Discover Jiayuguan and Xuanbi Great Wall on a private tour from Dunhuang

Dunhuang is located in western Gansu, an oasis in the vast Gobi Desert. Previously one of the important and strategic cities on the famous Silk Road, it contains over 2,000 years of history. Dunhuang is one of the frontier towns established around 104 BC, serving as a fortification to protect against invading tribes. Centuries later, Dunhuang was the main communication post between ancient China and the rest of the world. Christian and Jewish artifacts have been found in the area, showing the variety of travelers who made the journey along the Silk Road. Its style has fascinated travelers for ages. The Thousand Buddha Grottoes (or Mogao Caves) to the southeast of the city are a precious treasure trove of Buddhist art. There are exquisite wall paintings and statuary. Head northwest from Mogao Caves to the Great Wall at Yumen Pass and the Great Wall at Yang Pass to see the remnants of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, which were left behind in these famous mountain passes. Dunhuang's natural landscape is extremely worth seeing and enjoying. The wondrously multicolored Danxia Landform is a favorite place among photography lovers.

Jiayuguan is a prefecture-level city in northwestern Gansu province, with a population of 231,853 as of 2010. It is named after the nearby Jiayu Pass, the largest and most intact pass of the Great Wall of China. Jiayuguan is a major industrial city. It was established in 1958, following the establishment of Jiuquan Steel Company, the largest steel company in Gansu. Mining and mineral processing are the primary industries of the city. By area, it is by far the smallest prefecture-level division of Gansu. The fortress at Jiayuguan is situated at the end of the portion of the Great Wall of China which was built by the Ming Dynasty, in the 14th century.

This incredible structure was once the last stronghold of dynastic power on China's western frontier. It once held a military barracks, government office, and small village. Although destroyed and rebuilt many times, the original gates, general's residence, and fort temple remain. A walk along the inner fort's walls affords views of the surrounding snow-capped Qilian mountain range. Performances take place throughout the day showcasing the military styles of the late Ming dynasty including horseback riding and archer. The fort site is huge and should not be rushed through. It is best to spend time here as there are so many nooks and crannies worth exploring within the fort.

The mountains of Hei Shan and Qilian Shan create a natural border where the Xuanbi Great Wall and fortress end. There is a part of Jiayuguan that can be seen down below, from the top of the wall. It is surrounded by the mountains, the Xuanbi Great Wall, as well as a portion of desert on the western side. The wall in this area was reconstructed in the 1980s, using compacted mud and reeds. The wall offers a spectacular view of snow-capped peaks when the weather allows.