Private day tour to Jiayuguan from Zhangye

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.

Located in the middle of Hexi Corridor, Zhangye City dominates one area and five counties: Ganzhou Area, Linze, Gaotai, Shandan, Minle and Su’nan counties. It’s an excellent tourism city of China and national historical and cultural city now. Zhangye was called as Ganzhou in ancient time. Zhangye is long in history, splendid in culture, beautiful in landscape and honest in social mood. There is the wetland park nearest to city—Zhangye National Wetland Park; the biggest indoor wood stuffed and clay sculptured lying Buddha of the world, rare treasure – Zhangye Golden Sutra, treasure of cave art – grotto group in Mati Temple of Su’nan, Jinta Temple and Manjushree Temple, the most beautiful colorful Danxia of China, the best preserved and ancient capital of Northern Liang of China – ancient ruins of Camel City, and the largest royal stud farm of the world – Shandan Horse Farm.