10 Days in Jiayuguan

Begun in 1372 and finished around 1540 after 168 years of work, the fort keeps a 733-metre inner enclosure; the combined 120-yuan ticket covers the fort, the Overhanging Wall and the museum by the gate.

1. jiayuguan pass
2. jiayuguan great wall museum

The Wall clings to a black ridge 8 km north on a 750-metre braced section; to the southwest, the First Beacon stands above 80-metre Taolai river cliffs as the Ming wall's westernmost post.

1. jiayuguan overhanging wall
2. jiayuguan first beacon

About 20 km northeast, tombs of the 3rd-5th centuries lie brick-lined and painted — feasts, ploughing and kitchens in hundreds of murals; one chamber is open to visitors.

1. jiayuguan wei jin tombs

A slow lakeside day between the sightseeing blocks — lawns, the weather tower and an early night before the Dunhuang overnight.

1. jiayuguan east lake

An honest label — an overnight in neighbouring Dunhuang prefecture, about 1.5 hours by HSR. The grotto complex begun in 366 AD now counts 735 caves; book the standard route tickets ahead.

1. dunhuang mogao grottoes

Morning on the Singing Sand dunes and the crescent spring below them, then the afternoon train back to Jiayuguan.

1. dunhuang mingsha crescent

The second honest label — across into Xinjiang, about 2.5 hours by rail; the rebuilt Hui royal palace and melon-season markets make an honest long day.

1. hami hui royal palace

The Silk Road theme park, opened in 2019, rides the corridor's history with dark rides and shows — an easy day after the border crossing.

1. jiayuguan fantawild

Cellar tour and tasting, then an unhurried lakeside afternoon with the fort visible on the horizon.

1. jiayuguan zixuan winery
2. jiayuguan east lake

A market breakfast of local noodles and dried fruit, then the HSR from Jiayuguan South — Lanzhou about 4.5 hours, Zhangye 40-50 minutes.

1. jiayuguan city markets