Attractions · Jiayuguan

The western starting point of the Ming Great Wall and the “First Great Pass under Heaven”; the fortress, barbicans and gate towers form a complete defensive system. Main highlights include Guanghua Tower, Rouyuan Tower and the Qilian snow mountains. Visiting tip: buy the combo ticket with the Overhanging Great Wall and the First Pier; the light is good in the morning. Practical info: the site is at Xiongguan District, Jiayuguan, Gansu; ticket ¥110 (combo ticket; subject to official notice); opening hours 08:00–18:00. Best season: May–October; the Gobi has a large day-night temperature difference, so take care with sun protection and hydration. It can be combined with the Overhanging Great Wall, the First Pier of the Great Wall and Zixuan Winery in Jiayuguan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy. If you are carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking.

Tip: Buy the combo ticket with the Overhanging Great Wall and the First Pier; the light is good in the morning.

• Address: Xiongguan District, Jiayuguan, Gansu
• Ticket: ¥110 (combo ticket; subject to official notice)
• Opening: 08:00–18:00

A Ming Great Wall built on the steep ridge of the Black Mountain, its wall climbing straight up a slope of about 45 degrees and looking from afar as if hanging. Main highlights include the Black Mountain ridge, the steep wall and the Gobi views. Visiting tip: the steps are steep, so wear non-slip shoes; visit on the same day as the fortress. Practical info: the site is at Black Mountain, Jiayuguan, Gansu; ticket ¥30 (combo ticket better value); opening hours 08:30–18:00. Best season: May–October; the Gobi has a large day-night temperature difference, so take care with sun protection and hydration. It can be combined with Jiayuguan Fortress, the First Pier of the Great Wall and Zixuan Winery in Jiayuguan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy. If you are carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Check the day's opening and reservation policy before departure so that a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

Tip: The steps are steep, so wear non-slip shoes; visit on the same day as the fortress.

• Address: Black Mountain, Jiayuguan, Gansu
• Ticket: ¥30 (combo ticket better value)
• Opening: 08:30–18:00

The westernmost beacon tower of the Ming Great Wall, standing on the cliff of the Taolai River gorge, with the deeply cut river valley below. Main highlights include the edge of the Gobi and the western end of the Ming Great Wall. Visiting tip: it is windy by the gorge, so take care for safety. Practical info: the site is at Taolai River Gorge, Jiayuguan, Gansu; ticket ¥30 (combo ticket better value); opening hours 08:30–18:00. Best season: May–October; the Gobi has a large day-night temperature difference, so take care with sun protection and hydration. It can be combined with Jiayuguan Fortress, the Overhanging Great Wall and Zixuan Winery in Jiayuguan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy. If you are carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Check the day's opening and reservation policy before departure so that a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

Tip: It is windy by the gorge, so take care for safety.

• Address: Taolai River Gorge, Jiayuguan, Gansu
• Ticket: ¥30 (combo ticket better value)
• Opening: 08:30–18:00

A winery in the Hexi Corridor; its underground cellar and wine tasting make it an easy stop after the fortress. Main highlights include the vineyards and Gobi winemaking. Visiting tip: do not drink if you are driving; visit it after the fortress. Practical info: the site is at Jiadong Industrial Park, Jiayuguan, Gansu; ticket ¥50 (includes wine tasting); opening hours 09:00–17:00. Best season: May–October; the Gobi has a large day-night temperature difference, so take care with sun protection and hydration. It can be combined with Jiayuguan Fortress, the Overhanging Great Wall and the First Pier of the Great Wall in Jiayuguan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy. If you are carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Check the day's opening and reservation policy before departure so that a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

Tip: Do not drink if you are driving; visit it after the fortress.

• Address: Jiadong Industrial Park, Jiayuguan, Gansu
• Ticket: ¥50 (includes wine tasting)
• Opening: 09:00–17:00