Overview:

is located in the westernmost end of China's Great Wall. It lies at the intersection of the Great Wall and the northwest border of Gansu Province in Hexi Corridor. It was built in 1372 to protect the western borders of the Mongol Empire and was the beginning of the Ming Dynasty's famous western defensive system. The structure is composed of a multi-storied polygonal guardhouse, a fort, corner towers, and a walkway for bureaucrats and scholars. The walls around Jiayuguan were built in serpentine fashion to give the structure a unique architectural style. The Great Wall, which runs through Jiayuguan, was also used by merchants along the ancient Silk Road. Jiayuguan has become a major tourist destination as tourists flock to see the architectural marvels and a piece of history. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. The Jiayuguan Pass is one of the important passes of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, located at the northwest corner of Gansu Province in western China. 2. It was built in 1372 from stones and bricks and is known as the "First Pass of the Great Wall under Heaven". 3. Atop the hill stand the oldest watchtowers of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. 4. The structure encompasses about 7,500 metres of the Great Wall which surrounds it from three sides. 5. The pass is very well preserved and maintained, providing a stunning view of the Great Wall and its surrounding mountains and desert. 6. It has seen some modifications over the years, with the addition of a temple and a gate house. 7. It is also known for its important strategic significance in Chinese history, for it was the last point of Chinese defence against the northern nomads. 8. It was also where the famous historic figure General Guan first gained fame after the defence of religious hermits who had fled enemy forces. 9. The pass currently features a museum, which contains various artefacts from the Great Wall's past. 10. It is also home to an interesting sculpture of the wall itself, made from bronze and standing more than four meters tall. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

Jiayuguan (嘉峪关; literally "beautiful valley pass") is an ancient pass located in the westernmost portion of the Great Wall of China, in Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province. It was built in 1372 by the Ming dynasty general Xu Da, and was a major hub of defensive forces for the Chinese empire. It served as the western end point of the Great Wall for many centuries, and was the start of the Silk Road. The strategic importance of Jiayuguan Pass lies in its role as a gateway to the northern part of China and to Central Asia. To gain access to the pass, one had to travel through the desert, mountains, and gorges of the Hexi Corridor to reach it. The walls and structures of the pass offer a glimpse into the defensive capabilities and organization of the Ming dynasty, and how they sought to protect the country from foreign invasions. Jiayuguan was also known as "The First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven”. Its twofold purpose was to protect China from the westward advancement of Mongol forces, and also to collect duties from traders and travelers traveling along the Silk Road. The pass consisted of several multipurpose structures, such as watchtowers, and an outer and inner wall. The inner wall formed a cramped maze of narrow defending paths for elite troops. A bombproofed court was also constructed, as well as a number of towers and barracks that could house up to 5,000 soldiers. Today, Jiayuguan Pass is a major tourist attraction. Remnants of the wall and towers can still be seen in the area, and there is a museum dedicated to the site's history. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Jiayuguan Pass on the Great Wall of China is known as the impregnable pass of the Silk Road. 2. It is the western end of the 6,700 km long wall. 3. It is one of the most impressive landmarks in the country and has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. 4. The original structure of the fort was restored in the 1980s and is still open to visitors. 5. It was built in 1372 during the Ming Dynasty and at the time of its construction it was the largest military structure and impregnable. 6. It was also the most heavily defended pass, building a fortification wall stretching almost 9 km in length. 7. Inside the walls is the ancient Wencheng Temple, named after the Chinese princess who was sent to marry the Tibetan King. 8. Today, Jiayuguan Pass is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gansu Province and is a great way to experience China’s ancient Military history. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era