Jiayuguan

The First Pass Under Heaven

Standing majestically at the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, Jiayuguan Pass City is a monumental symbol of China's military history and architectural grandeur. Located approximately 6 kilometers southwest of Jiayuguan City in the Hexi Corridor, this fortress sits at the narrowest point of the western section of the corridor, flanked by the snow-capped Qilian Mountains to the south and the Black Mountain (Heishan) to the north. Known as the "First Pass Under Heaven" and the "Throat of Hexi," it represents the most magnificent and best-preserved military pass along the Great Wall. Unlike the brick walls of Badaling near Beijing, Jiayuguan stands amidst the vast, desolate Gobi Desert, offering a profound sense of historical solitude and rugged beauty.

A Masterpiece of Ming Defense

Construction of the pass began in 1372 (the 5th year of the Hongwu reign) under the command of General Feng Sheng, intended to secure the northwest border against the remnants of Mongol forces. It took 168 years to complete the entire defense system, which transformed the site into an impregnable military complex.

• 1.Architectural Layout: The fortress is designed with concentric layers of defense, including an Inner City, Outer City, and Luo City (encircling walls), all surrounded by a deep moat. The walls, standing 10 to 15 meters high and stretching for a perimeter of 733 meters, are built from rammed earth and reinforced with bricks, embodying the peak of Ming military architecture,.
• 2.The Towers: Visitors can climb the majestic Guanghua Tower and Rouyuan Tower. From these vantage points, one can gaze out over the "long river and round setting sun" of the desert, a scene that perfectly captures the desolate poetry of the frontier described in ancient verses.

Legends of the Wall

Jiayuguan is steeped in folklore that adds a layer of mystery to its military might. The most famous is the legend of the "Dingcheng Brick" (Stabilizing Brick). It is said that the master planner calculated the exact number of bricks needed for construction with mathematical precision. Upon completion, exactly one brick was left over. The workers placed it on a ledge on the tower, claiming it was a "divine brick" meant to stabilize the entire wall. It remains there today, and legend holds that moving it would cause the tower to collapse.

Exploration and Culture

Beyond the walls, the scenic area offers a deep dive into Silk Road history.

• 3.The Great Wall Museum: Located within the scenic area, this museum houses artifacts, weapon models, and historical records that explain the evolution of the Great Wall and the strategic importance of Jiayuguan.
• 4.A Cultural Crossroads: Historically, this was where the Han cultural sphere met the Western Regions. The pass witnessed the flow of envoys, merchants, and soldiers. Today, the area is a blend of cultures, where one might encounter local Yugur and Mongol traditions, such as singing "Flower" (Hua'er) folk songs near the pass.
• 5.Scenic Views: The contrast between the golden desert, the yellow earth walls, and the distant snowy peaks creates a photographer's paradise, particularly at sunset when the "golden light" bathes the fortress in a fiery glow.