• Jiayuguan

• Name in Chinese characters: 嘉峪关市
• Name in Pinyin: Jiāyùguān Shì
• Status: Prefecture-level city

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• Jiayuguan was once a name to strike fear into Chinese hearts; located at the very western border it was a place of banishment - so far removed from civilisation that to be sent there was pretty much the end of life anyway.

  Modern Jiayuguan thrives on tourism and, to an extent, on some light industry based on the rich mineral resources found in the mountains to the north. Recently, the vast desert expanses have also seen the introduction of huge wind farms, perhaps an economic boon for the future, though it is an industry that produces few jobs and a product that is easily transmitted elsewhere.

  Travel

  Jiayuguan has a new airport (Airport code: JGN) but flight connections are only with major cities such as Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai so far. Given Jiayuguan's importance for tourism the number of routes is likely to increase in the future.

  Jiayuguan lies on the main Xi'an to Kashgar line and is therefore reasonably well-served by trains. Dunhuang now has a railway station but that short hop is often better taken by road because of the flexibility that allows in a schedule. Jiuquan is only about a half hour drive from Jiayuguan and is also therefore better visited by road.

  Attractions For Visitors

  Most visitors coming to Jiayuguan aim to see the western End of the Great Wall of China. In fact there are sections of wall further west including the once-famous Yumen (Jade Gate) out in the desert beyond Dunhuang. The wall here does finish dramatically at the cliffs above the Tulai River; a pity that someone thought they could improve on the rammed-earth original and renovated the last section. Whilst in the area it is also worth checking out the film set just beyond - an army encampment where you can dress up as a border guard and get your photo taken for a small fee.

  The other sites worth visiting from Jiayuguan are:

  Jiayuguan Fort: including the park area that surrounds it and the small museum

  The Overhanging Wall:

  Excursions further afield can take you to:

  Jiuquan

  The following China Journey includes a stay in Jiayuguan:

  • Land Of The Setting Sun
  
  
  
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• Current Comments

  2 comments so far (post your own)

  Hi Damien
  
  Access to mine areas would be limited and souvenir shops do not limit themselves to local products. You might be better off researching the big cities. For instance, the Shanghai Institute of Visual Art, has a growing reputation.

  Posted by China Journeys on Thu 1 Mar, 2012

  The mention of light industry based on the rich mineral resources interests me as my main hobby is jewellery design and construction. This might be the place to expand my knowledge.

  Posted by Damien on Thu 1 Mar, 2012

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