The Great Wall starts here/Western Badaling/First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven.

📍 Jiayuguan, known as the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a national 5A-level scenic area, and a key cultural relic under state protection. It mainly includes Jiayuguan Pass, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Pier of the Great Wall. 📍 Unmissable historical landmarks: — Jiayuguan Pass: A famous pass on the Great Wall, located at the westernmost end of the Hexi Corridor, and the entrance to the Western Regions during the Ming Dynasty. On a clear day, you can see the Qilian Mountains and the First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven in the same frame. — Overhanging Great Wall: Located north of the Heishan Gorge, it is steep and long, majestic, and hangs like an arm, earning it the name "Western Badaling." Climb the beacon tower for a bird's-eye view of the vast Gobi Desert and the distant view of Jiayuguan City. The scenic area also features a sculpture group of the ancient Silk Road, depicting seven major historical figures recorded in the Jiayuguan area in ancient China: Zhang Qian, Huo Qubing, Ban Chao, Xuanzang, Marco Polo, Lin Zexu, and Zuo Zongtang. — First Pier of the Great Wall: The western starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and an important military defense stronghold. The pier stands on a cliff nearly 80 meters high by the Taolai River, where many legendary stories have unfolded alongside the majestic Jiayuguan. 🎫🚘 Jiayuguan ticket: CNY 110 per person, including Jiayuguan Pass, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Pier of the Great Wall. The ticket is valid for three days and allows only one entry and exit. The three attractions are about 10 km apart, with no shuttle buses, so self-driving or chartering a car is recommended. The First Pier of the Great Wall has an internal shuttle bus, with an additional fee (CNY 12 per person).