Once considered the end of the "civilized" world, Jiayuguan Fort (Jiayuguan Chenglou) was Imperial China's westernmost stronghold at the end of the Great Wall. Beyond the fort's walls; primal fears in the forms of elemental demons and barbarian armies waited to ambush disgraced officials and exhiled poets cast out through the Gate of Conciliation. On the opposite side of the fort, the Gate of Enlightenment, where law-abiding citizens of the empire could come and go as they pleased.  Built in 1372 to guard the perilous track continuing on between Qilian Shan (Qilian Mountains) and Hei Shan (Black Mountains), the fort, a classic imperial icon, now plays host to travelers eager to play the role of imperial guard on the fort's 10-meter high walls, and for visitors looking to brush up on their history at the excellent Great Wall Museu... more >>

Sometimes referred to as "Western Badaling" for its resemblance to a section of the Great Wall near Beijing, this part of the Great Wall, about 9 kilometers out from Jiayuguan Fort, was originally built in 1539, through some reconstruction and refurbishment, including the addition of stairs, occurred in 1987.  Hiking up to the top, which can be very demanding due to the 45 degree inclination you're pitted against on the way up, is worthwhile. You'll be rewarded with sweeping views encompassing the Jiayuguan oasis, forlorn expanses of desert and the glittering peaks of the Qilian mountains.  If visiting, do make sure that you are indeed at Xuanbi Changcheng (Overhanging Great Wall) and not the smaller section of the wall beside it. That section costs RMB 41 for an experience that just isn't as grand as the one you'll get here. more >>