiayuguan Pass (2 hours)
    • Lunch on your own
    • Hike the Overhanging Great Wall (1 hour)
    • Visit Wei & Jin Mural Brick Tomb (1 hour)
    • Transfer back to your accommodation in Jiayuguan

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $358 $208 $148 $138 $128 $118 $98 $88 $80 $78


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions
    • Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

    Additional Info
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    • IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

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