【Jiayuguan Ultimate Guide】The Greatest Pass Under Heaven! A Must-Visit on the Northwest Grand Loop!

🏰【Must-See Attractions】
✅ Jiayuguan Pass
- Highlight: Gaze at the Qilian Mountains + Gobi Desert from the watchtower, feeling the grandeur of the "Throat of the Hexi Corridor"!
- Hidden Gem: Fewer crowds after 6 PM—golden sunset on the earthen walls makes for stunning photos (closes at 8 PM in summer).
- Pro Tip: Skip paid guides! Free audio tours are available (scan QR codes).

✅ Overhanging Great Wall
- Thrill: Near-vertical steps (climb hands-and-knees) with unbeatable views at the top.
- Photo Spot: Capture the "Great Wall snaking into the Gobi" from the beacon tower halfway up (wide-angle recommended).
- Warning: Bring enough water—no supply points along the way.

✅ First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall
- Must-See: Tala River Canyon + glass viewing platform (not for the faint-hearted), embracing the desert’s vastness.
- Save Money: Skip the shuttle! A 15-minute walk offers more dramatic Gobi views.
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🍢【Foodie Heaven】
🔥 Must-Try:
- Glasses BBQ (locals’ late-night haunt: lamb skewers ¥2/stick, ribs ¥50/jin).
- Datang Food Street (huguo stew + apricot juice + cuoyu noodles, ~¥20/person).
- Jiayuguan Liangpi (chewier than cold noodles—try "Old Liu’s").

💣 Avoid:
- "Camel milk" in scenic areas (¥30/cup, tastes like watered-down powder).
- "Silk Road Banquet" near the pass (¥288/person, poor value).
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🚗【Transport Tips】
✔️ Drive: Lianhuo Expressway direct; parking ¥10/day (navigate to "Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Area").
✔️ Train: From Jiayuguan South Station, taxi to the pass for ¥25 (ignore "¥50 package" scams).
✔️ Bus: Take Bus #4 (¥2/person, every 30 mins).

⚠️ Hard Lessons:
- Overhanging Wall is 8km from the pass—taxi ~¥30 (insist on meter!).
- Avoid "combo tickets" from scammers—free shuttles run between sites (limited schedule).
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📸【Photo Secrets】
- Best Pass Angle: Low-angle shots of watchtowers + blue sky from the inner courtyard (morning light).
- Overhanging Wall: Drone shots of "coiling dragon" formations (permit required).
- Outfit Tip: Red/orange clothing pops against yellow-earth walls.
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🏨【Stay Smart】
✔️ Budget: Downtown hotels (¥100–200/night, easy dining).
✔️ Unique: Farm stays near the pass (kang beds + stargazing).
✔️ Luxury: Jiayuguan Hotel (¥300+/night, includes pass tickets).
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💰【Savvy Hacks】
1. Buy the "Pass + Overhanging Wall + First Tower" combo ticket (¥110, saves ¥30).
2. Bring empty bottles—free water stations throughout.
3. Souvenirs at "Jiayuguan Market" (50% cheaper than scenic spots).
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💡【Pro Tips】
1. Best Time: May–June/Sept–Oct (avoid July–Aug scorch).
2. Essentials: Sunglasses + face cover (Gobi sand) + grippy shoes.
3. Hidden Perk: 20% off with Dunhuang/Zhangye tickets.

👇 Burning Question:
How will you conquer Jiayuguan?
👉 Pass time-travel 👉 Overhanging Wall challenge 👉 Gobi stargazing