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Jiayuguan
2000 years ago, the city of Jiayuguan was deemed to be the final frontier for the Chinese, as beyond that lay, to them, the barbarian and lawless North-West region. Today, it is a popular, almost mandatory, stop for tourists on the Silk Route.
Jiayuguan Fort was known as the “Impregnable Defile Under Heaven”. Commanding a narrow and critical mountain pass, which was a tempting route for an ancient invading army, Jiayuguan Fort was a logical place to collect duties from the caravans travelling along the Silk Road. The bastion's solid construction and intelligent military layout inspired ancients to proudly call Jiayuguan "The strongest pass under heaven".
Situated about 10 kms from Jiayuguan Fort, this part of the Great wall was built during the Ming Dynasty, nearly 500 years ago. Sweeping views can be had from the watch towers.
Located in the desert, 20 kms from the city of Jiayuguan, the paintings, found on the walls of the tombs, offer a glimpse into the lives of the locals nearly 2000 years ago.
Adventure seekers can explore this remote glacier, which sits in the middle of the Qilian Shan mountain range, at over 4000 metres. The journey involves a scenic three hour train journey, from Jiayuguan, and the final 20 kms by road. Upon reaching the glacier, there is a 5 km walking trail.
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