Jiayuguan : Main Scenic Spots

The fort guards the pass that lies between snow-capped Qilian Shan peaks and Hei Shan (Black Mountain) of the Mazong Range. It was built in 1372, the fort was dubbed the 'Impregnable Defile Under Heaven'. Although the Chinese often controlled territory far beyond Jiayuguan, this was the last major stronghold of the empire to the west.

It was built in 1539 (around), and was reconstructed in 1987. From the upper tower high on a ridge you get a sweeping view of the desert, the oasis of Jiayuguan and the glittering snowcapped peaks in the distance.

There are literally thousands of tombs in the desert 20km east of Jiayuguan, but only one is currently open to visitors. The tombs date from approximately AD 220 to 420 (the Wei and Western Jin periods). The brick-paintings vividly depict various social activities including hunting, farming, and fruit picking and banqueting. The contents of some of these tombs, including the wooden coffins, are held in an exhibition room opposite the ticket office. << Back to Jiayuguan Info