🏯 The First Pier of the Great Wall (长城第一墩) — where history begins in the west!

Situated about 7 km west of Jiayuguan Fortress, this crumbling earthen structure marks the westernmost starting point of the Ming Great Wall. Built from layers of rammed earth over 600 years ago, it once connected to Jiayuguan Fortress to guard the frontier and control the Silk Road. 🐪

Though weathered by wind and sand, standing here feels surreal — the Gobi Desert stretches endlessly ahead, and you can almost hear echoes of caravans and soldiers from centuries past.

💡 Tips:
• Combine this with a visit to Jiayuguan Fortress for a full Great Wall experience.
• The best time to visit is near sunset, when the golden light makes the earthen wall glow.
• Wear sunglasses or a scarf — it can get very windy!

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Post by NatDiscoversAsia | Aug 8, 2025