Overhanging

The "Western Badaling" of the Gobi

1.Located on the northern slope of the Black: Mountain (Heishan), approximately 8 to 11 kilometers north of the main Jiayuguan Pass City, the Overhanging Great Wall (Xuanbi Changcheng) is a dramatic extension of the Ming Dynasty's military defense system. Unlike the fortress on the flat Gobi, this section of the wall clings to a steep ridge inclined at 45 degrees. From a distance, it resembles a "giant dragon suspended upside down" from the sky, earning it the nickname "Western Badaling" due to its resemblance to the famous section in Beijing but with a rugged, desolate Gobi backdrop.

A Masterpiece of Military Defense

2.Constructed during the Ming: Dynasty (around 1539–1540) as part of the "First Pass Under Heaven" defense network, its primary purpose was to prevent invaders from bypassing the main Jiayuguan Pass by sneaking over the Black Mountain. The wall was built using local gravel and loess, adapted to the harsh desert environment. Although the original structure suffered from erosion over centuries, the section visible today was extensively restored in 1987, preserving the grandeur of the Ming military architecture. It stands as a testament to the strategic wisdom of the ancients who utilized the natural mountain terrain to create an impenetrable barrier.

The Hiking Experience

3.Visiting the Overhanging Great: Wall is a physically engaging experience that differs from the flat walks of the Pass City.

• 4.The Climb: Visitors must ascend a winding staircase of over 400 steps to reach the highest watchtower. The path is steep and narrow, offering a thrilling challenge that rewards climbers with a sense of conquest.
• 5.The View: Upon reaching the summit, the panoramic view is breathtaking. To the south, you can see the industrial cityscape of Jiayuguan and the majestic snow-capped Qilian Mountains; to the north lies the vast, silent Gobi Desert stretching endlessly. This vantage point perfectly captures the poem "The lonely smoke in the desert rises straight," offering a stark, poetic beauty unique to the Northwest.

Culture and Legends

At the foot of the wall, the "Silk Road Cultural Corridor" features sculptures of historical figures such as Zhang Qian, Huo Qubing, and Marco Polo, retelling the legends of the Silk Road trade and exploration. The contrast between the cultural sculptures at the base and the desolate military fortification at the top provides a comprehensive narrative of the region's history—from trade prosperity to border defense.