Jiayuguan

The "First Pass Under Heaven"

Standing majestically at the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, Jiayuguan Pass 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 is situated 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 in 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 the Mongol forces. It took 168 years to complete the entire defense system, which includes the Inner City, Outer City, Luo City (encircling walls), and a deep moat.

• 1.Architectural Layout: The fortress is designed with concentric layers of defense. The walls, standing 10 to 15 meters high, are built from rammed earth and reinforced with bricks. The complex includes majestic gate towers, turrets, and beacon towers that form an impenetrable barrier.
• 2.The Towers: Visitors can climb the 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.

Legends of the Wall

Jiayuguan is steep in folklore. 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. Upon completion, exactly one brick was left over. The workers placed it on a ledge on the Huiji Gate tower, claiming it was a "divine brick" meant to stabilize the wall. It remains there today, and moving it would allegedly cause the tower to collapse. Another cultural connection is the poetic imagery of the "Spring breeze not crossing," symbolizing the harshness and isolation of the frontier, where soldiers guarded the border against the icy winds of the Qilian Mountains.

Exploration and Museums

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.Panoramic 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.