Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
As one of the defining points of the Silk Road, a Ming-dynasty fort was erec-
ted here in 1372.
Sights
JIAYUGUAN FORT
( Jiayuguan Chenglou; admission ¥100; 8am-6pm)
One of the classic im-
ages of western China, the fort guards the pass between the snow-capped
Qilian Shan peaks and the Hei Shan (Black Mountains) of the Mazong Shan
range.
Built in 1372, the fort was christened the 'Impregnable Defile Under
Heaven'. Although the Chinese often controlled territory far beyond the Jiayu-
guan area, this was the last major stronghold of imperial China - the end of
the 'civilised world', beyond which lay only desert demons and the barbarian
armies of Central Asia.
Fortress
Sleeping
KANGHUI HOTEL $$
( Kanghui Binguan; 620 3456;
www.jygcct.com
; tw/tr ¥208/288; )
Wide windows, high ceilings and very spacious rooms (and bathrooms) are
highlights at this tidy business hotel in the centre of town.
Hotel
Information
The Bank of China ( Zhongguo Yinhang) south of the Lanxin Xilu intersection
on Xinhua Zhonglu has an ATM and can change money.
Getting There & Away
Jiayuguan has an airport with flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Lanzhou but
most people arrive by bus or train.
Bus
